Iron (Fe) is the most deficient microelement in Turkey: Calcareous soils, high soil and water pH, high HCO3 (Bicarbonate) concentration, incorrect applications and irregular use of different Fe -based fertilizers are the main reasons for the deficiency.
Role in Plant Nutrition
In general, iron is a component of cells, proteins and enzymes. It takes part in nitrogen fixation, respiration and photosynthesis activities. The element iron has a unique function in the plant, being part of the heme proteins found in various cytochromes (part of the chlorophyll molecule responsible for photosynthetic activity). The most common symptom of Fe deficiency is chlorosis caused by the irregular structure and development of the chloroplast due to the inhibition of protein and lipid activities. Depending on the plant and the dose applied, iron has the ability to increase resistance to fusarium and other fungal diseases.
Environmental Factors Affecting Fe Nutrition
Environmental factors have a great impact on Fe deficiency in plants under field conditions. Iron deficiency chlorosis is more common in wet and cold soil conditions. The primary factor affecting it is the inhibition of root development and decreased root activity at low soil temperature.
Soil moisture, Fe status and HCO3 concentration in the soil, which affect plant metabolism, affect the availability of Fe. The increase in Fe deficiency due to irrigation in the plant is generally due to the fact that the water used contains high levels of HCO3. In addition, reduced aeration conditions due to overwatering of the soil cause the death of small roots and reduce the absorption capacity of the entire root system.
Iron deficiency in plants is generally seen in alkaline and calcareous soils, but sometimes deficiency is also observed in acidic soils.
Since Fe is immobile in the plant, chlorosis first appears in young leaves. Symptoms begin on young leaves, the inner parts of the leaf turn yellow, the veins remain green. In extreme deficiencies, the leaves turn almost white and the veins begin to turn yellow. Newly developed leaves remain small.Here are some of the iron fertilizers we recommend from the product groups on our site!
Note: The image in this picture is iron deficiency, the veins are green and the leaf appearance is yellow.
