Manganese is an essential micronutrient required for optimal growth and development of wheat crops. Its deficiency can lead to various disorders in plants, which results in reduced yield and quality of the crop. The deficiency of manganese in wheat can occur due to various reasons such as inadequate soil pH, low soil organic matter, and excessive irrigation. Thus, effective control of manganese deficiency is essential to enhance the productivity of wheat crops.
Here are some steps that can be followed to control manganese deficiency in wheat crops:
1. Soil Testing: Soil testing is the primary step that needs to be performed to understand the nutrient profile of the soil. It helps to determine the soil pH, organic matter, and various other parameters that affect the availability of manganese in the soil. Based on the soil report, the farmer can decide on the correct amount of manganese fertilizer to apply.
2. Manganese Fertilizer Application: Manganese fertilizer application is an essential step in controlling manganese deficiency. Various forms of manganese fertilizers are available in the market, such as soluble salts, chelates, and organics. The farmer can apply the manganese fertilizer based on the deficiency level in the soil. An over-application of manganese fertilizers should be avoided as it can result in manganese toxicity.
3. Soil pH Management: Soil pH has a significant impact on the availability of manganese in the soil. An acidic soil (pH<5.5) limits the availability of manganese, while a high pH (>7.0) reduces the solubility of manganese in the soil. The farmer can apply lime to increase the soil pH, and sulfur application can be done to decrease the soil pH.
4. Organic Matter Management: Soil organic matter plays a crucial role in the availability of manganese in the soil. Introducing organic matter to the soil enhances the release of manganese into the soil solution, which is then available for the plant. The farmer can incorporate organic materials such as compost, manure, and cover crops to the soil to improve the organic matter content.
5. Water Management: Overwatering or improper irrigation can lead to leaching of manganese and reduce its availability in the soil. The farmer can employ efficient irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation, which ensures an adequate supply of water to the plants while avoiding overwatering.
In conclusion, manganese deficiency can affect the growth and development of wheat crops. However, effective control of manganese deficiency can be achieved by following these simple steps: soil testing, manganese fertilizer application, soil pH management, organic matter management, and water management. By implementing these practices, farmers can enhance the productivity and quality of the crop while minimizing the cost of crop production.