As Teagasc put it in a recent report, soil is part of the wealth of Ireland – and every nation for that matter. When the land is blessed with healthy topsoil, growers can produce tougher, more bountiful plants from the roots on upward. Though Irish topsoil is in mostly good condition compared to other nations worldwide, it’s important that even the traditional ways of farming account for some level of soil depletion.
Commercial over-farming now threatens to deprive crops of the favourable soil conditions that nourish their growth. Agronomists and ecologists agree that regenerative agricultural practices can reduce the further diminishment of soil quality – and might be able to improve the level of essential nutrients available for growers in the future.
In particular, regenerative agriculture practices that impart key nutrients and minerals will provide greater results (many of which are available in the Ascophyllum nodosum used for Titan® for Crops products.
Calcium
Plants rely upon a high-functioning metabolism as much as humans do. It’s the basis of any fruitful crop, since your plants need to be able to convert their food into energy without complications. When there is the right amount of calcium in the soil, plants are able to move other essential nutrients through their cells, improving their enzyme functions.
Though calcium is often in ample supply across a variety of minerals contained in the soil, the majority is insoluble and is not in a form that’s easily accessible to crops. Fortunately, seaweed soil conditioners can provide bioactive compounds that make the process of calcium absorption, whether you’re using what’s available or adding calcium supplements, much easier.
Magnesium
Sunlight, water and CO2 are key ingredients to photosynthesis, but they also require an abundant amount of chlorophyll to help plants create food. For plants to make this pigment and to efficiently metabolize their food, they require a healthy dose of magnesium.
Healthy topsoil typically has the amount of magnesium for lively photosynthesis and plant metabolism, but in regions where commercial farming is common, this macronutrient is in short supply. One sign that the soil has a shortage of magnesium is the appearance of chlorosis in your crops, which is identifiable by premature yellow replacing the green surface areas of your plants’ leaves.
Seaweed soil conditioners like Titan® for Crops can furnish soils and plants with the magnesium they depend upon while also enhancing root systems with other organic compounds. This allows all of your seaweed-supplemented plants to find and use whatever amounts of the macronutrient are already present.
The Other Micronutrients Plants Need
Some nutrients are better in small doses, though with soil degradation, not even those requirements are met on land that was once arable for our grandfathers. Without micronutrients in the right amounts, crops will struggle with photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme production and more.
- Manganese – There is quite a bit that this micronutrient can achieve. Manganese makes pollination, photosynthesis, respiration, root cell elongation and immune responses easier when present in the right amount.
- Zinc – Chlorophyll, as well as magnesium, relies upon a select amount of zinc to help plants flourish and stay verdant throughout the growing season. If you see discoloured leaves or smaller than usual plants, then your crops are likely lacking in zinc.
- Iron – When there’s too much nitrate, sulphate or other nutrients, your crops can experience nutrient burn. With the right amount of iron, you can prevent that possibility and enhance a variety of enzymes and pigments.
- Boron – When it comes to crop cell structure, boron is vital. When enough of this micronutrient is in the soil, cell membranes and cell walls offer sturdy support and even contribute to the protection of plant health.
- Copper – This micronutrient is essential to the formation of multiple plant enzymes, pigmentations and even fruit and vegetable flavours. When there are deficiencies, crops are often riddled with necrotic spots on leaves that failed to fully form or branch.
How can you improve soil nutrient management with our Titan® for Crops? Reach out to our team to learn the science behind the superior yields.