GROW WIN

Magnesium (Mg) has long been illustrious for its essential role in chlorophyll formation and photosynthesis. Magnesium has an important role in living system because it is one of 18 nutrients essential for plant growth1 . Mg has a number of key functions in plants. Particular metabolic processes and reactions that are influenced by Mg include: (i) photophosphorylation (such as ATP formation in chloroplasts), (ii) photosynthetic carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation, (iii) protein synthesis, (iv) chlorophyll formation, (v) phloem loading, (vi) partitioning and utilization of photoassimilates, (vii) generation of reactive oxygen species, and (viii) photooxidation in leaf tissues. Consequently, many critical physiological and biochemical processes in plants are adversely affected by Mg deficiency, leading to impairments in quality, growth and yield2 . In most cases, the involvement of Mg in metabolic processes relies on Mg activating numerous enzymes. An important Mg-activated enzyme is the ribulose-1,5- bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase, which is a key enzyme in the photosynthesis process and the most abundant enzyme on earth3 . Plants take up Mg in the ionic form (as Mg2+ dissolved in soil solution). The rocks and clay particles in soils contain Mg but it is not plant available. As rock and clay particles weather over time (break down over time), minerals like Mg are released but this process is very slow. Magnesium levels in soil decline over time as a result of crop removal, soil erosion, and leaching. Low soil pH, and/or high levels of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca), low temperatures, and dry soil conditions can all contribute to Mg deficiency. Despite the well-known role of Mg for various critical functions, there is surprisingly little research activity on the role of Mg nutrition in crop production and quality4 . Hence, Mg is often considered a “forgotten element”. However, Mg deficiency is increasingly becoming an important limiting factor in intensive crop production systems, especially in soils fertilized only with N, P, and K. In particular, Mg depletion in soils is a growing concern for high-productivity agriculture. Due to its potential for leaching in highly weathered soils and the interaction with Al, Mg deficiency is a critical concern in acid soils5 . In our present investigation, the application of magnesium ion with different concentrations in the paddy fields, flowering and vegetable gardens are analyzed which shows significant results especially on the production of paddy, flowers and vegetables.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiencies occur, generally speaking, in soil that is light and sandy, acidic or in intensive production, such as gardening the same area without adding nutrients or organic matter back into the soil. Mineral imbalance can also contribute to symptoms of magnesium deficiency, even though magnesium is present in the soil. For instance, high levels of potassium make it difficult for plants to use magnesium. Application of additional nitrogen brings minerals back into balance, enabling plants to use available magnesium and eliminating the need for additional magnesium application.

Sulfur Deficiency

Sulfur contributes to plant growth and health. Organic and humus-rich soils are enriched with sulfur from its release during decomposition of organic matter. Because sulfur leaches out of soil very easily, the top layer of garden soil can be deficient while deeper layers of soil have sufficient amounts of this nutrient. Plants with deep roots can benefit from nutrients in lower reaches of the soil.

Deficiency Symptoms

Observe plant leaves for identification of micro-nutrient deficiency. Clues to the specific nutrient deficiency include the age of the leaves affected, older leaves vs. new leaves, for instance; the pattern of yellowing, whether leaf edges or interveinal -- yellow color between leaf vines; and distortion of the shape of the leaves. Magnesium deficiency causes yellowing of leaf edges on older leaves, compared with the interveinal yellowing present when iron is deficient. Left unchecked, magnesium deficiency can lead to complete defoliation. In certain plants, such as geraniums, magnesium deficiency also causes the leaves to curl slightly upward. Sulphur deficiency leads to stunted growth and weak stems. Young leaves are light green or yellowish in color, with lighter colored veins.