COBALT Cobalt is classified as an essential micronutrient and plays a critical role in the overall growth process of plants . Cobalt is necessary for the processes of stem growth , elongating the coleoptiles , and expanding leaf discs . It is a critical element needed for a plant to reach maturity and for healthy bud development . It is a primary constituent of vitamin B12 and propionate . Vitamin B12 is essential for cell division during growth , while propionate serves as one of the prime energy sources during growth . In legumes , cobalt aids the plant ’ s ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere . With such a critical role during plant growth , cobalt deficiencies should be corrected immediately . A cobalt deficiency will manifest as reduced or stunted plant growth and reduced seed germination . It may present as reddening of the leaves , stems , or petioles . In legumes , you may notice yellowing leaves or small root nodules . Cobalt toxicity is more common than a deficiency and usually results from excess cobalt in irrigation water or excess nickel in the soil . High levels of cobalt create an iron deficiency , so be on the lookout for symptoms of iron chlorosis . The leaves will turn yellow while the veins stay green , stunting the growth of the entire plant . To ensure your plants are taking up the proper amount of cobalt , make sure your soil has a neutral pH and contains plenty of organic matter . If the deficiency is not corrected , then you can add a fertilizer that contains cobalt .
“ COBALT IS NECESSARY for the processes of stem growth , elongating the coleoptiles , and expanding leaf discs .”
Copper is needed in very small quantities by plants . There is a thin line between copper deficiency and copper toxicity . It is important to note that under organic food laws , copper may not be added as a nutrient unless there is a documented soil or tissue deficiency . The normal range in a growing medium is 0.05-0.5 parts per million ( ppm ), and the normal range in most plant tissues is three to 10 ppm .
COPPER Copper is another essential micronutrient necessary for plant growth . It facilitates respiration , photosynthesis , and plays a significant role in plant metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins . Copper affects the strength of cell walls as well as the sugar content and shelf life of fruit . It plays a part in several enzyme processes , including the formation of chlorophyll . Some plants benefit from copper more than others . For example , sunflowers , lettuce , spinach , beets , onions , and tomatoes have higher copper requirements than cabbage , broccoli , cucumber , mint , peas , and potatoes . Copper is what gives onions their brown papery skin . grow cycle 53