Micronutrients
/ˌmaɪkroʊˈnuːtriənts/
Definition
Micronutrients are essential mineral elements that plants need in very small amounts for normal growth and metabolism. Unlike macronutrients, which are required in larger quantities, micronutrients support specific enzyme activity, chlorophyll formation, and other biochemical processes. In plants, they commonly include iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, and nickel. Deficiency or excess can disrupt growth even though only trace amounts are needed.
Function in Plants
- Enzyme support: They help many plant enzymes work, including those involved in photosynthesis, respiration, and making chlorophyll, proteins, and hormones.
- Typical deficiency patterns: Short supply often shows first in new leaves or growing tips, causing chlorosis, distortion, poor flowering, or weak fruit set, depending on which element is limited.
- Availability in soil: Soil pH strongly affects uptake. Iron and manganese often become less available in alkaline soils, while excess amounts of some elements can build up in very acidic conditions.
- Fertilizer balance: Plants need only trace amounts, so more is not better. Overapplication can interfere with uptake of other nutrients and may damage roots or foliage.
Related Terms
NPK ratio
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Nitrogen
Nitrogen is a chemical element and essential plant nutrient, classified as a primary macronutrient because plants need…
Phosphorus
Phosphorus, in plant science, is an essential macronutrient and chemical element that plants take up mainly as…
Potassium
Potassium is an essential plant nutrient and chemical element that plants absorb as K+. Unlike nitrogen or phosphorus…
Soil
Soil is the natural surface layer of land where most plants root and grow. It is a living mixture of mineral particles…
Soil amendment
Soil amendment refers to a material added to soil to change its physical or chemical properties, such as structure…
Soil pH
Soil ph measures how acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil is, based on the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil…