Safefertilizer’s Weblog

You’re probably used to looking for the “fertilizer analysis” on the package of fertilizer you purchase.  Normally, the package lists the N-P-K number, or the percentage of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium containd in the fertilizer.  Those nutrients are called “Macro nutrients,” and they are some of the most important nutrients, needed in the highest quantities, by all plants.  There are, however, other nutrients that plants need.  If the plants don’t get these nutrients from the soil, you’ll know it because your plants will have problems.  Here is some information about these micro nutrients, what they do for the plant, how to recognize nutrient deficiencies and how to treat them.

Boron

Boron is part of flowering, fruit and seed formation, metabolism (breaking down stored sugars), and water movement.  If your plant is deficient in Boron, it will grow slowly, and the terminal bud at the top of the plant or end of a branch could die.  Add organic matter like compost or a natural fertilizer to add Boron to the soil.

Copper

Copper is present in every part of the plant and is a catalyst for activity with enzymes.  If your soil is deficient in copper, the tips of plants will die back.  Muck soils are most likely to exhibit copper deficiencies. You can add copper sulfate to add copper.  You need to be EXTREMELY careful if you add copper to your soil.  It is better to add organic matter or a natural fertilizer.

Manganese

Plants need manganese for photosynthesis, enzyme catalyst, iron intake and vitamin uptake.  If the soil has a dearth of Manganese, the leaves of the plants will look mottled in between the veins.  Eventually, the leaves will turn white and fall off.  The more acid the soil, the more available the manganese is to plants.

Zinc

Zinc plays a part in protein and starch synthesis, as well as seed development.  It is a mobile nutrient, so lower leaves of the plant will show the effects first.  An excess of phosphorous will cause zinc to become unavailable.

Iron

Iron is sometimes unavailable to plants in soils that are alkaline (have a high pH).  Some plants can literally remove all of the iron from the soil.  Blueberries are heavy iron consumers.  Adding compost to the soil is one way to ensure that iron is available to all plants.  Adding seaweed fertilizer to the compost pile or to the soil will also make iron more available to plants.

If your plants look unhealthy, try adding a natural fertilizer with macro and micro nutrients to the soil, or work in organic matter.  Your plants will thank you!

Calcium

If your plants don’t get enough calcium, you will see it in the stems and roots of growing plants.  Blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers is a symptom of calcium deficiency.  You can increase calcium in the soil by adding lime.