Zinc, as one of the indispensable trace elements of plants, plays a vital role in maintaining the normal physiological function of plants. However, the phenomenon of zinc deficiency in plants is common in agricultural production, which not only affects the growth and development of crops, but also may lead to the decline of yield and quality. This paper will discuss the causes of zinc deficiency in plants from soil factors, fertilization management, environmental conditions and plant characteristics, so as to provide useful reference and guidance for agricultural production.
Soil Factors: Natural Deficiency And Chemical Bondage Of Zinc
1. Differences in soil zinc content
The content of zinc in soil varies significantly with soil type, geological history and parent material. Some soil types may be naturally deficient in zinc, which is one of the direct causes of zinc deficiency in plants. For example, the content of zinc salt in sandy soil is low and easily lost with water, so barren mountains in sandy land and orchards with heavy soil erosion are often more prone to zinc deficiency. On the contrary, zinc-rich soil can effectively meet the needs of plants for zinc and promote healthy plant growth.
2. Influence of soil pH
Soil pH is one of the key factors affecting the availability of zinc. When the soil is alkaline, zinc may be present in the form of insoluble hydroxides or phosphates, making it difficult for plants to absorb and use. In addition, the high content of phosphorus in the soil may also form insoluble zinc phosphate with zinc, further reducing the availability of zinc. As a result, plants in alkaline soils are more likely to experience zinc deficiency symptoms.
3. The role of soil organic matter and water
Organic matter in the soil can combine with zinc to form soluble zinc chelates, thereby increasing the availability of zinc. However, when the content of soil organic matter is too low, it will not only affect the dissolution of zinc and the absorption of plants, but also may cause the soil to harden, so that the zinc element is solidified in the soil and difficult to be used by plants. In addition, too little soil moisture will also affect the dissolution of zinc and the absorption of plants, while too much soil moisture may cause the loss of zinc, which will also lead to zinc deficiency in plants.
Fertilization Management: Excessive And Unbalanced Fertilization Strategies
1. Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer
Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the commonly used fertilizers in agricultural production, but excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer may cause soil alkalinity, which affects zinc absorption. In addition, the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer may also cause the deficiency of other nutrient elements, such as iron and magnesium, and the deficiency of these elements may also indirectly lead to the decline of the absorption and utilization of zinc by plants.
2. Excessive application of phosphate fertilizer
Excessive application of phosphate fertilizer can also negatively affect the availability of zinc. When phosphorus is excessive, it will react with zinc in the soil to produce zinc phosphate, which is difficult for plants to absorb and use, resulting in zinc deficiency in plants. Therefore, the amount of phosphate fertilizer should be controlled reasonably in the process of fertilization to avoid excessive application.
3. Competition and antagonism of other elements
The content and proportion of other elements in the soil also affect the availability of zinc. For example, copper, nickel, and some other elements may compete with zinc for absorption sites on the surface of plant roots, resulting in insufficient zinc absorption. In addition, the antagonism and imbalance of mineral elements in trees often lead to zinc deficiency. Therefore, the interaction between elements should be considered during fertilization to avoid the adverse effects of competition and antagonism on zinc absorption.
Environmental Conditions: The Combined Influence Of Light, Moisture And Climate
1. Difference in light intensity
Light is one of the important conditions for plant photosynthesis, and it is also an important factor affecting the zinc requirement of plants. The stronger the light, the more zinc the plant needs. Therefore, in the same tree, it can be found that the zinc deficiency of the leaves on the sunny side is more obvious than that on the dark side. This may be because sunny leaves are stimulated by stronger light and require more zinc to support their photosynthesis and growth and development.
2. Restrictions on moisture conditions
Water is one of the indispensable resources for plant life activities. However, excessive dryness or moisture in the soil may adversely affect zinc availability. When the soil is too dry, the roots cannot absorb enough elements, resulting in deficiency of plants. When the soil moisture is too high, it may cause the loss of zinc, which will also lead to zinc deficiency in plants. Therefore, soil moisture conditions should be reasonably controlled in agricultural production to ensure that plants can normally absorb and use zinc.
3. The influence of climate factors
Climatic factors such as temperature, rainfall and wind speed also affect the uptake and utilization of zinc by plants. For example, high temperatures and strong winds may accelerate soil moisture evaporation and zinc loss; Excessive rainfall can lead to zinc leaching out of the soil, reducing zinc availability. Therefore, in areas with harsh climatic conditions, corresponding measures should be taken to reduce the adverse effects of climatic factors on the availability of zinc.
Plant Characteristics: Differences In Root Development And Nutrient Absorption Capacity
1. Root development status
The root system is one of the main organs for plants to absorb nutrients. When the root system is poorly developed or damaged, it will directly affect the ability of plants to absorb and use zinc. For example, plants with dense soil, shallow active soil or poorly developed roots are more likely to have zinc deficiency. This is because these plants have difficulty absorbing enough zinc from the soil to meet their growth and development needs.
2. Differences in nutrient absorption capacity
The ability of zinc absorption and utilization by different plants is different. Some plants may have stronger zinc absorption capacity and can grow normally in zinc-deficient soil. Other plants may have a higher demand for zinc or a weaker absorption capacity, so they are prone to problems such as stunted growth and reduced quality in zinc-deficient soil. Understanding the characteristics of zinc uptake and utilization by plants is helpful for formulating targeted fertilization strategies and management measures to improve the zinc nutrient level of plants.
Symptoms And Remedial Measures Of Zinc Deficiency
1. Manifestations of zinc deficiency symptoms
Zinc deficiency in plants can present a series of obvious symptoms. For example, the main and lateral veins of the leaves are green, and the remaining tissues are light green to yellowish-white and shiny; Leaves are small, erect and clumpy; The upper leaves of the new branches are narrow and the branches are slender and the segments are shortened. These symptoms not only affect the appearance and ornamental value of plants, but also may adversely affect the growth and development of plants and yield quality.
2. Implementation of corrective measures
To solve the problem of zinc deficiency in plants, the following corrective measures can be taken to improve the zinc nutrition level of plants: First, reasonable fertilization, according to the soil test results and plant needs to make a reasonable fertilization plan; The second is to adjust the soil pH, by applying lime or gypsum and other amendments to reduce the soil pH; The third is to supplement organic matter, by applying organic fertilizer or green fertilizer to increase soil organic matter content; Fourth, reasonable irrigation and drainage to ensure that soil water conditions are appropriate; The fifth is to strengthen field management, such as tillage and soil loosening, reasonable pruning and other measures to improve the soil environment and improve the nutrient absorption capacity of plants.
Conclusion
There are many reasons for zinc deficiency in plants, including soil factors, fertilization management, environmental conditions and plant characteristics. In order to effectively solve the problem of zinc deficiency in plants, it is necessary to start from many aspects and formulate comprehensive management measures. In the future, with the continuous development and progress of agricultural science and technology, more new technologies and new methods will be applied in agricultural production to solve the problem of zinc deficiency in plants. At the same time, strengthening the application of soil monitoring and plant nutrition diagnosis technology will also provide strong support for the formulation of scientific and reasonable fertilization strategies and management measures.
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