The 7 Most Important Soil Micronutrients for Plants
Soil micronutrients are essential elements required by plants in small amounts for their proper growth, development, and reproduction.
Cannabis, a member of the Cannabaceae family, is a versatile crop that can benefit from the presence of soil micronutrients. They play a vital role in the soil food web, which comprises a diverse group of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, arthropods, and earthworms, that interact with one another and with the surrounding environment.
Micronutrients are necessary for several physiological processes in plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme activation, and hormone synthesis.
Some of the most important soil micronutrients for plants include: Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu, Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), Chlorine (Cl).
While these elements are required in small amounts, their deficiency can lead to significant yield reductions and crop losses.
Cannabis is a nutrient-demanding crop that requires adequate soil nutrition for optimal growth and development.
Cannabis grown in soils deficient in micronutrients may experience stunted growth, reduced yields, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a balance of soil micronutrients to support healthy plant growth and maximize crop productivity.
Iron
Iron is a crucial micronutrient for cannabis, as it is involved in the formation of chlorophyll and essential for photosynthesis. Iron-deficient cannabis plants may exhibit interveinal chlorosis, or yellowing between the leaf veins, which can lead to reduced photosynthesis and plant growth.
Manganese
Manganese is another essential micronutrient for cannabis, as it is involved in photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism. Manganese-deficient plants may exhibit yellowing and necrosis of the leaves, resulting in reduced plant growth and yield.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential micronutrient required for several enzymatic processes in plants, including DNA and RNA synthesis. Zinc-deficient cannabis plants may exhibit stunted growth and distorted leaves, as well as reduced seed production.
Copper
Copper is essential for several metabolic processes in plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, and lignin formation. Copper-deficient cannabis plants may exhibit stunted growth, chlorosis, and wilting of leaves.
Boron
Boron is an essential micronutrient required for cell division and plant growth. Boron-deficient cannabis plants may exhibit distorted leaves, brittle stems, and reduced seed production.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum is necessary for nitrogen fixation and involved in several enzymatic processes in plants. Molybdenum-deficient cannabis plants may exhibit stunted growth and reduced nitrogen fixation.
Chlorine
Chlorine is essential for the opening and closing of stomata, which regulate plant water loss and uptake of carbon dioxide. Chlorine-deficient cannabis plants may exhibit wilting and chlorosis of the leaves, as well as reduced plant growth.
Benefits & Concerns Surrounding Micronutrient Fertilizers
It is essential to maintain a balance of soil micronutrients to support healthy plant growth and maximize crop productivity. However, excessive application of micronutrients can lead to toxicity, which can result in reduced plant growth and yield. Therefore, it is essential to monitor soil nutrient levels and adjust fertilization practices accordingly.
Cannabis, like other crops, can benefit from the use of micronutrient fertilizers to ensure adequate soil nutrition.
Micronutrient fertilizers can be applied as foliar sprays or soil amendments, depending on the nutrient requirements of the plant and the soil conditions. Foliar sprays are applied directly to the leaves and can provide a quick source of micronutrients to the plant. Soil amendments, such as micronutrient chelates or micronutrient-enriched organic fertilizers, can provide a slow-release source of micronutrients to the plant over time.
In addition to their essential role in plant growth and development, soil micronutrients can also have potential benefits for human health.
Cannabis, in particular, is a versatile crop that can be used for food, fiber, and medicine. cannabis seeds, for example, that are rich in several essential nutrients, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. Cannabis extracts, such as CBD (cannabidiol), have also been shown to have potential health benefits, including pain relief and anxiety reduction.
However, there are also areas of concern with soil micronutrients, particularly in the context of environmental sustainability.
Excessive use of micronutrient fertilizers can lead to nutrient runoff and contamination of waterways, which can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the production of micronutrient fertilizers requires significant energy inputs and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Soil micronutrients play a vital role in the soil food web and are essential for healthy plant growth and development, but we must be mindful to avoid excessive use and balance our micronutrients with concern for the impact of their use.
3 Grow Factors Affecting Micronutrient Availability & Uptake in Your Grow
Micronutrients are absorbed by cannabis plant roots in their ionic form.
The availability and uptake of micronutrients is affected by three factors:
Soil pH affects the availability and uptake of micronutrients by the plant. Soil pH is a critical factor that can affect the solubility and availability of micronutrients in the soil. Most micronutrients are more available to the plant in slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. However, some micronutrients, such as iron, are more available to the plant in slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0.
Soil moisture is critical for the uptake of nutrients by the plant, as it allows for the diffusion of ions in the soil solution. However, excess soil moisture can lead to oxygen deficiency in the root zone, which can reduce nutrient uptake and lead to root rot.
Soil texture plays a role in nutrient availability, as clay soils tend to hold onto nutrients more tightly than sandy soils, making them less available to plants.
Sources:
Marschner, H. (2012). Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants. Academic Press.
Brady, N. C., & Weil, R. R. (2008). The Nature and Properties of Soils. Prentice Hall.
Jandl, R., Rodeghiero, M., Martinez, C., Cotrufo, M. F., & Bampa, F. (2014). The role of soil organic matter for maintaining soil functions in degraded and transformed ecosystems. SOIL, 1(1), 33-53.
Hemp Industries Association. (n.d.). Hemp Seed Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.thehia.org/hemp-facts/hemp-seed-nutrition
Pamplona-Roger, G. D. (2015). CBD Oil: Everyday Secrets. St. Martin's Press.