While micronutrients are creating a lot of buzz today, they’ve always been an important part of crop production.
Micronutrients are elements required by plants in trace amounts for successful growth and development. They include essential elements like boron, chloride, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc.
Although most prairie soils have sufficient levels of these micronutrients, deficiencies are negatively affecting production in some regions and crops.
Some micronutrient deficiencies, such as zinc, are more common. Zinc deficiencies can cause yield loss in pulses, especially in the southern Prairies. The image above highlights zinc-deficient areas in red and orange. (Photo courtesy of A & L Canada Laboratories).
Soil testing
When trying to determine if the soil in your field will be responsive to a micronutrient application, a soil test is a good first step.
The analysis provided from the lab will help you — and your Co-op Grow Team agronomist — identify potential deficiencies or areas of concern and make decisions related to crop rotation and nutrition.
In addition to the soil test, there are many other variables to weigh when making a micronutrient application, including the following considerations.
- The supply of macronutrients: Has the fertility program optimized macronutrient applications?
- Soil and management factors: This includes soil type and moisture, which can affect the availability of micronutrients. Additional factors to watch for are available from Saskatchewan Agriculture.
- The crop and the likelihood of response: There are some circumstances where micronutrients are likely more warranted. These include copper for wheat and barley and zinc for beans and pulses.
- Economics and return on investment: If this is your first foray into micronutrients, compare your results to an untreated part of the field. Replicated test strips will provide you with the best analysis.
- Certain crops that may vary in sensitivity to micronutrient deficiencies: The following table lists crops and their response to micronutrient fertilizers when a deficiency occurs.
Your Co-op Grow Team agronomist can help you determine if micronutrients are right for your fields and select an appropriate product, such as Ruffin-Tuff™. Exclusively available at Co-op Agro Centres, Ruffin-Tuff is formulated for cereals, canola and pulse crops to address zinc, copper, boron and manganese deficiencies. To learn more, visit your local Co-op Agro Centre.