Manganese is an essential mineral required by all living organisms as a component of many enzymes and proteins. It plays a crucial role in the photosynthetic process, which provides energy for plant growth and development. In wheat (kanak) crop, manganese deficiency can lead to reduced yield and poor crop quality. Therefore, it is essential to understand the causes of manganese deficiency and how to control it effectively.
Causes of Manganese Deficiency in Wheat Crop:
Manganese deficiency in wheat crop occurs due to several reasons. One of the primary causes is the high pH of the soil. Manganese is less available to plants in alkaline soils. Similarly, manganese deficiency can also occur due to excessive liming or fertilizer application, as it may reduce the availability of manganese in the soil, which affects plant growth and development. Another reason for manganese deficiency in wheat crop is soil compaction, which reduces the soil’s aeration, limiting the uptake of essential nutrients by the plant.
Symptoms of Manganese Deficiency in Wheat Crop:
Manganese deficiency in wheat crop appears as yellowing of the leaves, especially in new growth. The leaves may also show interveinal chlorosis and exhibit necrosis or death of the leaf margins. The crop may show stunted growth and reduced tillering, resulting in low yield and poor quality of crop.
Control Measures for Manganese Deficiency in Wheat Crop:
To control manganese deficiency in wheat crop, it is essential to take effective measures. Soil testing is the first step to identify whether the soil is deficient in manganese or not. Once the deficiency is confirmed, a suitable manganese fertilizer can be applied to correct it.
The following are some control measures that can help prevent manganese deficiency in wheat crop.
1. Applying Manganese Fertilizer: To overcome manganese deficiency, it is essential to apply manganese fertilizers in the soil. The commonly used fertilizers are Manganese sulfate, Manganese oxide, and Manganese chelate. These fertilizers should be applied according to recommendations based on soil test results.
2. Liming and Fertilizer Management: It is essential to manage soil pH by following recommended liming rates. Similarly, fertilizer management should be followed to avoid excessive nutrient application, which can lead to manganese deficiency.
3. Soil tillage management: Soil compaction can limit the uptake of essential nutrients like manganese. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain soil tillage by using proper tools and machines to improve soil aeration and tilth.
4. Crop Rotation: Crop rotation helps to break the disease cycle, improve soil quality, and increase the availability of nutrients. It helps to avoid continuous cropping of wheat on the same plot, which can cause manganese deficiency.
Conclusion:
Manganese deficiency in wheat crop can lead to reduced yield and poor quality of crops. However, it can be controlled through proper management practices. It is essential to follow soil-testing to identify the deficiency and apply recommended manganese fertilizers in the soil. Proper soil management practices like liming, fertilizer management, soil tilth management, and crop rotation should be followed to prevent manganese deficiency and improve crop yield and quality.