Microelement foliar analysis: detects and corrects deficiencies

In the foliar analysis there is always a section on microelements. These elements are found in plant tissue in very low concentrations but play an important role in the metabolism of the plant. If any of these microelements are missing, the plant would have serious problems in its development as it would not be able to complete all the phases of its metabolism properly.

• Iron (Fe): Iron plays a very important role in the metabolism of the chlorophyll and nitrogen. Any deficiency is noticeable in the youngest leaves because it is a very immobile element. The leaves turn yellowish; this change in colour is commonly known as iron chlorosis.

Its deficiency in turf is very frequent as its uptake is blocked at high pH and is more affected by frequent mowing.

A very effective treatment for iron chlorosis is the foliar application of fertilisers specifically designed for this purpose.

• Manganese (Mn): Manganese generally acts as an enzyme activator, accelerating metabolic reactions. Deficiency is common in very calcic alkaline soils.

In deficiency conditions the leaves become chlorotic between the veins, or with yellow spots. Although it is not a very mobile element, symptoms can be seen on both old and new leaves.

• Zinc (Zn): Zinc plays a role in the synthesis of phytohormones which regulate growth and also control the utilisation of sugar and chlorophyll. Symptoms of deficiency appear in alkaline soils or those that are heavily saturated with other micro-nutrients.

On lawns with very low and frequent mowing, sometimes only leaf desiccation is shown. When the leaf is longer the symptoms are more whitening of the leaves and mottling between the veins while the margins remain green.

• Boron (Bo): Boron is essential for the movement and transformation of sugar within the plant. Deficiency is difficult to define as it shows a slow growth and a loss of intensity in the greenness of the young leaves. If the deficiency is high, symptoms include leaf scorching, thickening of the tissues and chlorotic streaks in the new veins. Deficiency is frequent in high pH and sandy soils.

It can be concluded that micronutrients are strongly affected by high pH and to avoid deficiencies it is best to control the pH between 6.5 and 7.

To measure the Soil pH There are a variety of solutions on the market. But in the end the most practical thing is to have a quality, pocket-sized sensor such as the SoilStick phymeter which allows us to measure in wet soil, water or liquid mixtures.