Also referred to as trace or minor nutrients. They are required in small quantities/traces. They are essential for proper growth and development of plants.
They include;
- Iron,
- Manganese,
- Copper
- Boron,
- Molybdenum
ROLE OF MICRONUTRIENTS AND THEIR DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Copper
- Role in oxidation-reduction reactions.
- Respiration and utilization of iron
- Deficiency symptoms-yellowing of young leaves.
Iron
- Synthesis of proteins.
- Takes part in oxidation-reduction reactions.
- Deficiency symptoms – leaf chlorosis
Molybdenum
- Nitrogen transformation in plants.
- Metabolization of nitrates to amino acids and proteins
- Deficiency symptoms -leaf curl and scathing.
Manganese – Same as molybdenum.
Zinc
- Formation of growth hormone.
- Reproduction process
- Deficiency symptoms – white bud formation.
Boron
- Absorption of water.
- Translocation of sugar
Inorganic Fertilizers
- These are chemically produced substances added to the soil to improve fertility classification according to nutrients contained
Straight – contain only one macronutrient.
Compound fertilizers – contain more than one macronutrient
Time of application
Some applied when planting.
Top dressing after crop emergence
Effects on the soil pH.
- Acidic fertilizers.
- Neutral fertilizers.
- Basic fertilizers.
See also:
Definition and Objectives of Export Promotion in Agriculture
Agricultural Insurance | Meaning, Importance, Types, Risks, Problems & Terminologies
Agricultural Marketing | Co-operative Societies, Producers, Middlemen, Wholesalers,