Fertilizer Applications for Correcting Micronutrient Deficiencies

This chapter focuses on correction of boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn) deficiencies in plants grown under diverse management regimes. B fertilizers are mixed and applied with other fertilizer materials to correct potential B deficiencies for cultivated annual crops. Cu deficiencies can be corrected by applying Cu to plant foliage, or to soil by either band or broadcast application procedures. Inorganic sources and acids, synthetic chelates, natural organic complexes, frits, mine and industrial wastes, jarosites, pyrites, and crop residues have all been used in attempts to eliminate or correct Fe deficiencies in crops. Inorganic and organic Mn compounds are used for correcting Mn deficiencies. Mo deficiencies may be corrected by soil and foliar applications, and by seed treatments. Zn deficiencies can be corrected by applying Zn to plant foliage or to soil by either band or broadcast procedures. The chapter provides literature on chlorine, cobalt, and nickel deficiencies.