Micros Transformation in the Soil
There are 17 essential plant nutrients that are considered critical to plant growth and crop production. Macronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, are required in large quantities by the plant. Micronutrients, while essential, are needed in smaller quantities. Inadequate supplies of micronutrients will inhibit yield and crop production goals. Chloride, iron, boron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and nickel are all micronutrients essential to plant growth.
But what factors affect their availability in the soil? The interactive diagram below demonstrates the factors that affect micronutrients throughout crop production including inputs to the soil, losses from the soil, and components in the soil.
A better understanding of the factors that affect micronutrients in the soil will help you uncover how exactly they impact crop productivity, plant growth, soil health, and nutrient efficiency throughout production. Understanding how micronutrients cycle through the soil will also help you understand the need for fertilization, how you can increase uptake and efficiency, and how you can optimize your fertilizer and nutrient management program.
Inputs to the Soil
The most common micronutrient inputs are mineral fertilizers and plant residue. Click through each of the MORE buttons below to learn more about micronutrient inputs.
Losses from the Soil
Micronutrients are commonly lost during crop harvest or due to runoff or erosion. Click through each of the MORE buttons below to learn more about micronutrient loss.
Components in the Soil
Micronutrients are available within the soil. Soil organic matter is an important source of micronutrients—the mineralization of organic matter can replenish micronutrients to the soil. Plants can also absorb dissolved micronutrients from the soil solution and in clay and organic matter. Click through each of the MORE buttons below to learn more about micronutrient components in the soil.
Dig into additional resources that explore the importance of micronutrients throughout crop production:
Crop Response to Micronutrients
Macronutrients Versus Micronutrients, What is the Difference?
