Navigating through the labyrinth of micronutrients, there’s an important lesson. It’s not merely their existence that matters, but maintaining a balance of micronutrient levels. Overdose or short supply of any micronutrient can disrupt the harmony of plant health and growth.

Balancing Micronutrient Levels

To maintain micronutrient homeostasis, it’s important to understand the interactions between macro and micronutrients. For example, high inorganic phosphate (Pi) inhibits plant root Zn intake. On the other hand, nitrogen fertilization increases the root-to-shoot transport and mobilization of zinc and iron.

Seeing these nutrients in action awakens one to their fragility and just how crucial precision can be. Over-saturation or deficiencies of these nutrients can lead to adverse effects. For example, an excess of Zinc can inhibit the uptake of phosphorous, and molybdenum is severely affected by sulfur fertilizers.

Many micronutrient deficiencies are related to excesses or deficiencies of other soil nutrients. Manganese is critical for photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism but when there is an excess of copper, iron, nickel, or zinc manganese won’t make it into the plant. Over-liming can also lead to a manganese deficiency. The relationships are incredibly complex. (1)

Recognizing deficiency symptoms and unravelling the underpinning of micronutrient imbalances, illuminates our responsibility in counterbalancing them. This task requires nimble diagnostic skills, backed by an astute knowledge of the plant and soil biomes. At ST Biologicals, our team of certified crop consultants are trained to spot problems, test, and provide solutions.

The world of micronutrients might seem intricate and daunting, but it forms the blueprint for improved plant health. Wrapping our minds around the soil and plant biomes leads to a greater understanding of the synergies between the macro and micro worlds. Crop health is tied to the micronutrient status in your fields. How macro and micronutrients in the soil, and plants, are related is complex. But it’s also common sense.

Making Micronutrients Plant-Available

Just because you have micronutrients in your soil doesn’t mean they’re in forms that are plant available. For example, zinc has to be in a highly water-soluble form for efficient plant uptake. Each nutrient has its own best environment for plant nutrient availability. And that goes for the macronutrients NPK also.

In calcareous soils found in the High Plains and Western United States, zinc and iron deficiencies are common. But the macronutrients phosphorus and nitrogen may also not be in plant-available forms. (2)

Saline, sodic, and low organic matter soils need extra care to make the nutrients already in the soil plant available. These soil conditions directly impact soil pH, which affects nutrient availability.

An excess of phosphorus fertilization decreases the amount of micronutrient ions available for plant uptake. This macronutrient reacts strongly with many minerals in the soil. It forms complexes with iron and zinc, locking up the nutrients.

For better plant nutrient intakes, both macro and micro, add organic matter. Not organic matter as in disced in crop residue but living roots. Cover crops keep nutrients on your land and decrease nutrient depletion risk factors.

Farm practices that increase mycorrhizal fungi, such as no-till, dramatically increase the amount of available zinc for plant intake. Colonization of plant roots mycorrhizal fungi may contribute up to 50% of plant Zn uptake. Studies in wheat have shown that decreasing those fungi lead to cadmium (Cd) accumulation. Not a desirable outcome. (3)

Studies show that the pH of the soil is a major factor in plant nutrient availability. Before you apply inputs have your soil tested for micronutrients, SOM, and pH. Without knowing these parameters micronutrient applications are a shot in the dark. You could easily be overapplying and losing money to nutrient leaching and runoff. (4)

Prioritize Micronutrient Management

We’ve established that these nutritional elements, although tiny, shoulder immense responsibilities during plant growth and development.

Each micronutrient, be it iron for chlorophyll synthesis or manganese for biochemical reactions, plays a unique and essential function that contributes to the overall vitality of the plant.

Their significance goes beyond a singular role; they function in a harmonious matrix that drives the life force of our crops and pastures. Eventually creating food security, but more importantly nutrient security across the world.

Balancing micronutrient levels is key, as both deficiencies and excesses can adversely affect plant health.

Perfectly aligned, these micronutrients can boost the growth, development, and yield of plants, painting a rich picture of vitality and health. Plant disease and plant pests are decreased with a balanced plant biome.

Micronutrient deficiency can be overcome with soil tests, best practices on your farm or ranch, and attention to soil health conditions. Check out our web site to find out how we create a risk assessment for your operation.

Soil speaks, we listen.

1. Introduction (cornell.edu)
2. Calcareous soils | FAO SOILS PORTAL | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
3. Micronutrient homeostasis in plants for more sustainable agriculture and healthier human nutrition | Journal of Experimental Botany | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
4. Aridity and geochemical drivers of soil micronutrient and contaminant availability in European drylands – Moreno‐Jiménez – 2022 – European Journal of Soil Science – Wiley Online Library