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Micronutrients
Micronutrients are little amounts of important elements utilised by plants. Crop uptake of most micronutrients is less than one pound per acre. Despite this minimal demand, if micronutrients are not available, important plant functions are hampered, resulting in plant deformities, restricted growth, and lower production. In such instances, costly, high-demand crop inputs like nitrogen and water may be squandered.
Zinc(Zn), Iron(Fe), Manganese(Mn), Boron(B), Copper(Cu), Molybdenum(Mo), and Chloride(Cl) are the micronutrients. While chloride is a micronutrient, it is rarely deficient in nature, hence concerns about adding micronutrient fertilisers are limited to the other six. Micronutrient mixes, which are combinations of two or more micronutrients reported by the Department of Agriculture state by state, are based on crops and soil, while single nutrients are common for all states based on FCO declaration.
Plant Micronutrients Functions
- The majority of micronutrients are found in plant enzyme systems.
- Micronutrients are important in redox reactions.
- Micronutrients are essential for photosynthesis.
- Micronutrients play an important role in reactions such as nitrogen fixation and protein synthesis.
- It is difficult to identify all roles. The identified roles include: Cl primarily participates in osmotic and cation neutralisation. Cu, Fe, and Mo are involved in plant oxidation-reduction reactions, which are required for photosynthesis and other metabolic processes.
- Fe is required for chlorophyll synthesis and can be deficient in turfgrass, particularly if the soil is alkaline.
- Iron deficiency can be caused by any condition that inhibits root growth, such as compaction.
- Certain N transformations in plants require Zn and Mn.
- Ni is required for the urease enzyme to function.
- Mo is required for the symbiotic fixation of N.
- B participates in cell division and seed formation.
- Co is required for the growth of symbiotic microorganisms like rhizobia, which are free-living N-fixing bacteria.
7 Micronutrients in Plants
In contrast to basic nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, micronutrients are important for plant growth, although in smaller amounts. Plants require seven micronutrients as a minimum to thrive, and these are known as the “essential seven”: Boron, Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Molybdenum, and Chlorine. They make up less than 1% of a plant’s dry weight in total.
Good New!
Micronutrients Manufacturers can avail IMMA Memberships now
The Indian Micro Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) assists in policy advocacy with the government and also provides guidance on fertiliser laws and acts. Members are also trained on various technical aspects through training sessions/seminars, etc.
IMMA new membership registrations are open now click here to become a member and take its benefit.
