Manganese is a vital trace element present in most organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. It is an essential nutrient required for enzyme activation, bone development, and wound healing. However, manganese deficiency can lead to an array of health problems. In plants, it can cause yield losses, impaired chloroplast activity, and developmental abnormalities. Control of manganese deficiency is crucial to avoid these adverse effects.
The primary approach to control manganese deficiency in plants is by ensuring adequate manganese availability in the soil. Manganese rarely exists in its free form in the soil, and it often binds to organic matter or other minerals, making it unavailable to plants. Thus, soil testing to determine manganese deficiency is essential in identifying the appropriate fertilization practices.
Soil acidity affects manganese availability, and low soil pH (<5.5) significantly decreases manganese availability. Liming the soil to increase the pH level can help boost manganese uptake. However, soil amendment tests are recommended to avoid over-liming, which may result in other nutrient imbalances. In addition to soil tests, visual symptoms of manganese deficiency such as pale yellow or white areas on the leaves can indicate manganese deficiency. In such cases, foliar application is a quick solution, although it only provides short-term relief. Manganese sulfate and chelated manganese are often used for foliar applications, depending on the severity and urgency of the deficiency. Crop rotation and intercropping techniques can also help control manganese deficiency, as some crops such as legumes can improve manganese levels in the soil through their nitrogen-fixing ability. Manganese deficiency is also linked to other factors such as excess iron, calcium, or magnesium levels, and it is essential to understand the exact cause of the deficiency to develop an effective control strategy. In conclusion, control of manganese deficiency in plants involves a comprehensive approach, including soil testing, foliar application, liming, and crop management practices. Identifying the specific cause of the deficiency is critical in devising an effective control strategy. Ensuring adequate manganese levels in the soil helps to prevent yield losses, maintain plant health, and improve crop productivity.