Types of micronutrient fertilizers: properties, applications, and reviews

To achieve a high yield when growing vegetables, fruits, and berries in a garden plot, gardeners must ensure the soil is rich in nutrients and vitamins. Micronutrient fertilizers with a comprehensive composition of chemical elements, such as zinc, boron, manganese, cobalt, copper, and others, can help. Each has a specific effect on crop development. A lack or deficiency of micronutrients won't kill the plant, but it will delay development and fruiting.

What are micronutrient fertilizers for and what are their types?

Micronutrient fertilizers contain fractions of active ingredients, allowing for targeted and precise feeding of plants, as they require only a small portion of the elements. It is impossible to replace one component with another; each is specific and has a distinct effect on the biochemical processes in the plant.

The need for microelements is determined by the stage of crop development:

1. Copper is responsible for the formation of nutrients, improving respiration and photosynthesis, increasing resistance to negative environmental factors.
2. Fluoride increases resistance to diseases, and it also affects flowering and fruiting.
3. Molybdenum increases protein and carbohydrate levels and reduces the abundance of nitrates, which are essential for legumes.
4. Beets and potatoes require manganese, it reduces nitrates and ensures photosynthesis, and is a component of hormones.
5. Cobalt is a component of vitamins and enzymes, participates in metabolic processes and photosynthesis, and influences plant resistance to diseases and adverse environmental factors.
6. Iron is an element of chlorophyll, it fixes nitrogen and is involved in cell division.
7. Zinc improves root growth, retains moisture, and affects the frost resistance of plants; thanks to it, the content of starch, protein, and vitamin C increases.

Types of microfertilizers:

• single-element, containing one component;
• complex, including several active substances with a diverse effect on different types of plants.

Copper

Copper micronutrient fertilizers are used in marshy areas; the soil in these regions is typically neutral or alkaline, which prevents large yields. Copper deficiency can be identified by the plant's appearance: pale leaves with dry tips. This product is especially important for grain crops. The most common fertilizers in this group are:

• copper sulfate, copper sulfate, which has the appearance of dark blue crystals, is necessary to increase the biomass of foliage, treatment is carried out at the rate of 1 g per 1 m²;
• Copper pyrites are a black powder that contains slightly less copper than the previous one and is suitable for soil treatment.

Borates

Boron fertilizers should be applied throughout the growing season; they have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of crops. They are chelated, meaning they are highly soluble substances. The most common preparations are:

• boric acid It is used for soaking seeds and foliar feeding; it is recommended to apply 4 g per 1 m².
• during pre-sowing digging of the soil, boron superphosphate is used;
• Ammonium nitrate with boron is used on acidic soils; it helps vegetables grow and develop and protects them from various diseases.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum micronutrient fertilizers are most effective on podzolic soils; they penetrate the root system and increase protein, sugar, and vitamin levels in plants. Molybdenum-containing complexes:

• molybdenum powder is sprinkled on seeds before sowing, seeds and bulbs are soaked in the solution;
• Ammonium molybdate contains 52% molybdenum and is used for pre-sowing soil treatment;
• Molybdenum superphosphate is added to the beds before planting crops.

Manganese and zinc

Manganese fertilizers are essential for oxidation-reduction processes and proper photosynthesis, resulting in increased sugar levels in tomatoes and beets, and increased starch levels in potatoes. Manganese sulfate is applied to the soil at a rate of 1 kg per 100 m².

Zinc micronutrients prevent carbohydrate metabolism disorders, the formation of starch and sucrose, and regulate growth, frost resistance, and resistance to overheating and drought.

Colbalt and iodine

Cobalt micronutrients enhance enzyme activity and the production of chlorophyll, proteins, and ascorbic acid. Deficiencies result in slow crop growth and yellowing of leaves.

Iodine micronutrients are used in solution to treat seeds and sprouts, which increases leaf mass and normalizes fruiting.

Ready-made complex fertilizers

Complex fertilizers contain several active ingredients that are compatible with each other and are dosed correctly. They are used on various soils for pre-sowing cultivation and throughout the growing season.

Among the ready-made preparations, the following stand out:

1. "Master" contains many nutrients and is used as a foliar fertilizer. It is available only in chelated form, so it can be used on any soil.
2. "Seibit" helps combat diseases of vegetable crops and is recommended for root feeding and foliar treatment.
3. "Boro N" contains boron, which is necessary for treating leaves.
4. When preparing seeds for sowing and treating seedlings at the roots, Nanoplant is used. It stimulates root development, which has a beneficial effect on crop yields and helps resist diseases.
5. Adobe Bor is produced in liquid form of the required concentration and is used for foliar feeding.
6. Reacom allows you to reduce the amount of nitrates in finished products by half.
7. "Oracle" is used to feed flowers, lawns, and meadow grasses, regulating water flow and increasing stress resistance.
8. "Sizam" increases crop yields and has a high degree of protection against diseases and pests in the garden and vegetable garden.

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Methods of application

Possible to use microfertilizers Three methods: seed soaking, foliar feeding, and soil cultivation. The method of applying micronutrient fertilizers depends on:

• soil type;
• biological characteristics of crops;
• crop rotation;
• chemical properties of the drugs used.

Don't miss the application deadlines. Strictly follow the application instructions for a specific product. Water-based concentrates are easy to use because they already have the required concentration, eliminating the need for calculations.

Manufacturers produce micronutrient fertilizers in tablet and chelated form. This means the substance is diluted in water. These fertilizers are easily absorbed by plants and can be sprayed or watered at the roots.

Reviews

Sergey Alekseevich, Krasnodar region

I have a large garden and grow a lot of vegetables. I always use fertilizer; without it, I can't get a bountiful harvest. Fertilizers help fight diseases. Since I started using boric acid for my tomatoes, my yield has increased significantly. I also use Nanoplast.

Valentina Grigorievna, Novosibirsk region

I enjoy growing flowers. I have a large number of perennials in my garden that require additional nutrient support. I use Master fertilizer, and the flowers delight me with their long blooms and gorgeous appearance. I prefer liquid micronutrient fertilizer; it's 50% easier to apply.

Thanks to micronutrient fertilizers, gardeners increase the yield of vegetable, flower, and ornamental crops in their gardens. The micronutrients they contain promote growth, improve fruiting, and protect against diseases and pests. Today, there are many fertilizers on the market that can be used to grow a bountiful harvest.