Micronutrients and correcting deficiencies

Micronutrients are elements that plants need in small quantities but that are nonetheless essential. When they are lacking, the crop suffers. This guide summarises the role of each element and the solutions available, according to the data sheets of the FP Micro Nutrientes range sold by Fertipower.

What are micronutrients

Iron, zinc, boron and copper, among others, are micronutrients. Plants take them up mainly from the soil, but their availability depends on pH, organic matter and the condition of the roots. The Sangrow Cobre data sheet sums it up well: plants need only small amounts of copper per cycle, but this element is as fundamental as the major elements.

According to the data sheets, each element has its own functions:

Iron: involved in cell respiration, photosynthesis and chlorophyll synthesis, and has low mobility within the plant. It helps to prevent chlorosis and premature leaf fall.
Boron: essential for pollen tube germination, seed formation and the thickening of cell walls.
Copper: regulator of several enzyme systems, needed for protein synthesis and nitrogen metabolism.

A deficiency may result from soil that is poor in the element, from lock-up (the Sanbor data sheet cites high soil pH as a cause of boron lock-up) or from plant demand that exceeds what the soil supplies.

When to use them

As prevention, before or during the crop’s peaks in demand.
To correct an identified deficiency; for urgent corrections, the Sangrow Cobre data sheet advises foliar application.
On soils that are particularly poor in these elements.
When root development is weak and the plant takes up little from the soil.

A soil or leaf analysis helps to confirm the deficiency before choosing a product.

Fertipower products

LIGNO MIX: formulated primarily for foliar application, to prevent and correct micronutrient deficiencies in agricultural and ornamental crops.
LIGNO ZINC: to prevent and correct zinc deficiencies; the complexing agent increases nutrient stability in the soil and the soil-to-plant transfer rate.
LIGNO FERRO: to prevent and correct iron deficiencies, as a complement to a balanced fertilisation programme.
Fersol 20: highly soluble formulation against iron deficiencies, applied to the leaves or to the soil, by dusting or through the irrigation system.
Sanbor: highly soluble formulation against boron deficiencies, applied to the leaves or through the irrigation system.
FOLIBOR-K: boron with potassium, free of chlorides, sulphates and nitrate or ammonium nitrogen, for situations where nitrogen or sodium could affect crop quality.
SANGROW COBRE: highly soluble formulation against copper deficiencies, applied to the leaves or through the irrigation system.

The full range is gathered under FP Micro Nutrientes.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know whether my crop has a deficiency?

Visual symptoms, such as chlorosis in the case of iron, give clues but are not enough. A soil or leaf analysis confirms the diagnosis.

Foliar or soil application?

The Ligno formulations are intended primarily for foliar application. Fersol 20, Sanbor and Sangrow Cobre can be applied to the leaves or to the soil; for urgent copper corrections, the data sheet advises the foliar route.

Why choose a complexed micronutrient?

According to the Ligno Zinc data sheet, chelated or complexed micronutrients improve absorption and translocation within the plant, and the complexing agent increases nutrient stability in the soil.

Should I choose Sanbor or Folibor-k?

Both correct boron deficiencies. Folibor-k, free of chlorides, sulphates and nitrate or ammonium nitrogen and containing potassium, is intended in particular for situations where nitrogen or sodium could affect the sugar content of crops.

The technical data sheet and the label of each product take precedence over this guide. To request a quote or up-to-date documentation, write to geral@fertipower.pt. You can also put your questions to the site’s chat assistant, an artificial intelligence system.