ARS | Publication request: Micronutrients for Sustainable Agriculture

Submitted to: International Soil Science Congress Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: November 5, 2008
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The micronutrients are essential for plant growth and reproduction, however deficiencies of these elements is major cause of yield decline in many parts of the world. Micronutrients are essential for proper physiological and biological functions in plant. Climatic factors (hot humid climate), soil degradations and bad management practices have increased the incidence of micronutrient deficiency in crop plants. Proper micronutrient concentrations in plants are important in host ability to resist or tolerate infectious pathogens. Plant acquisition of micronutrients is affected by numerous soils, plant, microbial and environmental factors. Soil pH, redox potential, biological activity, soil organic matter, cation-exchange capacity and clay contents have major impact on the availability of micronutrient in soils. Soil organic matter (SOM) has major influence on increase, decrease and no effect on micronutrients availability to plants. Both organic and inorganic micronutrient sources are used to correct deficiencies in soil. Soil application includes band or broadcast applications before planting or foliar sprays during vegetative growth. Development of micronutrient-efficient and/ or tolerant-resistant genotypes appears promising for improving future crop production. Additional information is needed to improve micronutrient recommendations especially for determining long-term availability, and to evaluate macronutrient fertilizer effects on micronutrient availability. Over view of micronutrients for sustainable agriculture will be presented.