Magnesium Fertilizers

All plants need magnesium (Mg). Under optimum growing conditions, plants garner this magnesium from the soil. But magnesium availability can be hampered due to leaching, especially in sandy soils, or because of environmental conditions such as wet, cold, or an acidic root environment. An imbalance of nutrients in the soil, including high levels of potassium, calcium, or ammonia, can also restrict magnesium uptake by plants.

The Role of Magnesium in Crops

Magnesium is required to help plants to capture the sun’s energy for growth and production through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis takes place in chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, and magnesium is the central atom of the chlorophyll molecule, with each chlorophyll molecule containing 6.7% magnesium.

Magnesium also plays a significant role in activating enzymes involved in respiration, photosynthesis, and nucleic acid synthesis. It aids in phosphate metabolism, serving as a carrier of phosphate compounds throughout the plant. Magnesium facilitates the translocation of carbohydrates (sugars and starches), enhances the production of oils and fats, and is necessary for cell division and growth.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium-deficient plants show interveinal chlorosis (dark green veins with yellow areas between them) on their older leaves. These yellowed or chlorotic leaves develop spotted areas of dead tissue and the leaf edges curl. Since magnesium is mobile in the plant, the lower or older leaves are always affected first.