Iron is a vital micronutrient required for the growth and development of numerous plants, including rice. Ferrous is a form of iron that is extremely important in the development of rice nursery. However, with the growing deficiencies of essential micronutrients in the soils, the occurrence of ferrous deficiency in the rice nursery has become a common phenomenon. The ferrous deficiency generally manifests as yellowing of new leaves, stunted growth, and chlorosis, which can significantly compromise the yield of the rice crop. In this article, we highlight the causes and effects of ferrous deficiency in the rice nursery.
Causes of ferrous deficiency
There are several factors that can lead to the deficiency of ferrous in rice nurseries, including;
High pH levels: Soils with high pH levels often have limited ferrous availability, leading to ferrous deficiency in plants. In alkaline soils, ferrous may precipitate and become unavailable for uptake by rice plants.
Poor soil drainage: In poorly drained soils, ferrous can easily build up to toxic levels and become unavailable to plants. The stagnant water condition also results in inadequate aeration limiting the ferrous availability.
Insufficient irrigation: Insufficient water supply in the nursery can cause soil moisture stress, which lowers the ferrous availability for rice plants.
Effects of ferrous deficiency on rice nursery
Ferrous deficiency in rice nursery can affect the growth, development, and yield potential of the crop. Some of the effects of ferrous deficiency are:
Chlorosis: Ferrous deficiency causes yellowing of new leaves leading to stunted growth of the plant.
Reduced Yield: Insufficient levels of ferrous in the nursery may also reduce the yield potential and quality of rice grains.
Reduced resistance to diseases and pests: Rice plants experiencing deficiency to ferrous become prone to diseases and pests, translating to increased costs on pesticide application.
How to correct ferrous deficiency in rice nursery
To correct the ferrous deficiency, the following approaches should be considered:
Modifying the pH levels: By lowering the pH levels, plant-available forms of ferrous will increase, making them available for plant uptake.
Proper irrigation: Adequate watering is crucial for ferrous uptake. Consistent irrigation supplemented with drainage for the excess water helps in providing adequate moisture to the plants.
Micronutrient fertilizers: The use of micronutrient fertilizers containing ferrous can be applied to the rice nurseries to correct the deficiency.
In conclusion, the deficiency of ferrous in the rice nursery is a significant concern for rice farmers. Understanding the causes of the deficiency is critical in correcting the problem and ensuring that the crop attains its full potential. This can be achieved through soil testing, regular irrigation, and proper use of micronutrient fertilizers. By doing so, farmers can boost their productivity levels and have increased yields of the rice crop.