Many growers forget about this essential nutrient, to the detriment of crop growth and yield.
When it comes to nutrients, all growers know about the main three nutrients: Phosphorus (P), Nitrogen (N), and Potassium (K). However, these are not the only nutrients that are responsible for crop growth and high yields; there are 17 other micronutrients that play important roles. According to a Southeast FarmPress article, the essential nutrient Magnesium (Mg) is often left out of the fertilization schedule and crop yields and growth suffer. Explore the details below.
Essential Nutrient: Magnesium
The article classifies magnesium as “the “forgotten nutrient,” and “a vital team player working with other nutrients and is critical for top-profit crop production.” Magnesium is an essential nutrient that’s an important part of the photosynthesis process. Without adequate magnesium, plants cannot utilize sunlight to create energy and grow fruits or vegetables. Magnesium is the central ion in the chlorophyll molecule.
The article maintains that magnesium “works with phosphorus (P) to transfer energy needed within the plant for growth, and it works with other nutrients to build high-quality protein. Seed formation also requires both Mg and P.”
It is recommended to soil test for magnesium as well as P, N, and K, and the article shares that “crop response to fertilizer Mg occurs most often on acidic, low CEC soils that are also low in organic matter and soil test Mg.
Griffin Fertilizer offers fertilizer blends including magnesium in Griffin 4-0-8 with Agro-Mos, GRIFFIN Amino MZ, and Griffin Swamp Drench Growth Stimulator. As always, let us know how we can help with your fertilizer needs.
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.