Although zinc (Zn) is required in much smaller amounts than some of the other micronutrients, it can make a big difference in both crop yield, health and quality. Pay attention to zinc – high yields cannot be achieved without it!

Zinc is a key driver of germination and root development and is required for growth hormone production and homeostasis, as well as synthesis of nucleic acids and enzyme activity. It aids in the formation of chlorophyll, affects the uptake and use of water, and influences the rate of seed and stalk maturation. 

Manganese (Mn), a.k.a. “the activator,” is one of the nine micronutrients essential for growing a healthy crop. It is responsible for activating over 35 vital enzymes in the plant and plays an important role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism.

Manganese is a key driver of photosynthesis, acting as a catalyst for water-splitting – dividing water into its elemental parts. Manganese can also contribute to the overall health of the crop by increasing its resistance to biotic stress, such as disease, and helping it tolerate abiotic stresses, especially periods of heat and drought. 

Identifying and addressing a copper deficiency can make a big difference when it comes time to harvest. 

Copper (Cu) is a micronutrient which is only needed in trace amounts, but is involved in several key plant actions, including photosynthesis, nitrogen utilization, protein production and water regulation. Adequate copper is needed for lignin formation, affecting the overall strength of the plant, and is critical for proper seed formation.

Playing a key role in a wide range of processes within the plant, boron (B) is a micronutrient that is essential to crop health.

It is important to the cellular structure of the plant, contributing to cell wall formation and stability. It is a factor in cell division and elongation, protein synthesis, metabolism and transport of sugars and starches, hormone formation, and nodule development in legumes. Given its role as an integral component of the cell wall, boron is involved in the wound healing process, repairing cell walls damaged by hail or by chewing insects.

Molybdenum (Mo) is a trace element but it has a big job. A good, albeit small, supply of molybdenum improves nitrogen uptake and conversion in plants.