Magnesium fertilization
Magnesium fertilization – which plants and when to perform the procedure?
How to supplement magnesium deficiencies?
When is the uptake of magnesium by plants difficult?
Magnesium fertilization - which plants and when to perform the procedure?
Fertilizing plants with magnesium in the soil where our plants grow is important due to the function that this element plays. Firstly, it influences the proper course of photosynthesis and energy transformation. This is because it co-creates chlorophyll in plant tissues. Chlorophyll is the pigment responsible for the green color of leaves. If we talk about the functions that magnesium performs in plants, we cannot overlook the fact that it also participates in other important processes:
- it allows for access to all organs of sucrose, glucose, and starch. The substances that we mentioned are products of photosynthesis;
- thanks to magnesium, the process of synthesizing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates takes place properly;
- in addition, thanks to this element we stimulate and strengthen the root system, which contributes to the effective uptake of nutrients from the soil;
- we also affect the proper water management and energy regulation in plant cells;
- through the application of magnesium, we also make the plant absorb major macronutrients better. We have in mind mainly potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium;
- It is no discovery that nourished living organisms (including plants) are characterized by better resistance and condition, which also translates into visual attractiveness.
The plants most exposed to magnesium deficiencies include vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, as well as root vegetables. Conditions that contribute to these deficiencies are heat and dry air. Therefore, we should take care of enriching the soil on which the above-mentioned plants grow. When is the best time to take these actions? Firstly, when we notice symptoms that would indicate magnesium deficiencies, such as spots and discoloration of leaves indicating chlorosis and mottling of the leaves. This is a disturbance of the coloration along the veins of the leaves. A significant and notorious deficiency results in necrosis between leaf veins and increased susceptibility to other diseases.
How to supplement magnesium deficiencies?
As soon as we observe the above symptoms in our plants, let’s first use fertilizers that contain magnesium, which are also environmentally friendly. For example, compost and manure are well known to all farmers and gardeners and are rich in magnesium. Fertilizer manufacturers have also produced special calcium preparations that contain magnesium in their composition. Ready-made fertilizing mixtures containing appropriately balanced amounts of minerals that do not interfere with each other are a great convenience even for laymen. They will not only supplement magnesium deficiencies but also proportionally enrich the soil with other valuable minerals. The advantage of these preparations is primarily the ease of application, provided that we carefully read the clearly stated information on the packaging.
It is best for plants when the supply of mineral substances takes place gradually and in small quantities. To accurately estimate the amount of minerals – including magnesium – needed by our crops, it is necessary to conduct a chemical analysis of the soil. Only when we professionally determine the class and pH of the soil can we professionally take care of the plants. Intuition, of course, is also useful for some – most often experienced – in determining the scale of problems related to mineral deficiencies. It is worth emphasizing that plants absorb magnesium very well during increased growth also foliarly. We can therefore prepare mineral solutions and provide plants with elements using sprays. There are such available on the fertilizers market.
When is the uptake of magnesium by plants difficult?
In the context of our statement, we must necessarily emphasize that such elements as potassium, calcium, or calcium function in the soil as cations. This means that they compete with each other, which is why it is so difficult to provide plants with all the necessary ingredients in the right concentration. As for magnesium, we will reduce its bioavailability when we overly intensively saturate the soil with potassium, nitrogen, and calcium. We also notice similar difficulties in young plants, when their roots are not sufficiently developed. Therefore, depending on the specific case, foliar application in the form of a spray may turn out to be beneficial. Fertilizing with magnesium is a task that can be handled by amateur gardeners, but it is advisable to have minimum engagement and remember the above tips.
