Mineral fertilizers applied to the soil contain nutrients necessary for plant productivity in the form of various mineral salts. In the agrosphere, most of the world’s soils are not sufficient to provide plant nutrients. One or more elements that a specific plant needs are always in deficit, or in a form that cannot be absorbed by the plant. It has been proven that, in addition to macronutrients (N,P,K), micronutrients (B, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo) also play a major role in obtaining a bountiful harvest – often they are considered insignificant, because the plant has less quantitative demand, although it is important for plant growth. and has a great impact on development. Microelements make the plant more resistant to stress caused by abiotic factors, such as: frost, high temperature, etc. They improve metabolism and participate in the biosynthesis of hormones. They are also part of plant enzymes that regulate plant growth and development. When micronutrients are supplied in adequate amounts, the plant grows more intensively, has more energy and gives us more crops with better commercial value. The genetic potential of the plant leads to a high yield, which can lead to a negative balance in the soil, until the deficiency is replenished with appropriate amounts of nutrients. High yields and good quality depend on the supply of macro and micronutrients in full doses. If any one element is deficient, the total yield or its quality is seriously reduced. No nutrient can replace the other, each of them must be supplied to the plant in a balanced way. Micronutrients include such elements as: The value of (Ca)calcium, (Mg)magnesium and (S)sulfur is so high that they are often referred to as secondary macroelements . (Ca) calcium – increases the durability of the fruit in the post-harvest period. Takes part in cell wall construction and cell division. Calcium participates in protein synthesis and activates the activity of many enzymes. Calcium helps the roots to develop, making the plant more resistant to diseases. Works on the immune system. It helps the plant to absorb other elements. It helps the plant to absorb nitrogen through the pores of the leaf and synthesize carbohydrates. (Mg)magnesium is the main auxiliary trace element in plants in various biological processes, including photosynthesis, respiration and nitrogen assimilation. One of its important roles is to form the cellular structure of chlorophyll. Magnesium is part of the chlorophyll molecule, therefore it takes part in the process of photosynthesis. Activates enzymes, creates the best combination between substrate and enzyme. (S)sulphur – included in the composition of amino acids (cysteine, cystine and methionine), is a necessary element for the formation of proteins, enzymes, vitamins and chlorophyll in plants. A large amount of sulfur is required for protein synthesis, especially during oil formation in the seed. (B) Boron – important for full flowering, it improves pollen grain productivity. It also participates in sugar transport, cell wall formation and amino acid synthesis. (Zn)Zinc is present in many enzymes and is responsible for their structural stability. In addition, zinc participates in the process of photosynthesis, in the development of roots, seeds and fruits. Improves the activity of hormone auxin and balances the action of hormones in general. (Fe) iron – participates in the process of chlorophyll biosynthesis, therefore, it has an important role in photosynthesis. Iron also provides energy transport, nitrogen fixation and lignin formation. (Mn)manganese – plays the main role in photosynthesis. Facilitates the photolysis of water molecules and provides energy to the plant, therefore manganese deficiency has a negative impact on the photosynthesis process. It causes a sharp decrease in the concentration of soluble sugar in different parts of the plant. (Cu)copper – participates in lignin synthesis. Copper is also needed in the process of photosynthesis, it is necessary for plant respiration, it helps the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. Copper also serves to enhance the flavor of fruits in vegetables and color in flowers. Together, copper, manganese and zinc improve the efficient use of nitrogen, increase the protein content of seeds and grains. (Mo)Molybdenum – Molybdenum is essential for the synthesis of two important enzymes involved in the conversion of nitrogen from the nitrate form to the nitrite form and then to ammonia. Also, molybdenum is needed in the process of attachment of nitrogen-fixing bacteria to the root. Establishes a connection between the plant and the bacteria. Plants also use molybdenum to convert inorganic phosphorus into organic form. Because molybdenum is closely related to nitrogen, its deficiency easily mimics nitrogen deficiency. Molybdenum is the only trace element that is mobile in the plant, so deficiency symptoms appear on old and middle leaves, then it spreads to the stem and new leaves. (Cl)chlorine – the concentration of this element in cultures ranges from 0.2-2.0%, although we can meet 10% content as well. Chlorine is an active osmotic agent – it participates in the process of maintaining osmotic and ion balance. In photosynthesis – Cl maintains electroneutrality so that manganese can donate an electron, without this manipulation photosynthesis cannot take place. With the participation of chlorine, the quality of water absorption and humidity by the plant increases. Chlorine is especially important in salinized soil conditions for maintaining the current state of water. As for chlorine deficiency in the plant, its visual symptoms are:
- Small young chlorotic leaves.
- Complete wilting of the plant.
- Necrosis – on some parts of the plant.
- Stopping or slowing down the growth of leaves and roots.
To conduct a reliable soil analysis in Holland and get the right recommendation, consult Baraka’s agro-specialists at www.baraka.ge. For more information on these and other topics, see Agrocompany Baraka’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@baraka.georgia2230