FACTORS AFFECTING THE MICRONUTRIENT AVAILABILITY IN THE SOIL

Abstract

This bibliographic review aims to address the micronutrients boron (B), copper (Cu), chlorine (Cl), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn), which despite being demanded in lower quantities, they are just as important for plant nutrition and development, as are macronutrients. Normally, when micronutrient levels in the soil are considered low, corrective fertilization is recommended to achieve adequate levels, and conservation fertilizers to restore the amount of nutrients exported by the plant. Micronutrients are used by cultures in small quantities, however, their lack can cause large losses in production. Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), boron (B) and chlorine (Cl) are the elements called essential micronutrients. Other elements, such as sodium (Na), cobalt (Co), silicon (Si) and nickel (Ni), are considered beneficial. The availability of micronutrients in a crop is determined by the attributes of the soil, such as texture, mineralogy, organic matter content, moisture, pH, oxy-reduction conditions and interaction between nutrients. The interplay of micronutrient dynamics in different types of soil and the demand for crops, definition of doses, sources and tactics of micronutrient supply, adjusted to local conditions, are basic and essential knowledge for increasing crop productivity and competent use of fertilizing.