See the options—including which is best—for applying micronutrients to boost crop production and quality.
In our latest blogs, we shared the importance of micronutrients and options for testing for micronutrients to avoid toxicity. In this last blog in the series, we’re sharing information about applying micronutrients. Our source is the wealth of information in a Growing Produce article that is an excerpt from an expanded article that quotes Kaan Kurtural, a Senior Agronomy Information Technology Manager at Wilbur-Ellis, an Agribusiness Solutions company. See the details below.
Tips for Applying Micronutrients
Applying micronutrients like boron, zinc, iron, copper, and more should obviously come after testing to avoid toxicity. In the article, Kurtural said “Micronutrients are essential, but a little goes a long way. It’s not uncommon for toxicity to show up if application rates aren’t precisely calculated.” The article points out that micronutrients “don’t follow a one-size-fits-all script. Their availability, mobility, and effectiveness are closely tied to your soil pH, organic matter, and even your application method.”
As to application method, in foliar applications versus soil applications, Kurtural advised growers to go with foliar applications when applying micronutrients. He said ““Micronutrients are needed in such small quantities — a pint to half a gallon per acre — that foliar sprays are more efficient. They’re taken up quickly by leaves and fruit.”
The article added that “Soil application is less reliable, especially in calcareous soils, where high pH can lock up essential elements like iron or copper. That said, chemigation through drip irrigation is possible, depending on the element and the soil profile.” Additionally, “Flooding or pivot irrigation, on the other hand, is less likely to deliver consistent uptake.”
Micronutrient application should not be guesswork, cautioned Kurtural, as toxicity is most often caused by application error. He advised growers to utilize a Certified Crop Adviser.
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.