🌱 Soil Micronutrients Guide

Essential trace elements for healthy plant growth. View Images of Cannabis Deficiency

Fe
Iron
(Fe)
  • Essential for chlorophyll synthesis
  • Key component in photosynthesis
  • Activates enzymes for energy production
  • Critical for oxygen transport in plants

Deficiency Symptoms:

Yellowing between leaf veins (interveinal chlorosis), especially in young leaves

Zn
Zinc
(Zn)
  • Enzyme activation and protein synthesis
  • Growth hormone production
  • Root development and shoot elongation
  • Seed and fruit formation

Deficiency Symptoms:

Stunted growth, small leaves, shortened internodes, delayed maturity

Mn
Manganese
(Mn)
  • Photosynthesis and chlorophyll formation
  • Enzyme activation for metabolism
  • Nitrogen transformation processes
  • Root growth and resistance to disease

Deficiency Symptoms:

Interveinal chlorosis in young leaves, poor root development

B
Boron
(B)
  • Cell wall structure and strength
  • Sugar transport within plants
  • Pollen formation and fruit development
  • Root tip and growing point health

Deficiency Symptoms:

Brittle leaves, poor fruit set, hollow stems, cracked fruits

Cu
Copper
(Cu)
  • Enzyme activation for plant metabolism
  • Protein synthesis and vitamin A production
  • Lignin formation for structural strength
  • Disease resistance mechanisms

Deficiency Symptoms:

Leaf tip dieback, poor seed formation, reduced disease resistance

Mo
Molybdenum
(Mo)
  • Nitrogen fixation in legumes
  • Nitrate reduction in all plants
  • Enzyme component for nitrogen metabolism
  • Pollen formation

Deficiency Symptoms:

Yellowing and cupping of older leaves, poor nitrogen fixation in legumes

Cl
Chlorine
(Cl)
  • Osmotic regulation and water balance
  • Photosynthesis reactions
  • Cation neutralization
  • Disease resistance

Deficiency Symptoms:

Wilting, chlorosis, bronzing of leaves (rare in most soils)

Ni
Nickel
(Ni)
  • Enzyme component for nitrogen metabolism
  • Urea breakdown (urease enzyme)
  • Seed germination processes
  • Iron uptake regulation

Deficiency Symptoms:

Leaf tip necrosis, accumulation of toxic urea (rare deficiency)

📊 Micronutrient Availability vs Soil pH

30%
pH 4.5
50%
pH 5
75%
pH 5.5
90%
pH 6
95%
pH 6.5
85%
pH 7
60%
pH 7.5
40%
pH 8
25%
pH 8.5
High Availability
Medium Availability
Low Availability

💡 Key Insights

Most micronutrients are more available in slightly acidic soils (pH 6.0-6.8). Maintaining proper soil pH is crucial for optimal micronutrient uptake. Regular soil testing helps identify potential deficiencies before they impact plant health.

🌿 Recommended Supplements for Micronutrient Deficiencies

Fe
Iron
Recommended Products:
  • Iron Sulfate (Ferrous Sulfate)
  • Iron Chelate (EDTA/EDDHA)
  • Ironite Mineral Supplement
Application: Apply iron sulfate at 1-2 lbs per 1000 sq ft. Chelated iron works better in alkaline soils.
Zn
Zinc
Recommended Products:
  • Zinc Sulfate
  • Zinc Chelate (EDTA)
  • Southern Ag Zinc Sulfate
Application: Apply 0.5-1 lb zinc sulfate per 1000 sq ft. Can also foliar spray at 0.1% solution.
Mn
Manganese
Recommended Products:
  • Manganese Sulfate
  • Manganese Chelate
  • Espoma Organic Micronutrients
Application: Apply 0.5-1 lb manganese sulfate per 1000 sq ft or foliar spray at recommended rates.
B
Boron
Recommended Products:
  • Borax (Sodium Borate)
  • Solubor (Sodium Octaborate)
  • Granular Boric Acid
Application: Use sparingly! Apply 0.1-0.2 lbs per 1000 sq ft. Excess boron is toxic to plants.
Cu
Copper
Recommended Products:
  • Copper Sulfate
  • Copper Chelate (EDTA)
  • Bonide Copper Fungicide
Application: Apply 0.25-0.5 lbs copper sulfate per 1000 sq ft. Also acts as a fungicide.
Mo
Molybdenum
Recommended Products:
  • Sodium Molybdate
  • Ammonium Molybdate
  • Micronutrient Mix containing Mo
Application: Very small amounts needed - typically 0.01-0.02 lbs per acre. Often included in complete fertilizers.
Cl
Chlorine
Recommended Products:
  • Muriate of Potash (KCl)
  • Salt (Sodium Chloride)
  • Most fertilizers contain chloride
Application: Rarely deficient. Most soils have adequate chlorine from various sources.
Ni
Nickel
Recommended Products:
  • Nickel Sulfate
  • Complete Micronutrient Blends
  • Specialty Ni supplements
Application: Extremely small amounts needed. Deficiency is very rare in most agricultural situations.

⚠️ Important: Always conduct a soil test before applying supplements. Over-application can cause toxicity and nutrient imbalances. Follow manufacturer instructions and local extension service recommendations.