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 involved in synthesizing the amino acid tryptophan, which is the precursor to auxin.

• Cell Structure:

Zinc functions in plant cell structure by serving as a structural component in proteins.

• Metabolic Processes:

Zinc functions in plant metabolism by acting as a cofactor for many enzymes, regulating gene expression, synthesizing the growth hormone auxin, and protecting membranes. It is crucial for photosynthesis, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism.

• Stress Tolerance:

Zinc helps reduce the accumulation of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) by activating antioxidant enzymes.

• Plant Reproduction:

It plays a significant role in pollen formation, seed production, and the maturation of seeds and stalks.

Deficiency Symptoms in Plants:

Note: Deficiency symptoms can present differently depending on the crop species

Zinc is an immobile plant nutrient. Symptoms therefore can typically occur in the younger leaves.

• Plant Growth:
  • Stunted growth (small plants with small leaves).
  • Rosetting of internodes.
• Leaf Symptoms:
  • Interveinal chlorosis, especially in younger leaves.
  • Small or narrow leaves.
  • Distorted leaf shape.
  • Discolouration of leaves, bronzing or purpling, in some plant species.
• Flowers and Fruit:
  • Delayed or failed blooming of flowers.
  • Poor fruit set with compromised quality.
• Roots:
  • Underdeveloped root system.
• Crop Specific:
  • Maize:
    • Broad, whitish-yellow stripes running parallel to the midrib on the upper leaves.
    • Reddish-brown spots can develop in severe cases.
  • Soya
    • Interveinal yellowing, which can develop into a bronze or rusty color over time.
    • Interveinal mottling.

Oasis Agri formulates prescription blends of essential trace elements, based on soil and leaf analysis results. These blends are available in both granular form and as water-soluble powders, providing a unique solution to addressing trace element deficiency in soils.

Contact info@oasis-agri.com for more information.

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 free radicals. It can influence the expression of certain genes and the accumulation of specific compounds that help the plant adapt to stress.

• Metabolic Regulation:

Selenium influences the synthesis of secondary metabolites, like phenols and terpenes, and helps regulate nitrogen metabolism, which contributes to the plant’s overall health and resilience.

• Photosynthesis and Growth:

Selenium can protect and regulate the components of photosynthesis, which leads to higher chlorophyll content and improved photosynthetic efficiency.

• Animal Health:

Selenium is an essential trace mineral crucial for animal health, supporting immune function, reproduction, growth and acting as an antioxidant. Selenium deficiency in livestock can lead to serious conditions like white muscle disease in newborns and chronic problems such as infertility and mastitis in adults.

Deficiency Symptoms in Plants:

Note: Deficiency symptoms can present differently depending on the crop species

Symptoms of selenium deficiency in plants are not well-documented because selenium is often considered a beneficial, though not essential, element for plants.

Most of the research regarding the role of selenium in plants has only been documented within the past decade, with the majority of evidence only being documented in the past 5 years.

Oasis Agri formulates prescription blends of essential trace elements, based on soil and leaf analysis results. These blends are available in both granular form and as water-soluble powders, providing a unique solution to addressing trace element deficiency in soils.

Contact info@oasis-agri.com for more information.

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.

• Stress Tolerance:

Silica helps protect plants from oxidative stress by activating defense mechanisms and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. It can also activate a plant’s own natural defense systems against pathogens and triggers defense responses.

Silica assists with heat and drought tolerance. By reflecting sunlight, silica helps reduce a plant’s absorption of heat, protecting it from excessive temperatures. Under drought stress, silica can help plants reduce water loss by closing stomata and forming a barrier that regulates water evaporation.

In saline conditions, silica helps improve the uptake of potassium while limiting the uptake of sodium and chloride.

• Structural Strength:

It can also activate a plant’s own natural defense systems against pathogens. This increased strength makes plants more resistant to lodging, pests, and fungal infections.

• Growth and Nutrient Regulation:

By improving overall plant health and water efficiency, silica can boost photosynthesis, which helps increase biomass. Silica can improve a plant’s ability to take up other essential nutrients and can increase its overall biomass.

• Assists with Heavy Metal Toxicity:

It helps plants by sequestering and immobilizing toxic heavy metals in their tissues.

Deficiency Symptoms in Plants:

Note: Deficiency symptoms can present differently depending on the crop species

Silica deficiency is not as clear as other nutrient deficiencies, typically symptoms are more related to crop growth and development. Symptoms are not usually noticeable, but when silica is applied at adequate quantities there is a noticeable difference in the crop.

Oasis Agri formulates prescription blends of essential trace elements, based on soil and leaf analysis results. These blends are available in both granular form and as water-soluble powders, providing a unique solution to addressing trace element deficiency in soils.

Contact info@oasis-agri.com for more information.

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 get nitrogen.

• Enzyme Activation:

Nickel acts as an essential enzyme cofactor in plants.

• Stress Tolerance:

Nickel helps plants cope with environmental stresses by playing a role in the glyoxalase and glutathione cycles, which detoxify harmful compounds. It contributes to the plant’s antioxidant defense system, helping to protect cells from damage.

• Amino Acid Synthesis:

The ammonium from the urease reaction is then used along with other molecules to create amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.

Deficiency Symptoms in Plants:

Note: Deficiency symptoms can present differently depending on the crop species

• Plant Growth:
  • Stunted growth with shortened internodes.
  • The plant may have an abnormal overall growth pattern and distorted buds.
• Leaf Symptoms:
  • Chlorosis, especially of young leaves, due to impaired nitrogen metabolism.
  • The most distinctive symptom, “Mouse Ear” leaves, where leaf tips become rounded instead of pointed, and the leaf may look blunted.
  • Browning and death of leaf tips due to the accumulation of toxic levels of urea.
  • Cupping and wrinkling.
  • Leaves and leaflets are often smaller than normal.

Oasis Agri formulates prescription blends of essential trace elements, based on soil and leaf analysis results. These blends are available in both granular form and as water-soluble powders, providing a unique solution to addressing trace element deficiency in soils.

Contact info@oasis-agri.com for more information.

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:

Molybdenum acts as a cofactor for several other important enzymes that aid in plant metabolism, including those involved in sulfur metabolism and hormone synthesis.

• Sulphur Metabolism:

Molybdenum acts as a cofactor for the enzyme sulfite oxidase, which converts sulfite into sulfate. This process is essential for creating the sulfate that plants need to build sulfur-containing compounds like amino acids, which are critical for protein production and overall growth.

Deficiency Symptoms in Plants:

Note: Deficiency symptoms can present differently depending on the crop species

• Stunted Growth:
  • There is a general failure to develop to full size. There is often an associated reduction in flowering and fruiting.
• Yellowing Leaves:
  • General yellowing or interveinal chlorosis first occurring in the older leaves. This is due to the link between nitrogen metabolism and molybdenum.
• Leaf Edge Scorching:
  • The edges of the leaves may die back and become brown.
• Crop Specific:
  • Crucifers:
    • Molybdenum deficiency often presents a “whiptail” in broccoli and cauliflower. The midrib grows but the leaf blade is stunted.
  • Legumes:
    • Stunted and yellow appearance due to poor nitrogen fixation.
  • Citrus:
    • Large, yellow, interveinal spots appear on the leaves. These can develop brown gum deposits and, in severe cases, cause leaves to drop.

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 Defence and Resistance:

Manganese is required for lignin production, which assists in resistance to cell wall damage. It also has an antioxidant function, which protects the plant from stress.

• Plant Strength and Structure:

As a requirement of lignin production, manganese assists in strengthening of cell walls and ultimately provides strength and structure to the plant.

• Promotes Growth:

Manganese influences cell division and elongation, which is fundamental for overall plant development.

Deficiency Symptoms in Plants:

Note: Deficiency symptoms can present differently depending on the crop species

Manganese is an immobile plant nutrient. Symptoms therefore can typically occur in the youngest leaves and growing points.

• Primary Symptoms:
  • Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing of leaves between the veins).
  • Pale colouration.
  • Necrotic brown or grey spots/streaks.
  • Deformed curled leaves with a wavy appearance.
• Secondary Symptoms:
  • Overall stunted growth.
  • Reduced yield due to impaired photosynthesis.
  • Abscission of developing leaves with reduced flowering and fruit formation.
  • Increased susceptibility to stress and disease.
• Crop Specific:
  • Maize and Soya:
    • Interveinal chlorosis of the youngest leaves. Contrast between green veins and yellow interveinal areas is prominent.
  • Potatoes:
    • Small, black necrotic spots on the middle portion of leaves, the surrounding area is slightly less green than the leaf area towards the margins.
  • Cereals:
    • Pale green or yellow patches on the youngest leaves.

Oasis Agri formulates prescription blends of essential trace elements, based on soil and leaf analysis results. These blends are available in both granular form and as water-soluble powders, providing a unique solution to addressing trace element deficiency in soils.

Contact info@oasis-agri.com for more information.

Functions in Plants and Soil:

• Promotes Growth:

Iodine has been shown to increase both leaf and root biomass. Which in turn improves nutrient and water uptake.

• Enhances Photosynthesis:

Iodine is required for effective photosynthetic processes and can increase the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and phenolic compounds required for photosynthesis.

• Promotes Earlier Flowering and Increases Flowering:

Iodine is involved in gene regulation which contributes to improved and earlier flowering.

• Abiotic Stress Tolerance:

Iodine assists plants by activating defense pathways against biotic and abiotic stress by stimulating hydrogen peroxide accumulation within the plant and by activating plant defense hormones like salicylic acid and jasmonic acid. Iodine also activates enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants to combat oxidative stress.

• Calcium Signaling:

Iodine assists in calcium mobility within a plant and has been shown to improve fruit quality, firmness and shelf life.

• Animal Health:

Iodine is required for healthy functioning of the thyroid, especially important for livestock.

It also has a critical and interconnected relationship with selenium which contributes to thyroid function.

Deficiency Symptoms in Plants:

Note: Deficiency symptoms can present differently depending on the crop species

Iodine deficiency is not as clear as other nutrient deficiencies, typically symptoms are more related to crop growth and development. Symptoms are not usually noticeable, but when iodine is applied at adequate quantities there is a noticeable difference in the crop.

Symptoms include:

• Stunted growth with less foliage.
• Poor root development.
• Delayed flowering.
• Reduced seed production.

Oasis Agri provides prescription blends of essential trace elements, based on soil and leaf analysis results. These blends are available in both granular form and as water-soluble powders, providing a unique solution to addressing trace element deficiency in soils.

Contact info@oasis-agri.com for more information.

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 in chlorophyll production as well as enzymes required to produce energy during flowering.

• Cell Wall Metabolism:

Copper assists in the formation of lignin, which provides structural integrity to cell walls. Again, it is necessary for various enzymatic processes.

• Stress Response:

Copper assists in protecting plants from oxidative stress.

Deficiency Symptoms in Plants:

Note: Deficiency symptoms can present differently depending on the crop species

Copper is an immobile plant nutrient. Symptoms therefore can typically occur in the youngest leaves and growing points.

• Plant Growth:

Stunted growth with shorter stems and smaller leaves.

• Leaf Symptoms:
  • Youngest leaves / new leaves are deformed, twisted or curled.
  • Chlorosis starting from the leaf tips and margins. Severe deficiency results in necrosis on leaf edges and between veins.
  • Young leaves may wilt while older mature leaves remain dark green.
• Flowers and Fruit:
  • Delayed flowering, reduced fruits and seed production.
  • Flower termination before opening.
• Roots:
  • Poorly developed root system.
  • Discoloured brown roots. Roots may turn black after cutting.
• Crop Specific:
  • Maize:
    • New leaves may have a bluish-green tint.
    • Leaf tips and edges may show necrosis.
  • Grains:
    • Young leaves may develop dry, white, twisted tips.
    • Grain ears can be trapped in leaf sheath.
    • Unfilled spikelets.

Oasis Agri provides prescription blends of necessary trace elements, based on soil and leaf analysis results. These trace element blends are available in both granular form and as water-soluble powders, providing a unique solution to addressing trace element deficiency in soils.

Contact info@oasis-agri.com for more information.

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 are involved in various metabolic reactions, including photosynthesis rate, production of nucleic acids, carbohydrates, fats, sugars, etc.

• Hormone Modulation:

Promotes growth hormones such as cytokinin and auxin which assists with cell division, growth and development. Cobalt can also suppress ethylene, a stress hormone.

• Growth Promotion:

Through a combination of the functions mentioned, cobalt promotes overall growth.

Deficiency Symptoms in Plants:

Note: Deficiency symptoms can present differently depending on the crop species

• Plant Growth:

Stunted or slow growth.

• Leaf Symptoms:
  • Interveinal chlorosis of younger leaves.
  • Severe deficiency can result in complete yellowing, necrotic brown spots and leaf termination.
• Flowers and Fruit:
  • Lower fruit production.
  • Poor seed yields.
• Roots:
  • Poor nodulation in legumes.
  • Reduced root growth with smaller root volume.
• Crop Specific:
  • Legumes Specific Symptoms:
    • Poor nodulation.
    • Small leaves and pods.
    • Reduced seed production.
  • Non-Legume Symptoms:
    • Slow growth.
    • Leaf discolouration – chlorosis (occasionally reddening of leaves).

Oasis Agri provides prescription blends of trace elements, based on soil and leaf analysis results. These trace element blends are available in both granular form and as water-soluble powders, providing a unique solution to addressing trace elements in soils.

Contact info@oasis-agri.com for more information.

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 Wall Structure:

Boron is a structural component of cell walls, providing strength to the plant

• Root Development:

Boron is critical for cellular division and root elongation.

• Hormone Regulation:

Boron is involved in various hormone functions in a plant. It helps to balance hormones like auxin which impact plant growth.

• Nitrogen Metabolism:

Boron is especially important for nitrogen fixation in legume crops. It is required for rhizobia nodule development along legume roots.

• Fruit & Seed Development:

Boron is vital to reproductive processes including pollen viability and germination, pollen tube elongation, fruit and seed development.

Deficiency Symptoms in Plants:

Note: Deficiency symptoms can present differently depending on the crop species

Boron is an immobile plant nutrient. Symptoms therefore will typically occur in the youngest leaves and growth points.

• Plant Growth:

Stunted and/or distorted growth.

• Leaf Symptoms:
  • Young leaves may be small, curled, thickened or distorted.
  • Brittle texture, cracked stems and leaf midribs.
  • Interveinal yellowing or reddish-purple discolouration.
• Growth Points:
  • Severe deficiency can lead to death of growth points.
• Flowers and Fruit:
  • Poor or failed bud development.
  • Reduced or failed flowering or fruiting.
  • Deformed, cracked or discoloured fruit.
  • Poor seed quality.
• Roots:
  • Shortened, thickened, stubby roots with darkened or necrotic tips.
  • Internal browning in root vegetables.
• Crop Specific:
  • Maize:
    • Shortened internodes.
    • White or yellow spots on upper leaves,
    • White streaks along length of leaves.
    • Deformed cobs with incomplete filling.
    • Shortened or absent silks.
  • Tomatoes:
    • Hollow or “puffy” fruits, and shoulder cracking.
    • Spotting on fruit.
  • Fruit:
    • Apples: Internal “water core”.
    • Pears: Dieback of new shoots and hard brown flecks inside the fruit.
  • Brassicas:
    • Stunted or distorted growth.
    • Hollow stems, sometimes with a brown discoloration.
    • Poor curd development in cauliflower.
    • Cracked petioles and midribs.
  • Root crops:
    • Hollow, cracked, or discolored stems.
    • Internal brown rot or discoloration.
    • Rough, cankered patches on the roots.