Essential micronutrients (and trace elements) that plants need. Why you should not ignore them

14.02.18 12:29 PM Comment(s) By Admin


In addition to the six macronutrients that plants need externally, and in large quantities, plants need seven micronutrients in trace amounts. These are Copper, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Boron, Chlorine, and Molybdenum.


Though the plants need micronutrients in trace quantities, they are essential. A deficiency of anyone can have a severe impact on plant health and yield.

Often, growers do not give much attention to Micronutrients. Adding them only when signs of some deficiency show up. However, by then, the damage would have already been done, resulting in lower yields.

Function of Micronutrients

      • Copper is a component of some enzymes; it also facilitates photosynthesis.
      • Iron is essential for chlorophyll synthesis. Photosynthesis cannot happen without Iron.
      • Manganese helps in chloroplast production.
      • Zinc is a component of many enzymes and participates in chlorophyll formation.
      • Boron is important for transportation of carbohydrates.
      • Chlorine helps in maintaining ion balance and osmosis.
      • Molybdenum helps the plant in fixing Nitrogen and converting it to a usable form.

Historically, Micronutrients have not been given the due importance they deserve. This has led to a severe deficiency in soils around the world. Estimates suggest that 30% of all the cultivable land the world over is deficient in Iron. 51% of the area under cereal cultivation is deficient in Zinc.

If you are into any form of gardening or farming activity, we hope you do give due importance to Micronutrient balance in your plants. This will do wonders for your plants. CityGreens has a variant called Nutes, which is a balanced blend of many essential Micronutrients. You can use it in both soil-based and soilless growing media. You should give it a try, especially if you are growing in organic matter, as organic compounds bind with most of these micronutrients, reducing their availability for the plants. Ensure that your plants get complete nutrition. Enjoy a healthy yield.


Happy Growing!


Admin

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