Manganese is a trace element vital for plants to grow strong and healthy. It plays numerous roles in plant metabolism, and scientists are still working to fully understand its diverse effects. It’s important not to confuse manganese with magnesium, as they are entirely different elements despite their similar names. In this blog post, we’ll explore the functions of manganese, how to recognize manganese deficiency symptoms, the causes of this deficiency, and how to address it effectively.
Functions of Manganese
Manganese (Mn) is crucial for several physiological processes in plants, and although it is needed in very small amounts and there are certain functions where the plant can exchange it for magnesium, there are key processes where it is essential:
1. Enzyme Component and Activator: Manganese is a key component and activator of many enzymes. One of the most important is manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the primary antioxidant enzyme in mitochondria. Mitochondria are the energy factories of cells, and they are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to their high activity. MnSOD converts harmful superoxide radicals produced during energy production into hydrogen peroxide, which other antioxidant enzymes then reduce to water. This process helps protect cells from oxidative damage.
2. Photosynthesis: Manganese plays an essential role in the photosynthesis process by aiding in the conversion of water to oxygen. In the chloroplasts of plant cells, manganese metalloenzymes form a water-splitting complex responsible for the final photo-oxidation of water, releasing oxygen into the environment.
How to Recognize the Symptoms of Manganese Deficiency
A deficiency of manganese is similar to a deficiency of iron and magnesium, but with the tips that we will give you below, you will be able to distinguish between them and recognise them:
1. Interveinal chlorosis: Similar to magnesium and iron deficiency, manganese deficiency causes the leaves to turn yellow between the veins. The main difference is that manganese deficiency first appears in the younger leaves at the top of the plant, whereas magnesium deficiency starts in the older leaves at the bottom. Comparing iron to manganese, iron deficiency will affect the entire leaf and it’s very dramatic, whereas manganese deficiency can be more subtle.
2. Yellowing of young leaves: The younger leaves show signs of yellowing and chlorosis first because manganese is not a mobile element and cannot be easily redistributed from older to newer leaves.
3. Stunted growth and leaf curling: In severe cases, leaves may curl, and growth may be stunted. It is also common for small necrosis spots to appear if the deficiency persists.
Causes of Manganese Deficiency
only the divalent form (Mn2+) is available for plant uptake. Although Mn is abundant in most soils, soil pH and O2 conditions influence the concentration of Mn2. High pH reduces its availability through MnO2 formation, whereas reducing O2 in the soil air by soil compaction or flooding, increases the Mn2+ concentration. Considering that, these are some common causes for manganese deficiency:
1. Poor Drainage: Manganese deficiency is more common in soils with poor drainage.
2. High Organic Matter: Soils high in organic matter, such as those enriched with worm castings, can also lead to manganese deficiency.
3. High Soil pH: Manganese availability decreases in soils with a high pH. Alkaline conditions make it difficult for plants to absorb manganese.
4. Overdose or other nutrients: Manganese ions can easily be replaced by other divalent metal ions, including Mg, Ca, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn. This means that an excess of these elements increases the likelihood of manganese being displaced.
How to Address Manganese Deficiency
Now that we know the causes, it is easier to understand how you can avoid or solve this deficiency. Here’s what you can do to remedy a manganese deficiency in your crops:
1. Adjust Soil pH: If the soil pH is too high, or too low manganese availability will be reduced. Maintaining a pH between 5.5 – 6.5 is ideal to avoid problems in this respect.
2. Balanced Nutrition with High-Quality Fertilisers: If soil pH isn’t the issue, ensure your plants receive the right nutrients by using high-quality fertilisers. Atami fertilisers provide a balanced diet, with macro and micronutrients, preventing deficiencies, but preventing an overdose of other nutrients.
3. Boost Root Absorption: Products like Silic Boost can enhance the absorption of manganese and iron through the roots, helping to correct deficiencies more efficiently.
Manganese is vital for various plant functions, including enzyme activity and photosynthesis. Recognizing and addressing manganese deficiency promptly is essential to maintain healthy and productive plants. For reliable and effective solutions to manganese 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!
