Manganese is an essential micronutrient required for the development of wheat plants. Its deficiency can have a significant impact on the crop’s growth, leading to a decrease in yield and quality. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and correct manganese deficiency in wheat crops.
Signs of Manganese Deficiency
The first sign of manganese deficiency in wheat is yellowing of leaves between the veins, accompanied by pale veins. As the deficiency persists, the leaves will start to curl up and die. In severe cases, the wheat crop may develop a brown or grayish-black coloration in the lower leaves.
Correcting Manganese Deficiency
The correction of manganese deficiency can be done through the following steps:
1. Soil Testing
The first step in correcting manganese deficiency in wheat is to conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient content of the soil. A soil test will provide information on the level of manganese in the soil and the appropriate corrective actions to take.
2. Foliar Application
Foliar application of manganese is one of the most effective ways to correct manganese deficiency in wheat. Manganese can be applied as foliar spray using a solution of manganese sulfate. A foliar spray helps to deliver manganese directly to the plant, bypassing the soil, and correcting the deficiency quickly.
3. Soil Amendment
If soil test reveals a low level of manganese in the soil, then a soil amendment may be necessary. Soil amendment involves adding manganese fertilizer to the soil. Manganese fertilizers are available in different forms such as Manganese oxide, Manganese sulfate, and Manganese chelate. The appropriate form of manganese fertilizer to be used depends on the soil pH, texture, and organic matter content.
4. Crop Rotation
Manganese deficiency in wheat can also be addressed by crop rotation. Crop rotation involves alternating wheat with other crops that have a high manganese requirement. This practice helps to improve the availability of manganese in the soil, reducing the risk of deficiency in the subsequent wheat crop.
Conclusion
Manganese deficiency can have a severe impact on the health and productivity of wheat crops. Timely identification and correction of the deficiency are necessary to ensure optimal plant performance and yield. The above corrections, namely soil testing, foliar application, soil amendment, and crop rotation, are some of the best ways to correct manganese deficiency in wheat crops.