February 9, 2025
Micronutrients Fertilizers

Micronutrients Fertilizers: Essential for Optimum Crop Growth

What are Micronutrients?

Micronutrients are plant nutrients that are required in very small amounts for optimum plant growth. Micronutrients include zinc, manganese, copper, iron, boron, chlorine, molybdenum and nickel. These elements play major roles in biological and biochemical processes and are involved in more than 300 enzyme systems for protein synthesis, photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism in plants.

Role of Micronutrients

While macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are required by plants in relatively large amounts, micronutrients are needed only in trace amounts. However, they are equally important for plant growth and preventing deficiencies. Some key roles of Micronutrients Fertilizers include:
– Iron is involved in chlorophyll formation which gives plants their green color and is essential for photosynthesis. It also aids in nitrogen fixation in legumes.

– Zinc is important for seed and fruit development. It plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis. Zinc deficiency leads to stunted growth and “little leaf” in plants.

– Copper aids in photosynthesis and carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It is also required for iron absorption in the plant body. Copper deficiency results in discoloration of young leaves.

– Manganese is involved in photosynthesis and aids in chlorophyll production. It is also essential for nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism. Mn deficiency causes yellowing between leaf veins, stunted growth and deformed leaves.

– Molybdenum is necessary for nitrate assimilation and nitrogen fixation in legumes. It is essential for nucleic acid production. Mo deficiency causes yellowing of younger leaves with a gradual progress towards older leaves.

– Boron is involved in cell wall formation, flowering, fruiting and seed development. It is important for translocation of sugars in plants. Boron deficiency leads to cracking and malformed fruits and growth of non-fibrous roots.

Symptoms of Micronutrient Deficiencies

Plants exhibit characteristic symptoms when deficient in specific micronutrients. These include:

– Iron deficiency results in interveinal chlorosis of younger leaves as iron is immobile in plants. In severe cases, leaves turn completely yellow.

– Zinc deficiency causes little leaf disease which leads to small,strap-shaped leaves. Younger leaves become reddish-purple due to anthocyanin accumulation.

– Copper deficiency initially causes yellowing of leaf margins which progresses inward. Leaves become twisted, distorted and grayish-green in color.

– Manganese deficiency shows up as pale green patches between the veins of younger leaves. Veins remain green in color resulting in a ladder-like pattern.

– Molybdenum deficiency is indicated by the yellowing of patches on lower, older leaves. Entire plant appears pale-yellow due to reduced nitrate assimilation.

– Boron deficiency causes growing tips and leaves to die. Leaf stems become thickened and curled. Fruits crack, flowers become deformed and fail to fertilize.

Role of Micronutrients Fertilizers

As the availability of micronutrients in soil is often insufficient for optimum plant growth and yields, application of micronutrient fertilizers becomes necessary. Some benefits of using micronutrient fertilizers include:

– Prevents micronutrient deficiencies which reduce both crop yield and quality. Timely fertilization maximizes economic returns.

– Improves quality and quantity of produce. Micronutrient application results in higher fruit and vegetable sizes, improved protein and carbohydrate content.

– Enhances resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Micronutrients aid in strengthening plant immune system and tolerance to diseases, pests, drought and cold.

– Speeds up metabolic processes within plants boosting growth rate. Micronutrients accelerate protein synthesis, photosynthesis and nutrient absorption.

– Maintains soil micronutrient balance and enriches nutrient status for future crops. Regular fertilization replenishes micronutrients lost through crops harvesting.

Types of Micronutrient Fertilizers

Various fertilizer formulations are available for different micronutrients:

– Chelated micronutrients: These are synthetic chelates of metals like iron, manganese, copper, zinc etc that remain soluble and available to plants. EDTA and DTPA are common chelating agents.

– Sulfate micronutrients: Soluble fertilizers containing micronutrients in sulfate forms such as ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate etc. Readily available but can precipitate.

– Oxide micronutrients: Insoluble fertilizers like zinc oxide, manganese oxide slowly release nutrients. Applied in higher rates suited for annual or perennial crops.

– Combination fertilizers: Contain two or more micronutrients along with macronutrients. Convenient for addressing multiple deficiencies in single application.

– Foliar micronutrients: Applied as foliar sprays to rapidly correct visible deficiency symptoms and boost fruit yield. Chelated forms are preferred.

Micronutrient fertilizers are essential elements required for plant growth, development and yield. Regular soil testing and use of appropriate fertilizers can prevent deficiencies and maximize agricultural productivity. Proper fertilizer selection based on soil and crop requirements is important for effective micronutrient management.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina
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Ravina Pandya, a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. 

Ravina Pandya

Ravina Pandya, a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. 

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