Micronutrients in a Soil Test Report
Professor DeBacco
Micronutrients Are Essential, but…
Micronutrients are elements essential for plants, but they are required by plants in extremely small (micro) amounts.
Micronutrients Related to Plants
Their availability often correlates well with soil pH and organic matter levels.
If these two factors are in a desirable range for the crop being grown, micronutrient deficiencies or excesses seldom occur.
Soil test reports indicate the amount of several extractable micronutrients in parts per million (ppm).
Typical Soil Test Micronutrients Included
The levels of the micronutrients that typically appear on a soil test report include…
Boron (B)
Copper (Cu)
Iron (Fe)
Manganese (Mn)
Zinc (Zn)
Missing Micronutrients Recommendations?
Only typically ranges which represent typical soil background levels are provided for diagnostic purposes, but no recommendations.
Recommendations are not made because adjusting the soil pH and/or soil organic matter levels usually corrects any micronutrient problems that may exist.
Fertilizing with Micronutrients
This should only be done if all other factors are maximized.
Only certain species may benefit from levels above what is naturally in the soil.
If soil applying only use small amounts to avoid potential toxicity levels.
Foliar applications may be a better option to ensure limited additions are made.
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