Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Specific Micronutrients
Specific micronutrient formulas are used by some farmers to correct deficiencies. Most
home gardeners needn't get into them and should instead focus on the other aspects of this
topic. When the basics are covered and the main nutrient ratios are in line, micronutrient
deficiencies aren't as big of an issue.
Some of the micronutrient fertilizers are synthetic, but you can find many organic
sources, too. The chelated forms are the best quality and most biologically available. The
sulfate forms are second best, but the oxide forms are not as good. Individual micronutri-
ents should mostly be used under the guidance of a good soil lab or consultant. When you
get your soil test done, they may recommend something for you and you're welcome to do
it, but be sure to focus first on the major nutrients.
That being said, here are a few examples of how micronutrients are used. I should men-
tion again that plants need phosphate in order to take up and properly use these micronutri-
ents. Micronutrients are also often sprayed along with liquid calcium, because plants need
sufficient calcium in order to take up and use other nutrients.
Calcium also needs boron to be present in order to start a series of events that allow cal-
cium to move in the plant. If your soil is highly deficient in boron, therefore, you might as
well be deficient in calcium. Boron is needed to help transport water and nutrients up and
down the plant, and is integral to forming fruit. Most boron products are mined from sodi-
um borate and can be used in organics. Spraying three tablespoons liquid calcium, two to
four teaspoons boron, ⅓ cup liquid fish hydrolysate, four teaspoons kelp and one to two ta-
blespoons of apple cider vinegar in five quarts of water per 1,000 square feet can help fruit
and seed set if sprayed just before or early on in the initial reproductive stages of the plants.
We want a maximum of two to three ppm of boron in the soil, so not too much.
The vast majority of soils and plants are lacking boron, which is why I recommend you
use the above recipe if your soil test confirms you need it. Most soils also have less than
optimal levels of other micronutrients which is why you might consider using many of the
micronutrient-biostimulants listed in this chapter.
Manganese is a nutrient that goes to work early in the process of seed germination, and
is responsible for drawing water in to the seed and producing the first roots and shoots.
There are other micronutrients that are needed at various levels between 5 and 20 ppm. Iron
can be brought in on its own, but it also comes in greensand and some rock dusts. Zinc and
copper are vital and often lacking. Even chlorine is needed at one to two ppm, but we don't
have to worry about adding it, as deficiencies are rare.
