IPM

Micronutrients – Why Seed Coat

Zinc deficiency in wheat

Micronutrients, or trace elements, play an important role in plant growth and human health. While trace or micro refers to the amount required, they are no less important that the macro elements of N, P , K and S. 

Internationally, scientific and humanitarian groups are working on crops to ensure micronutrient availability in a range of crops and locations. Zinc, as one example, is a major concern due to deficiency of this element  in regions where our primary food crops are grown and the direct link to brain function and learning that has been recorded.  

Soil and foliar applications are common methods of micronutrient addition. What concerns me is the value of micronutrient availability at seeding for strong initial growth, shown to be the precursor of good crop production. Whilst modern machinery ensures good seed / nutrient placement, micronutrients generally remain  a challenge due to soil moisture content, organic matter levels, nutrient interactions, and soil type.

Micronutrient seed coating is an efficient application option. In recent times we have seen high analysis micronutrient make this a more efficient and practical method of application, and may be included with other ameliorants, such as beneficial  biology, biostimulants and other trace elements.

The potential of micronutrient seed treatments for improving crop growth and grain weight have been researched internationally and show enrichment is increasing as products are well suited to this type of application.

Micronutrient application through seed treatments has been shown  to improve stand establishment, advance phenological events, and increase yield and micronutrient grain content.  In most cases, micronutrient application through seed treatment perform better or similar to other application methods.

IPM MasterClass

Micronutrients – Management in Soils and Crop

16^th April 2015

Adelaide Hills, SA
REGISTRATION:        www.ipmmasterclass.com