Micronutrients Fertilizers: An Essential Component for Optimum Plant Growth and Development
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 applicatio...