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ZINC (Zn) Functions in Plants and Soil: Enzyme Activation: Zinc acts as a co-factor for various enzymes. It can assist with enzyme structure, enzyme activation and as a helper in initiating catalytic reactions. Some of the enzymes dependent on zinc assist with carbohydrate metabolism and photosynthesis. Hormone Synthesis: Zinc serves as a cofactor for enzymes…

SELENIUM (Se) Functions in Plants and Soil: Antioxidant Defense: Selenium increases the production of antioxidant enzymes and molecules, which scavenge damaging reactive oxygen species that are produced under stress. Stress Tolerance: Selenium improves a plant’s ability to cope with various abiotic stresses (drought, high temperatures, salinity and heavy metals) by reducing the damage caused by…

SILICA (SiO4) Functions in Plants and Soil: Physical Defense: Silica integrates with cellulose and lignin in cell walls, making them more rigid and resilient against physical damage. It forms deposits on the surface of leaves and stems, creating a rougher texture that makes it difficult for insects to chew through or grip onto the plant.…

NICKEL (Ni) Functions in Plants and Soil: Nitrogen Metabolism: Nickel is essential for activating the enzyme urease, which is necessary to convert urea into ammonia, a form of nitrogen plants can use for growth. In leguminous plants, nickel plays a role in nodulation and nitrogen fixation, helping them form symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria to…

MOLYBDENUM (Mo) Functions in Plants and Soil: Nitrogen Metabolism: Molybdenum is essential for the enzyme nitrate reductase break down nitrates absorbed from the soil into nitrite. Nitrogen Fixation: In legumes, molybdenum is vital for the bacteria in root nodules to convert nitrogen gas from the air into ammonia, which the plant can use. Enzyme Cofactor:…

MANGANESE (Mn) Functions in Plants and Soil: Photosynthesis: Manganese is essential for energy production during photosynthesis; it is crucial for converting light energy into chemical energy. Enzyme Activation: Manganese activates various enzymes within a plant. Some of which are required for nutrient metabolism as well as some required for carbohydrate metabolism and starch production. Plant…

COPPER (Cu) Functions in Plants and Soil: Photosynthesis and Respiration: Copper is necessary for electron transport within a plant, this is necessary for photosynthesis and respiration, helping to generate energy. Enzyme Activation (Coenzyme): It is required for enzyme activation of several enzymes necessary for photosynthesis and respiration. Copper is also a cofactor for enzymes required…

COBALT (Co) Functions in Plants and Soil: Nitrogen fixation: In legumes, cobalt is essential in assisting rhizobia bacteria in converting atmospheric nitrogen into plant available nitrogen. Stress Tolerance: May assist in stress tolerance to drought and salinity, this is thought to occur through hormonal regulation. Enzyme Activation: Cobalt is a cofactor in various enzymes which…

BORON (B) Functions in Plants and Soil: Cell Division: Important for cell division, especially at growth points. Boron is primarily found in meristematic tissues (actively growing areas), reproductive tissues and leaves. Sugar Transport: Boron helps move sugars produced during photosynthesis from leaves to other parts of the plant, including growing tissues and developing fruits. Cell…

Building Climate-Resilient Farms Starts from the Ground Up Currently we are experiencing a La Niña weather phenomenon and moving into a neutral phase. However, according to the latest forecast one can see that they are forecasting the development of a strong El Niño phenomenon from August 2026 onwards. Extreme weather events, such as extended drought…