When we look at horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables and spices, we see that good nutrition is about much more than supplying the major nutrients. Healthy plant growth, flowering, fruit development and crop quality also depend on the availability of essential micronutrients.
Although plants require micronutrients in smaller quantities, their role can be significant. Zinc, iron, magnesium and sulphur are involved in important plant processes that influence growth, development and nutrient utilisation. Maintaining balanced nutrition can therefore support better crop performance.
We offer a range of products under our Micro Nutrients portfolio, including Zinc 4+, Ferrous Sulphate 19%, Magnesium Sulphate, Bentonite Sulphur, Sulphur 90% DP. These products can be integrated into crop nutrition programmes according to crop requirements and soil conditions.
What Are Micronutrients?
When we talk about micronutrients, we mean nutrients that plants require in relatively small quantities but which remain essential for normal growth and development.
A deficiency can affect processes such as enzyme activity, photosynthesis, protein formation and overall plant development. Zinc, for example, plays an important role in plant growth and development, while magnesium is closely associated with photosynthesis. Iron also contributes to important metabolic processes.
For horticultural crops, maintaining adequate nutrient availability becomes particularly important as plants move from vegetative growth into flowering and fruit development.
1. Supporting Flowering and Fruit Development
We consider flowering and fruit formation to be critical stages because nutrient demand can change significantly as the crop develops.
Balanced micronutrient nutrition can support the physiological processes involved in reproductive growth. Zinc is particularly relevant because of its role in plant growth and development.
Our Zinc 4+ can form part of a micronutrient-management programme where zinc supplementation is required. It can be incorporated into crop nutrition practices based on the crop, growth stage and recommended application programme.
2. Supporting Fruit Quality
When we think about fruit quality, we look beyond fruit size alone. Quality can be influenced by nutrition, crop health, water availability and growing conditions.
Good nutrient management during fruit development can support the plant’s overall physiological functions and complement the primary fertiliser programme.
Our micronutrient range, including Zinc 4+, can therefore be considered as part of an integrated nutrient-management approach for horticultural crops where specific nutrient requirements are identified.
3. Supporting Nutrient Utilisation
We also see micronutrients as an important part of a wider nutrient-efficiency approach. Supplying a nutrient is useful only when it is available in a form that the plant can take up and use effectively.
Zinc and iron participate in important metabolic and enzymatic functions, while magnesium has a central role in photosynthetic activity. Maintaining adequate availability can therefore support essential plant functions during active growth and fruit development.
Our Ferrous Sulphate 19% and Magnesium Sulphate provide options within its micronutrient portfolio where these nutrients are required.
4. Supporting Soil and Crop Nutrition
We believe micronutrient management should begin with understanding the crop and soil rather than applying nutrients on a routine basis.
Soil conditions, crop stage and existing nutrient availability can influence what the plant requires. Sulphur is also an important nutrient and can be considered alongside primary and other nutrient-management practices where appropriate.
Our range includes Bentonite Sulphur, Sulphur 90% DP, providing sulphur-based options within the overall fertiliser portfolio.
5. Integrating Micronutrients into Horticultural Crop Management
We would not treat micronutrients as a replacement for primary or secondary fertilisers. Their value comes from integrating them into a balanced crop nutrition programme based on crop requirements and soil conditions.
A practical approach can include:
- Before planting: Assess soil fertility and identify nutrient deficiencies where possible.
- During vegetative growth: Maintain balanced nutrition to support healthy plant development.
- At flowering: Pay attention to micronutrient availability as the plant enters its reproductive stage.
- During fruit development: Maintain appropriate nutrient availability to support continued plant growth and fruit development.
- Throughout the season: Follow crop-specific recommendations, application methods and product dosage instructions.
Using a crop-specific approach helps ensure that micronutrients are supplied according to actual plant requirements rather than through a uniform application programme.
A Balanced Approach to Better Fruit Development
For us, successful horticultural nutrition is not simply about applying more fertiliser. It is about providing the right nutrients at the right stage and maintaining balance throughout the crop cycle.
Micronutrients can support important physiological functions that contribute to healthy plant development, flowering and fruit production. Products such as Zinc 4+, Ferrous Sulphate 19%, Magnesium Sulphate and our Sulphur products can become part of this broader nutrition strategy where required.
With soil testing, crop-specific recommendations and responsible nutrient management, we can work towards a more balanced approach to horticultural production while supporting healthy crops, efficient nutrient use and consistent fruit quality.
