Micronutrients in Agriculture
news
0 Comments

Micronutrients in Agriculture

The Role of Micronutrients in Agriculture

In the world of agriculture, plants require nutrients which are divided in two categories; Macronutrients & Micronutrients. The importance of macronutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is widely recognized. However, when it comes to achieving optimal crop growth and maximizing yields, micronutrients play a crucial role. Despite being needed in trace amounts, micronutrients are essential for plant health, productivity, and resilience. Lets explore why micronutrients matter, how to recognize their deficiencies, and how farmers can effectively manage these nutrients for sustainable agricultural practices.

What Are Micronutrients?

Micronutrients are elements that plants require in very small quantities but are equally important as Macronutrients. These nutrients are involved in key physiological processes like enzyme activation, photosynthesis, disease resistance, and fruit production. The most commonly recognized micronutrients include:

Image

Zinc

Image

Iron

Image

Manganese

Image

Copper

Image

Boron

Image

Molybdenum

Image

Chlorine

Image

Nickel

(in trace amounts)

While the quantity may be small, the impact these elements have on plant growth is profound. Without them, even the most fertile soils can fail to support healthy crops.

The Importance of Micronutrients in Agriculture

  • Enzyme Activation and Metabolism: Many micronutrients, like zinc and copper, act as enzyme cofactors involved in plant metabolic processes. This includes photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and carbohydrate metabolism.
  • Plant Growth and Development: Micronutrients such as boron and manganese play crucial role in cell division and plant tissue formation. This leads to stronger root systems & healthy stems & leaves, and higher-quality fruits and vegetables.
  • Disease Resistance: Adequate levels of micronutrients, particularly copper, help plants build resistance against diseases by supporting the production of protective compounds like lignin and phytoalexins.
  • Nutrient Uptake: Micronutrients can help plants absorb and use macronutrients more efficiently, improving overall nutrient balance in the soil.

In essence, micronutrients are the hidden champions of plant nutrition. Even with plenty of nitrogen or phosphorus, crops will struggle to thrive without these trace elements.


Symptoms of Micronutrient Deficiency

Micronutrient Function Deficiency Symptoms
Zinc (Zn) Cofactor in enzyme activation, protein synthesis Stunted growth, Interveinal chlorosis, smaller leaves
Iron (Fe) Chlorophyll formation Yellowing of younger leaves, Interveinal chlorosis
Boron (B) Cell wall formation, fruit setting Cracked stems, poor flowering & fruit development
Manganese (Mn) Photosynthesis and Nitrogen metabolism Pale leaves with brown spots, necrosis on leaf margins
Copper (Cu) Enzyme activation, photosynthesis, lignin synthesis Wilting of younger leaves, pale or chlorotic leaves, leaf curling or twisting
Molybdenum (Mo) Nitrogen fixation, enzyme activation Yellowing of older leaves, stunted growth, delayed flowering
Chlorine (Cl) Osmoregulation, photosynthesis, disease resistance Wilting, chlorosis, and necrosis at leaf margins, premature leaf drop
Nickel (Ni) Enzyme activation, nitrogen metabolism Yellowing of leaves, necrosis in leaf tips, poor seed germination


Causes of Micronutrient Deficiency

Micronutrient deficiencies are commonly caused by several factors:

  • Soil Depletion: Continuous cropping without replenishing micronutrient levels can lead to soil depletion. This is especially true for micronutrients like zinc and boron, which are often lacking in agricultural soils.
  • Imbalanced Fertilizer Use: Overuse of high-nitrogen fertilizers without addressing micronutrient needs can lead to nutrient imbalances. In such cases, crops may get plenty of macronutrients but still fail to thrive due to micronutrient deficiencies.
  • Soil pH: Soil pH plays a major role in the availability of micronutrients. For example, in alkaline soils, the availability of zinc and iron is reduced, leading to deficiencies.
  • Erosion and Leaching: Sandy soils, which have poor retention of nutrients, are more prone to leaching, which washes away both macronutrients and micronutrients from the root zone.

How to Correct Micronutrient Deficiency

There are several strategies for correcting micronutrient deficiencies in crops:

Soil Application

Micronutrients can be applied directly to the soil as fertilizers. Common options include zinc sulphate, iron chelates, and borax. The application should be tailored to specific crop needs based on soil tests.

Foliar Spray

For rapid correction, foliar spraying of micronutrient solutions can quickly provide nutrients to plants. This is especially useful during critical growth stages like flowering or fruiting.

Seed Treatment

Treating seeds with micronutrient solutions before planting can help crops establish a strong foundation from the start.

Integrated Nutrient Management

An integrated approach, combining organic matter with inorganic fertilizers, helps ensure a balanced supply of micronutrients. Using compost, green manure, and biofertilizers can also help improve micronutrient availability.


Rama-SAMPURN and SAMPURN-Mg Fertilizers

Rama Boron 20%

Rama-Sampurn
(SSP Fertilizer fortified with Zinc and Boron)

This fertilizer is specifically formulated to meet the micronutrient needs of crops like wheat, rice, pulses and vegetables. It provides a balanced supply of Zinc and Boron, which are essential for promoting strong root development, improving photosynthesis, and enhancing flower and fruit setting. Using Rama-Sampurn ensures that crops receive the trace elements they need for optimal growth, leading to healthier plants and higher yields.

Rama-Sampurn+Mg
(SSP Fertilizer fortified with Zinc, Boron, and Magnesium)

In addition to zinc and boron, Sampurn-Mg also contains Magnesium, which is crucial for chlorophyll production and overall plant metabolism. This product is ideal for crops that require high levels of magnesium, such as maize, cotton, and sugarcane and other wide varieties of crops. By providing a comprehensive micronutrient package, Sampurn-Mg supports improved plant health, better disease resistance, and increased productivity.

Rama Boron 20%

Both of these products are designed to enhance soil fertility, correct nutrient deficiencies, and support sustainable agricultural practices by ensuring crops get the right micronutrients in the right amounts.

Image 1

Mag Gold

  • Use to correct Magnesium deficiency in crops
  • Enhances chlorophyll formation and improves photosynthesis
  • Helps prevent leaf yellowing (interveinal chlorosis), especially in older leaves
  • Improves crop vigor, yield, and quality
  • Suitable for cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, cotton, and sugarcane
  • Commonly applied through soil application or fertigation
Image 2

Micro Gold

  • Use to supply multiple essential micronutrients in one application
  • Helps correct hidden hunger caused by micronutrient-deficient soils
  • Promotes balanced plant growth, better root development, and stronger stems
  • Improves flowering, fruit set, and grain formation
  • Enhances overall crop productivity and stress tolerance
  • Suitable for field crops, horticultural crops, and plantations
Image 3

Zinc Gold

  • Supplies essential micronutrient zinc (Zn) to crops, which is required in small quantities but is vital for plant growth
  • Corrects zinc deficiency in soils and plants, especially common in alkaline and calcareous soils
  • Promotes enzyme activation that controls important metabolic reactions in plants
  • Useful for a wide range of crops such as cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits
  • Suitable for soil application and for use with other fertilizers as part of balanced nutrient management
Image 4

Rama Boron

  • Used to correct Boron deficiency in crops
  • Essential for flower development, pollination, and fruit/seed formation
  • Prevents issues like flower drop, poor fruit set, hollow stems, and cracked fruits
  • Improves quality and yield of fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, and pulses
  • Applied through soil application, foliar spray, or fertigation

The Role of Micronutrients in Sustainable Agriculture

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of micronutrient management in sustainable agriculture. Proper micronutrient use supports soil health, reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, and promotes climate-resilient farming. By focusing on balanced nutrition, farmers can improve crop quality and yield while minimizing the environmental impact of over-fertilization.

Furthermore, micronutrient-rich crops contribute to food security by increasing nutritional content.


Conclusion

Micronutrients may be required in small quantities, but they have a profound impact on plant growth and agricultural productivity. By ensuring the proper management of these essential elements, farmers can boost crop yield, improve plant health, and achieve long-term soil sustainability. Regular soil testing, proper fertilization practices, and balanced crop nutrition are key to achieving the best results.

Micronutrient management is not just about improving crop quality today but about ensuring a resilient and productive agricultural system for the future.



Bibliography

  1. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). (2021). The Role of Micronutrients in Sustainable Food Systems.
    https://www.fao.org
  2. Takkar, P.N. & Randhawa, N.S. (1978). Micronutrient Research in Soils and Plants in India – A Review. Fertilizer News, 23(8), 3–26.
  3. Alloway, B.J. (2008). Zinc in Soils and Crop Nutrition (2nd Edition). International Zinc Association (IZA) and International Fertilizer Industry Association (IFA).
    https://www.fertilizer.org
  4. Fageria, N.K., Baligar, V.C., & Clark, R.B. (2002). Micronutrients in Crop Production. Advances in Agronomy, 77, 185–268. DOI: 10.1016/S0065-2113(02)77015-6
  5. ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research). (2020). Handbook of Agriculture – Soil and Plant Nutrient Management. Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture, New Delhi.
    https://icar.org.in
  6. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. (2023). Soil Health Card Scheme – Nutrient Management and Micronutrient Status of Indian Soils. https://agricoop.nic.in
  7. Marschner, H. (2012). Marschner’s Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants (3rd Edition). Academic Press, London. ISBN: 978-0-12-384905-2
  8. Cakmak, I. (2008). Enrichment of Cereal Grains with Zinc: Agronomic or Genetic Biofortification? Plant and Soil, 302(1–2), 1–17. DOI: 10.1007/s11104-007-9466-3
  9. Singh, M.V. (2009). Micronutrient Deficiencies in Crops and Soils in India. Indian Institute of Soil Science (ICAR-IISS), Bhopal, India.
  10. Fertilizer Association of India (FAI). (2022). Micronutrients and Their Role in Enhancing Crop Productivity. FAI Technical Bulletin. https://www.faidelhi.org
Newer Post
Boron 20%: Enhancing Indian Crop
.blog-post-single .section-header.text-left h1 { font: 500 55px / 22px var(--font-stack-header); color: var(--color-text); float: left; width: 100%; margin: 20px 0 0; }