Micronutrients - A little goes a long way
This is the third installment in a series on plant nutrients and fertilizers.
(Part 1 is here.
Part 2 is here.)
There are eight micronutrients essential for plant growth and health. Their need varies with the plant. And their availability varies with the soil of course. Sandy soils and more alkaline soils tend to be more deficient.
The micronutrients are: Boron (B), Chloride (Cl), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Zinc (Zn).
Boron
Boron is important for plant cell division, metabolism and pollen germination. Deficiency is noted by cracked stems, stunted growth, brittle and discolored leaves, hollow fruit.
Chloride
Chloride is needed for osmosis and maintaining ionic balance which effects the plants ability to use water.
Chloride is seldom deficient and evidenced by wilting.
Cobalt
Cobalt aids the plant in using nitrogen. High nitrogen feeding plants are corn and legumes
Copper
Copper plays a role in forming plant cell walls and in converting amino acids to protein.
Deficiencies result in stunted growth and yellowed leaves.
Iron
Iron is involved in protein synthesis and chlorophyll synthesis. Naturally less chlorophyll = yellowed leaves. High Ph interferes with iron uptake so you’re more likely to see deficiencies in alkaline soil.
Manganese
Manganese activates enzymes used in forming chlorophyll. It also aids nitrogen metabolism. Deficient plants develop chlorosis - yellowing between the leaf veins.
Sandy soils, over-limed soils and high alkaline soils tend to be Manganese deficient.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum is essential for metabolizing nitrogen. It also aids in pollen formation. Unlike the other micronutrients, Molybdenum uptake improves with soil alkalinity. Deficiency results in irregular leaf formation.
Zinc
Zinc is involved in enzymes and metabolizing sugars. Thus, deficiencies result in stunted growth. Like the other micronutrients - except Molybdenum - alkaline soils are more zinc deficient.
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