EXPERT BLOG
EXPERT’S
OPINION:
Mic ro n ut rie n ts for
Pl a nt Fert ilizat ion
By: Christian Dimkpa, Ph.D
IFDC Scientist and Plant-Soil Biologist
Micronutrients are plant nutrients needed in small quantities
but that, nevertheless, contribute to crop productivity in
significant ways. Micronutrients include zinc (Zn), iron
(Fe), boron (B), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni),
molybdenum (Mo), and chloride (Cl - ).
As highlighted in recent reports, these nutrients perform
individual as well as coordinated functions in crop physiology
and development. For example, some regulate enzymatic
activities because certain enzymes require them to function
properly. Others play a role in the formation of chlorophyll,
the green pigment of plants; in photosynthesis; in cell wall
and membrane structural integrity; and in the metabolism of
carbohydrates and nitrogen. Ultimately, these functions result
in observable agronomic outcomes.
Unfortunately, many soils around the world suffer from one
or more micronutrient deficiencies. Applying these nutrients
is increasingly being demonstrated to stimulate agricultural
productivity. Notably, when specific micronutrients are
added to crops that have been fertilized with nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P), and/or potassium (K), additional effects on
growth and yield are observed. Taken together, these benefits
make micronutrients strategic in fertilizer innovation, not just
O u tco m e s f ro m M i c ro n u t ri e n
P l a n t g r ow t h
s t i m u l at i o n ( a l l )
13
C ro p re si l i e n c e e n h
u n d e r a dv e r s e c o n d
(Zn, B, Cu)
Plant yield
i m p r ov e m e n t ( a l l ) I m p r ov e m e n t i n n i t r
use efficiency
(Zn, B, Mn, Mo, Ni)
C ro p n u t ri t i o n a l
q u a l i t y i m p r ov e m e n t
(Zn, Fe) P at h o g e n s u p p r e s s i o
o r r e s i s ta n c e ( a l l )