Microelements – Hydroponics

In addition to the basic elements, plant growth requires a number of so-called microelements (or micronutrients). They are found in the plant in negligible quantities, accounting for thousandths of a percent of its wet weight. Trace elements are assimilated only at low concentrations of the corresponding salts. When the dose is increased, they become toxic to the plant. The role of trace elements in plant life, like vitamins, is associated with the activity of enzymes. Microelements of plant nutrition include: iron, boron, copper, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel.

Hardware

Iron is a microelement that is absorbed by plants in the greatest amount, therefore it is sometimes referred to as a macroelement. However, in terms of physiological functions, this is a typical trace element. Iron is a functional part of plant enzyme systems. Its role is especially important in oxidative and energy metabolism, in the formation of chlorophyll. Iron is added to the nutrient solution in the form of ferrous sulfate (ferrous sulfate) or various chelating complexes.

Read more about iron in the article “The trace element Iron. Functions. Signs of deficit and excess ”.

Bor

Boron is the most important trace element. In order for the plant to develop normally, it must be constantly supplied with boron, since it moves poorly along the plant. In the absence of boron, the growth of roots to the ground part stops. Growth points die off, as cells of young growing tissue – meristems stop dividing. External signs of boron deficiency are similar to calcium deficiency, since the metabolism of this element is closely related to boron. Boron takes part in the process of pollen germination and the growth of the ovary, therefore, with a lack of boron, the seed production of plants sharply decreases. Boron plays an important role in the movement of sugars; a number of organoboron compounds are growth activators. Boron is added to the nutrient solution in the form of boric acid.

Read more about boron in the article “Boron trace element. Functions. Signs of deficit and excess ”.

Copper

A significant proportion of copper is concentrated in chloroplasts. Apparently, copper catalyzes some kind of reaction in photosynthesis. With a lack of copper, chloroplasts are short-lived; copper, apparently, prevents the destruction of chlorophyll. Copper is part of a number of oxidative enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, tyrosinase, etc.). Copper also plays an important role in protein metabolism. Copper is added to the nutrient solution in the form of copper sulfate or copper chelate.

Read more about copper in the article “Copper trace element. Functions. Signs of deficit and excess ”.

Zinc

Zinc is part of an important enzyme – carbonic anhydrase. In addition, zinc is involved in the synthesis of the amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor of growth substances (auxins) in plants.

Read more about zinc in the article “Zinc trace element. Functions. Signs of deficit and excess ”.

Manganese

It is very important for the plant as it catalyzes carboxylation reactions and plays an important role in photosynthesis and respiration. Organic and inorganic manganese compounds are found in all parts of the plant. Mostly it accumulates in leaves and at points of growth – in young growing tissue, where the greatest physiological activity is observed. Although manganese is not included in the molecule of oxidative enzymes, its presence promotes oxidative transformations.

The presence of manganese in the nutrient solution increases the respiration of the roots, while the assimilation of nitrate nitrogen is noticeably increased. A particularly characteristic property of manganese is its ability to oxidize iron compounds. With a lack of manganese, iron accumulates in a written form and, being poisonous, poisons plant tissue. On the contrary, with a large amount of manganese, all iron is converted into an oxide form. From this it follows that iron and manganese should be in the nutrient solution in a certain ratio, namely: iron is given four times more than manganese. This ratio is most beneficial for the plant.

Manganese is added to the nutrient solution as manganese sulfate MnSO₄.

Read more about manganese in the article “The trace element manganese. Functions. Signs of deficit and excess ”.

Molybdenum

Plants need molybdenum in extremely small quantities. It catalyzes the processes of nitrate reduction and protein synthesis.

Read more about molybdenum in the article “The trace element molybdenum. Functions. Signs of deficit and excess ”.

Cobalt

In plants, cobalt affects the accumulation of nitrogenous substances and carbohydrates, increases the intensity of respiration and photosynthesis, contributing to the formation of chlorophyll and reducing its decay in the dark. Cobalt also increases the total water content of plants, especially during drought, and is absolutely necessary for the growth of nodule bacteria and their nitrogen fixation. In plants, this element is found in ionic form and in the composition of vitamin B₁₂ (about 4,5%). Plants, like animals, themselves do not synthesize vitamin B₁₂… It is produced by bacteria in legume nodules and is involved in the synthesis of methionine.

Read more about molybdenum in the article “Trace element cobalt. Functions. Signs of deficit and excess ”.

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