Issue 02 March/April 2018
A Spotlight on Products, Promos, Insights and More
Not all micronutrients are made equal Not recognizing these differences between the types of micronutrients may mean you’re leaving some yield potential in the field. Yield increases are a result of knowing that the nutrients applied are in a plant-available form, applied at the appropriate rate, the right time, and in the right place. Plants only take up nutrients through water-soluble sulphate forms which have been dissolved into the soil solution. The solubility of the fertilizer product must be evaluated to ensure the crop is being fed the nutrients it needs.
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There are three forms of granular micronutrients available, and they each have a place for specific circumstances in a cropping system. The most important thing is to use the correct form of micronutrient for the expected results. Sulphates are 100 per cent water soluble and highly available to the crop in the year applied. They quickly provide nutrients to plants and soil build. Oxysulphates are a combination of oxides and sulphates within the same granule. The nutrient availability depends on the balance of oxide and sulphate nutrients, and they’re effective for correcting deficiencies and soil building. Oxides are relatively insoluble, making them unavailable to the crop in the year of application. They’re used to build soil nutrient levels over the long-term, but not meant to correct nutrient deficiencies in the year of application.
LEVELS IN SOIL (PPM) DEFICIENT*
MARGINAL*
ADEQUATE
COPPER
0.0-0.3
0.3-1.0
1.0+
ZINC
0.0-0.5
0.5-1.0
1.0+
IRON
0.0-2.0
2.0-4.5
4.5+
MANGANESE
0.0-1.0
-
1.0+
*soil micronutrient range levels
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Copper, zinc, and manganese nutrients move only through diffusion, even in a soluble-sulfate form. During application, the granules should be placed in the seed row, or in close proximity to it, to ensure the roots of the plants intercept these feeding sites.
SOLUBILITY MATTERS. Do you know what you’re putting in your soil? Suphates, oxysulphates, and oxides: All have a place for specific circumstances in a cropping system. When chosing your micronutrients, ensure you are using the right product for the right operation or situation.
Not all micronutrients are made the same.