Iron is an essential micronutrient for plant health and development. Although iron is the fourth most abundant element in the earth’s crust, most of it is in non-bioactive forms. Fe deficiency is a global horticultural problem. With around 30% of the world’s soils currently low in Fe, chlorosis and reduced yields can be a problem. Although iron is required in smaller quantities than macronutrients, it is essential for several physiological functions. In this blog article we’ll look at how iron works, how to recognise symptoms of iron deficiency, what causes iron deficiency and how to treat it effectively.
Functions of Iron
Iron is a trace element, but just because it is needed in small amounts does not mean that its role in the plant is any less important. So important, in fact, that iron deficiency has a major impact on plant health and growth. Iron is essential for several plant functions, including:
1. Chlorophyll Production: Iron is a key component in the synthesis of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis, which gives plants their green color.
2. Enzyme Function: Iron acts as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in energy transfer, nitrogen fixation, and respiration.
3. Protein Synthesis: It plays a role in the formation of proteins and helps in the overall growth and development of plants.
How to Recognize the Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Identifying iron deficiency early can save your plants from severe damage. Here are the symptoms to look for:
1. Interveinal Chlorosis: One of the most common signs is interveinal chlorosis, where the area between the leaf veins turns yellow while all the veins remain green. This typically starts with the younger leaves.
2. Stunted Growth: Severely iron-deficient plants exhibit stunted growth and poor overall health.
3. Leaf Drop: In the case that the deficiency extends for a longer period, leaves may drop prematurely, further hindering plant growth.
Iron deficiency can look very similar to nitrogen, magnesium and manganese deficiencies. While manganese deficiency also starts in the younger leaves, nitrogen and magnesium ones are the other way around. So, in these cases, observing where the symptoms are more pronounced, on the young or older leaves, is a good way to rule out deficiencies.
Causes of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency severely affects plant growth. For this reason, many fertilisers include iron to improve crop yields. Although iron is abundant in the earth’s crust, it is often in an oxidised form that is not readily available for life. Some factors that can lead to iron deficiency in plants are:
1. High Soil pH: Iron becomes less available to plants in alkaline soils (high pH). At a pH above 6.5, iron solubility decreases, making it harder for plants to absorb.
2. Imbalanced nutrition: An imbalance of nutrients can inhibit iron uptake. An excess of phosphorus, magnesium, copper, manganese and zinc in the substrate can cause iron deficiency.
3. Waterlogged Soil: Poor drainage and waterlogged conditions can reduce iron availability in the soil.
4. Soil Type: Calcareous soils, which are high in calcium carbonate, often have low iron availability.
5. Compacted Soil: Compacted soil can restrict root growth, limiting the plant’s ability to absorb iron and other nutrients.
How to Address Iron Deficiency
Fortunately, iron deficiency can be corrected with a few practical steps:
1. Iron Chelates: Use products that contain iron chelates, which are more readily absorbed by plants. All Atami products that contain iron (Fe) do so in chelated forms, such as EDTA, which are readily available to the plant.
Atami’s base fertilisers provide all the essential nutrients for your plants. And with our additives, you can customise and optimise the nutrition according to your specific needs. Rich iron products that you can add to your plants’ nutrient regime are Bloombastic or Rokzbastic, which not only provides iron, but also phosphorus and potassium, ideal for lush flowerings and great harvests.
2. Balanced Fertilization: Ensure a balanced nutrient supply to avoid imbalances that can inhibit iron uptake. Avoid over-fertilizing with the nutrients noted above.
3. Improve Soil Aeration: Enhance soil drainage and aeration to prevent waterlogging and compacted soil conditions.
4. pH Regular Monitoring: Conduct regular soil tests to monitor pH levels and nutrient availability, adjusting as needed. Iron chlorosis can occur because the pH of the soil is too alkaline (pH > 6.5).
Iron is a vital nutrient that supports numerous plant functions, from chlorophyll production to enzyme activity. Recognizing and addressing iron deficiency promptly can prevent significant damage and ensure healthy, thriving plants. For reliable and effective solutions to iron deficiency and other plant nutrition needs, consider using Atami products. Visit our website to explore our range of high-quality plant care solutions, learn about other plant deficiencies and keep your garden flourishing. Happy gardening!
