Macronutrients are needed in large amounts (e.g., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen), while micronutrients are needed in small amounts (e.g., Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Boron, Molybdenum, Chlorine) for plant growth, with macros forming biomass and micros acting as cofactors for enzymes, supporting essential functions like photosynthesis and metabolism.