Micronutrients Fertilizers: An Essential Component for Optimum Plant Growth and Development
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Micronutrients Fertilizers |
Micronutrients,
often called trace elements, are plant nutrients that are needed in small
quantities for proper plant growth and yield. They include zinc, boron,
manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum and chlorine. While plants need
micronutrients in smaller amounts compared to macronutrients like nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium, they are still essential for various metabolic
functions in plants. Lack of even one of these micronutrients can limit crop
production.
Role of Zinc in Plant Growth
Zinc plays a key role in various enzymatic reactions involved in metabolism and
protein synthesis in plants. It is required for stem elongation, root
initiation and development, kernel set in grains and protein production. Zinc
deficiency results in stunted plant growth, small leaves with interveinal
chlorosis, and reduced yields. Soils high in phosphorus can lead to zinc
deficiency as phosphorus binds with zinc making it unavailable to plants.
Foliar application of zinc sulphate or chelated zinc fertilizers helps correct
zinc deficiency in crops.
Importance of Boron for Plant Metabolism
Boron is essential for pollen tube growth, fruit and seed development. It is
involved in sugar transport and nitrogen metabolism. Micronutrients
Fertilizers boron deficiency causes cracking and hollowness in stems of
crops like broccoli and cauliflower. Leaves develop necrosis between veins with
curly borders. Oilseed and legume crops are particularly sensitive to boron
deficiency. Soils that are sandy, acidic or alkaline tend to be deficient in
boron. Boron fertilizers like boric acid and borax are commonly used to
supplement boron in deficient soils.
Role of Manganese in Photosynthesis
Manganese acts as a cofactor for various enzymatic reactions like
photosynthesis and respiration in plants. It plays an important role in
oxidation-reduction reactions and production of chlorophyll pigment. Manganese
deficiency reduces photosynthesis resulting in interveinal chlorosis in young
leaves. Poor growth and lint/boll production is seen in cotton under manganese
deficiency. Soils high in organic matter or phosphorus levels can induce manganese
deficiency. Manganese sulfate is commonly used as a fertilizer to correct
manganese deficiency.
Copper's Role in Plant Metabolism
Copper is involved in photosynthesis, respiration, and production of lignin. It
aids in oxygen utilization and electron transport during respiration. Copper
deficiency causes dieback of shoot tips, leaves developing yellowish-green
coloration and roots developing root rot. Legumes and cucurbits are very
sensitive to copper deficiency. Acidic and alkaline soils have reduced copper
availability. Copper chelates or copper sulfate are used as fertilizers for
copper deficient soils to boost crop yields.
Iron - A Key Player in Chlorophyll
Synthesis
Iron plays an important role in chlorophyll synthesis and is essential for
photosynthesis. Iron deficiency leads to interveinal chlorosis initially in
young tender leaves as iron is immobile within the plant. Severe deficiency
causes complete whitening of leaves. Iron chelated fertilizers like FeEDTA and
FeDTPA are commonly used to treat iron deficiency. Application of farmyard
manure also improves iron availability in acidic soils. Improving soil drainage
and reducing waterlogging helps in availability of iron to crops.
Molybdenum's Role in Nitrogen Fixation
Molybdenum acts as a cofactor for the enzyme nitrogenase which is required for
biological nitrogen fixation in legumes. It is also involved in nitrate
reduction process. Molybdenum deficiency results in stunted growth and
chlorosis of leaves in legumes. Oilseed brassicas are also sensitive to
molybdenum deficiency. Most soils contain adequate amounts of molybdenum.
However, highly leached sandy soils may become deficient. Sodium molybdate is
used as molybdenum fertilizer for deficient crops and pastures.
Benefits of Optimum Micronutrient
Nutrition
Application of micronutrient fertilizers helps in boosting crop yields
manifolds by ensuring optimum crop growth. It leads to improved biomass
production, flowering, fruit and seed set. Better micronutrient nutrition
enhances drought and disease resistance in crops. It also aids in production of
chlorophyll, proteins and other metabolites essential for plant metabolism.
Maintaining adequate levels of all micronutrients helps realize the genetic yield
potential of crops. Integrated micronutrient management involving soil and
foliar application maximizes economic returns from crops.
Micronutrients fertilizers micronutrients though required in small amounts,
play a very important role in various physiological and biochemical processes
inside plants. Lack of even one micronutrient can adversely impact crop yields.
Periodic soil testing helps identify micronutrient deficiencies, which can then
be corrected by application of suitable fertilizers. An integrated approach
involving balanced fertilization with macronutrients and micronutrients ensures
efficient nutrient uptake and utilization by crops for higher productivity.
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