Use of Molybdenum in Plants

Molybdenum is one of the trace elements essential for plant growth. In cases of molybdenum deficiency in plants, yellowing of the leaves occurs.

When examined, molybdenum is a chemical element associated with the functioning of inorganic systems, similar to steel, that prevent corrosion.

It is known as a micronutrient, a nutrient required in trace amounts, for plants to maintain their structural properties. However, it is important that it is in trace amounts.

What is the Role of Molybdenum in Plants?

The element molybdenum has several roles in plants. One of these is to form an enzyme for nitrate uptake from the soil and, in some plants, for the utilization of atmospheric nitrogen (Nitrogen Fixation).

Plants need the element nitrogen, and it is crucial for their development. It helps compounds like amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll in the plant to use nitrogen, supporting plant growth and nutrition and ensuring that reactions proceed healthily.

In Case of Molybdenum Deficiency in Plants;

We can understand molybdenum deficiency in plants from the effects that occur during nitrogen deficiency. This is due to the strong relationship between molybdenum and nitrogen.

Molybdenum deficiency in plants manifests itself through problems such as yellowing, wilting, and deformation of the leaves, which in turn have negative effects on flower and fruit formation.

Plants where such problems are observed are as follows.

Legumes
Grains
Lettuce
Tomato
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Duckweed
Grapes
Citrus
Landscaping Plants

In Which Soils is Molybdenum Deficiency Seen?

The molybdenum requirement for plants is between 0.1 and 1.0 ppm. Many soils can meet this molybdenum need, but even if present in sufficient levels in acidic soils, there is not enough available molybdenum for the plants.

In such acidic soils, the existing molybdenum must be made available for plant uptake. This can be achieved by lowering the soil's acidity level. Lime is added to the soil for this purpose. This creates a suitable environment for the plant to absorb molybdenum from the soil.

Additionally, molybdenum deficiency is also seen in peat soils and soils with low nutrient levels.

How is Molybdenum Deficiency Treated?

A wide variety of fertilizers are produced worldwide to address molybdenum deficiency in plants. The production of such fertilizers is based on extensive laboratory and optimized studies. Fertilizer manufacturers produce various foliar sprays to correct molybdenum deficiency.

Chemical Raw Materials Used to Correct Molybdenum Deficiency

The element molybdenum is not found alone in nature. It exists bonded within certain chemical substances. These chemical substances are as follows.

Some Molybdenum Sources;

Sodium Molybdate
Ammonium Molybdate
Potassium Molybdate

These chemical substances are dissolved in certain solvents and used in the agricultural sector to correct molybdenum deficiency.

How to Correct Molybdenum Deficiency?

Molybdenum deficiency in plants can be corrected with a liquid boron-molybdenum fertilizer. This way, the deficiencies of both boron and molybdenum, which have very important effects on plants, are addressed simultaneously. Boron aids in the root growth of plants.

The composition of the formula is as follows;