Plant Nutrition
Copper Nutrient Info
Copper - Quick Facts
- Copper activates enzymes and catalyzes reactions in several processes
- Copper is necessary to chlorophyll formation and therefore essential for photosynthesis and respiration
- Many vegetable crops show Cu hunger, with leaves that lose turgor and develop a bluish-green shade before becoming chlorotic and curling
- Important in the role of pollination of self-pollinating crops such as wheat and barley
- Form used by plants: Cu+ or Cu+2
Copper - Role of Nutrient
- Stimulates protein formulation
- Enhances N utilization
- Activates several enzymes
- Critical in the role of photosynthesis, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and respiration.
- Has a significant influence on color development and regulates the photosynthetic electron transport.
- Copper assists in the binding of free oxygen radicals which makes them harmless.
- Copper is important for lignification of cell walls.
- Copper is important for rhizobia production associated with legumes.
Copper - Nutrient in Soil
- Cu availability decreases as pH increases but more closely associated with organic matter content.
- Excess Cu encourages Fe (iron) deficiency.
Copper - Deficiency Symptons
- Young leaves become wilted with chlorosis and twisting, eventually they wither and die
- Heads may become deformed and fill poorly
- Higher incidence of stem melanosis and ergot in self-pollinating crops like wheat and barley
- In cereals, the youngest leaves turn white due to damaged chloroplasts
Copper - Factors Affecting Deficiency
- High soil pH, high organic matter, poorly drained and light sandy soils are all factors reducing Cu availability.
- Excessive manure applications may bind copper to the additional organic matter, further reducing availability.
- Increasing N impedes movement of Cu from older to newer tissue growth.
- High concentrations of available Mn, Fe, and P can depress copper absorption by plant roots and may increase the intensity of copper deficiency.
Copper - Deficiency Photos
Copper deficiency in Canola | Copper Deficiency in Canola
Copper deficiency in Canola | Copper Deficiency in Canola
Copper deficiency in Canola | Copper Deficiency in Canola
Copper deficiency in Soybeans | Copper Deficiency in Soybeans
Copper deficiency in Soybeans | Copper Deficiency in Soybeans
Copper deficiency in Soybeans | Copper Deficiency in Soybeans
Copper deficiency in Wheat | Copper Deficiency in Wheat
R3 Agronomic Platform
Roots – The vegetative stage looks to develop vigorous, healthy roots to maximize nutrient acquisition from the soil. The end result is a healthy root rhizosphere.
Reproduce – Supply the essential nutrients at reproduction to help the plant maximize pollen viability, flowering, pollination, seed set and fruit development.
Ripen – Late season nutrition is vital to optimize the nutrient density and quality of the crop.