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Zinc is involved in the synthesis of plant growth substances, enzyme systems, and is essential for promoting certain metabolic reactions. It is necessary for the production of chlorophyll and carbohydrates. Zinc is non mobile in the plant and hence deficiency is first seen in the young leaves.

As zinc is virtually immobile in the soil hence the crops requirements are best applied prior to or at planting. The plant roots need to physically intercept zinc in the soil to allow uptake.

Zinc is often required at low rates compared to other nutrient needs. Zinc sulphate “dry” blends (where the zinc sulphate is blended with other fertilisers) used at low rates per hectare often provide very poor distribution of zinc in the soil and hence uptake by the plant can be poor. Zinc included products such as ZincStar provide far more zinc contact points in the soil for the plants root system and hence provide greater zinc uptake potential.

Zinc applied to the soil as a granular fertiliser at the correct rate, is by far a more economic way to ensure the plant has zinc through its lifecycle then foliar applications.

Copper is necessary for chlorophyll formation in plants and is a catalyst for a number of key reactions within the plant for normal growth. Plants with copper deficiency are often weaker in the cell walls, lower in proteins, fail to flower and may be more prone to fungal attack.

Copper like zinc is usually applied to the soil prior to or at planting to ensure the emerging plant roots are able to access available copper for uptake.

Manganese functions primarily as a part of enzyme systems in the plant. It has a direct role in several important metabolic processes including chlorophyll production. It has an important role in seed germination and accelerates plant maturity. Phosphorus and calcium availability are increased via adequate manganese nutrition.

Manganese is immobile in the plant like zinc and iron and hence deficiency is first seen in the younger leaves.

Soils with high organic matter content and or pH levels greater than 7.0 often required addition manganese inputs. Conversely waterlogged and low pH soils often show manganese toxicity.

Boron is involved in cell division and development and deficiencies are often seen as stunting and deformation of growing points in plants. Pollen development and viability is also closely linked to adequate boron nutrition.

Great care must be taken with Boron applications as the band between deficiency and toxicity can be narrow, hence seek qualified advice on boron use and rates of application. While soil analysis can give an indication of boron status of the soil dried leaf analysis of the crop provides more accurate data for decision making.

Iron is a catalyst in the formation of chlorophyll and acts as an oxygen carrier. Iron is involved in certain plant respiratory functions.

Iron is immobile in the plant and hence deficiency symptoms appear in the youngest leaves. Iron deficiency is highly noticeable as young leaves are yellow to bleached white in appearance.

Iron nutrition is highly related to other plant nutrient availability such as molybdenum, phosphorous, copper and manganese. Soil conditions which are wet and cold may also induce Iron deficiencies. Soil pH is strongly related to Iron availability with high pH levels making Iron unavailable.

Molybdenum is vital in nitrate metabolism in a wide range of crops particularly in pastures, cucurbits, legumes and brassicas. Molybdenum is vital for Rhizobia bacteria to fix soil atmospheric nitrogen into nitrate in legume root nodules.