Soil health is a key factor in successful crop production, and understanding soil nutrient levels is crucial for growers who aim to maximize their yields sustainably. To shed light on this topic, we spoke with Rigas Karamanos, a long time expert in soil science, to discuss the critical role of micronutrients like Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) in soil health. He shares his insights on how deficiencies in these nutrients impact crop performance and why addressing them is essential for long-term soil health.
"Soil health isn't just about the numbers you see on a yield monitor, in the bin, or on a soil test," Karamanos explains. "It's about the unseen biochemical balance within the soil. This balance is crucial because it directly impacts plant growth, crop yields, and overall farm resilience. Numerous factors influence this balance, including Zinc and Iron, which are essential for maintaining healthy soil."
Zinc (Zn): The Growth Regulator
Zinc is fundamental for enzyme activation and growth regulation in plants. Karamanos explains, “When soil tests show Zinc levels below 1.0 parts per million (PPM), it’s a clear sign of deficiency. Crops like corn, and potatoes are particularly vulnerable in these conditions. Based on our research on the prairies, the critical level for wheat and beans is 0.5 ppm.” Adequate Zinc levels range from a base level of 0.5-1.0 to 3.0 PPM, while exceeding 5.0 PPM can lead to toxicity, negatively impacting plant health.
Iron (Fe): The Chlorophyll Catalyst
Iron, another essential micronutrient, is crucial for chlorophyll synthesis, which directly impacts photosynthesis. Iron deficiencies are typically observed when soil levels fall below 4.5 PPM. This can lead to chlorosis in crops like soybeans, wheat, and barley, where the leaves turn yellow but the veins remain green, severely impacting the plant’s ability to produce energy. The ideal range for Iron is between 4.5 and 10.0 PPM, with levels above 20.0 PPM being excessive and potentially harmful.
Karamanos emphasizes that deficiencies in Zinc and Iron can have severe consequences on crop performance. "Without sufficient Zinc, plants can't properly regulate growth or activate essential enzymes, leading to stunted growth and poor yield. Similarly, Iron is vital for producing chlorophyll, and a deficiency means the plant struggles with energy production, ultimately reducing both the quality and quantity of the crop."
While Zinc and Iron are critical, Karamanos highlights that other micronutrients such as Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), and especially Copper (Cu) for western Canada are also essential. “Each micronutrient plays a unique role, whether it’s in photosynthesis, reproductive growth, or overall plant metabolism. For instance, Boron is crucial for cell wall formation and sugar transport, which is vital for crops like alfalfa and canola.”
These elements collectively contribute to a soil's health profile. “Healthy soil is a balanced ecosystem,” says Karamanos. “Managing these nutrients proactively is key to maintaining that balance.”
Soileos helps farmers manage soil health with innovative, science-driven solutions that deliver nutrients differently. “By feeding the soil microbiome, Soileos moves nutrients from the granule to the plant naturally, protecting against leaching, tie-up, and other losses,” Karamanos explains. The unique microbial mineralization process ensures nutrients are available precisely when crops need them most, regardless of soil pH. This distinct approach sets Soileos apart from traditional fertilizers, offering a specialized solution for enhancing soil health and sustainability. “By using Soileos, farmers can effectively address nutrient deficiencies and support robust crop growth,” Karamanos adds.
Soileos is designed to be easy to use, fitting seamlessly into existing fertilization practices. Applied at a recommended rate of just 10 lbs per acre, Soileos blends effortlessly with other fertilizers without being bulky or requiring extra loads. As a dry granular product, it offers excellent storability, maintaining quality long-term in totes or bins, and minimizes clumping when mixed with urea or phosphorus. Soileos has a similar bulk density, size, shape, and weight to other fertilizers, ensuring it flows well and isn't prone to clumping. It also rides smoothly in saddle tanks. With a low salt index, Soileos is seed safe and can be applied directly into the seed row. It can be applied in either spring or fall without the risk of leaching or nutrient loss and remains bioavailable across a wide range of soil pH levels, making it a versatile choice for various farming conditions.
Taking control of soil health starts with understanding its nutrient profile and addressing any deficiencies that could impact crop performance. As Rigas Karamanos emphasizes, Zinc and Iron are vital micronutrients that play critical roles in plant growth and resilience. By choosing Soileos, farmers can not only manage these essential nutrients more effectively but also enhance overall soil health and sustainability.
Soileos is designed to fit seamlessly into your farming practices, delivering nutrients differently to ensure they're available when and where your crops need them most. With its innovative formulation, Soileos provides a unique solution that works across various soil conditions, making it a versatile choice for any farmer looking to improve yield and soil health.
Ready to see the difference Soileos can make for you? Contact our team today