WHAT'S NEW
USE BIOAVAILABLE MAGNESIUM TO IMPROVE PRODUCE QUALITY Magnesium (Mg) is the powerhouse behind photosynthesis in plants. Without adequate Magnesium, chlorophyll cannot capture sun energy needed to photosynthesise. It aids in plants’ ability to form sugars and starches and is needed to give the plants their green colour. Mg is involved in many aspects of plant metabolism, encouraging healthier crops with improved quality produce and nutrient value that is passed to our food. Early symptoms of Mg deficiency impairs the development of sink organs such as roots relative to shoots, which is particularly critical for those crops storing substantial carbohydrates or oils in tubers, bulbs, and grains. Particularly for these crops, high quality produce strongly depends on sufficient Mg availability (Grzebisz 2013). The key to having optimum uptake of your applied Magnesium is to choose a formulation that is highly bioavailable, such as BIOMIN amino acid chelated Magnesium. Bioavailability ensures high absorption, little runoff or wasted product and less biochemical energy utilised by plants. BIOMIN minerals utilise advanced technology whereby the molecules are chelated in amino acid Glycine. Plants readily absorb Glycine, and systemically transport it to
areas of the plant where it is needed most. This higher uptake means less product is needed, and therefore less tractor runs to apply it. A study investigated the effect of MgSO4, Amino-acid chelated Mg (Mg-AA), and Mg-EDTA on quality parameters of Chinese cabbage (Han et al. 2010). Concentrations of chlorophyll, soluble sugar, soluble protein and vitamin C were increased only by Mg-AA chelate, whereas the other Mg sources increased yield only. In addition to choosing a bioavailable Magnesium for more precise nutrient application, a Fulvic acid plant electrolyte for overall health and performance of crops should be considered. Dubbed as mother nature’s ‘battery’, a concentrated fulvic acid product applied to any crop will have noticeable positive improvements. Fulvic acid, like Magnesium, increases plant chlorophyll and helps to improve crop health by increasing the uptake and effect of all nutrients both soil or foliar applied. For example, a capsicum grower adding fulvic acid to their nutrient mix appeared to have lifted mineral levels in the plants in just seven days. The leaf tissue analysis showed levels of Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Boron increased in the seven day period, even though the nutrient mix remained the same. The addition of Mobilizer (a fulvic acid product) enabled higher utilisation of the nutrients being applied, while also reducing sodium levels supporting numerous other findings around fulvic acid. Growers should ensure adequate Mg supply required for maximum yield, which at the same time will ensure optimal crop quality. However it is also important to look at more available formulations and improve the utilisation of applied minerals. The significance of Magnesium and Fulvic acid and their impact on Nitrogen and Phosphorus metabolism and assimilation should not be dismissed. For more information contact Roots, Shoots & Fruits on rsf@rd2.co.nz or on 09 372 9155
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NZGROWER : FEBRUARY 2021
