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Tag Archives micronutrients

Here we see a drone’s-eye view of an abandoned Canadian peat moss farm in dry summer conditions.
Columns, Crops, Practical Tips

Peatland farming, the Prairies’ best-kept secret

Practical Research: Improving these lands' copper fertility could potentially pay significant dividends

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In 1981, I heard a discussion on micronutrients in crop production by the late Jerry Stoller. He talked about the need to pay attention to the micronutrient needs of crops, because just like macronutrients — nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur — they can be depleted over time on even the best cropland. Stoller also said […] Read more
In the foreground is the new variety with no manganese — and no crop. In the background is the new variety with manganese — a good crop. On the left is Dwayne Ericksmoen of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and on the right is Guido Myovella of Tanzania Agriculture.
Columns, Crops

Les Henry: Integrated, three-province, field research program for micronutrients needed

Some mechanism to assemble and publish case studies would be an asset

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In Henry’s Handbook we had this to say about micronutrients: “I do not suffer under any illusion that we have discovered all the micronutrient deficiencies that exist in Western Canada. It is best to maintain an open mind when the question of a new deficiency comes up. Micronutrient research is expensive and often not exciting […] Read more
A farmer applies micronutrients in the fall.
Crops, Features

Micronutrient application tips

A look at copper, zinc and boron and other pointers on fertility application

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Micronutrients may only be required in small doses, but that doesn’t make them less important to your crops, and fall can be a good time to address any deficiencies. “Much like nitrogen and phosphorus, micronutrients play a critical role in crop production and yield,” says Rigas Karamanos, senior agronomist with Koch Agronomic Services. Micronutrients make […] Read more
In both wheat and barley, boron deficiency causes the unfertilized cereal grain flowers to open up just like open pollinated rye. The consequences of deficiencies are failure to set seed, as in canola and wheat, and, in barley, the open, exposed cereal flowers can have very high levels of ergot.
Columns, Crops

Bring on the boron

Boron deficiency can cause failure to set seed and ergot infection

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Over the last few years in the Prairies, there has been something of a resurgence of interest in boron. This micronutrient is critical for normal plant growth, particularly crop maturity, and water balance — and is a key factor in seed set and crop yield. In man and animals, this micronutrient is essential for weight […] Read more
The forgotten plant and animal mineral micronutrients
Columns, Crops

The forgotten plant and animal mineral micronutrients

Ten nutrient minerals essential for plants and animal nutrition

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How many times have you read about plants needing 16 nutrients for growth? The usual carbon, oxygen and hydrogen as well as the macrominerals nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium and magnesium (N, P, K, S, Ca and Mg, respectively). This is followed by micronutrients such as boron, copper, chloride, manganese, iron, molybdenum and zinc (B, […] Read more
Euan Evans, plant pathologist points out the value of providing a crop the whole nutrient package to optimize yields.
Crops

Soil testing more relevant than ever

If you don’t know what nutrients are in the soil it’s hard to meet your crop’s needs

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To optimize crop yields, Ieuan Evans, a well-known western Canadian plant pathologist, urges farmers to get back to the basics — do a soil test and follow the recommendations. Evans, speaking to farmers at the Ag In Motion farm show near Saskatoon in July says farmers have been advised since the beginning of modern agriculture […] Read more
Nodules on a soybean plant.
Crops

Why nodulation fails

When nodules don’t form, yield will suffer. 
These recommendations could stop fixation failures

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Nodulation failure can be disastrous to crop yields. In some cases, yield may be salvaged. In other cases, it will be too late. Two experts offer recommendations to avoid nitrogen fixation failures. Pre-farm failure Nitrogen fixation failures can occur at three points, says Garry Hnatowich, research director at the Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation at Outlook, […] Read more
wheat field
Cereals, Features

Copper applications have limited impact on wheat

Researchers say non-targeted copper application does not increase macronutrients

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The importance of micronutrients, including boron (B), chloride (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni), has come under the microscope in recent years. Some researchers say a lack of micronutrients can cause yield loss. According to Tee Boon Goh, a specialist in soil chemistry and mineralogy at the University […] Read more
Henry: A word about micronutrients
Columns, Crops

Henry: A word about micronutrients

With lower commodity prices, it’s back to “buyer beware” in the micronutrient market

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Depending on the textbook you read and the plant you are growing it takes from 16 to 20 chemical elements to grow a crop. And, a nutrient required in even the most minute quantity can put the lid on yield just as much as a nitrogen deficiency. In Henry’s Handbook of Soils and Crops I […] Read more

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