While nickel is not considered an essential nutrient for most plant species, it is still important for the growth and health of some plants and lawns. Nickel is required for the activation of several enzymes involved in plant metabolism, including urease, hydrogenase, and superoxide dismutase.

Urease is an enzyme that breaks down urea, a nitrogen-containing compound commonly used in fertilizers. Without adequate nickel, urease activity can be inhibited, leading to reduced nitrogen uptake and decreased plant growth. Hydrogenase is an enzyme involved in hydrogen metabolism, which is important for energy production in some microorganisms that live in the soil. Superoxide dismutase is an antioxidant enzyme that helps protect plant cells from oxidative stress caused by harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS).