Pasture and Forage

It has a marked effect on the expansion of tissues of the aerial and underground parts, it increases the tolerance of the plant under stress caused by water deficit and extremes of temperature.

It is the nutrient that most impacts the increase in forage production in pastures. Enabling a greater number of animals per hectare. 

Deficiency – The plants show slow growth, remaining small, with few tillers and the crude protein content becomes insufficient for animal feed.

It participates in a series of metabolic processes, as it is a structural constituent of key molecules such as Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP), Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) and Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADP), Carbohydrate Esters (Fructose- 6- phosphate, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, ribulose-1,5 phosphate, etc.), membrane constituent phospholipids, Pentoses phosphate of the nucleic acids that make up DNA and RNA.

Deficiency – Appears on older leaves, bluish green with purplish or yellowish tones and smaller leaf area. It can also cause delayed flowering and uneven seed maturation that, together, impact the reduction of the plant’s productive capacity and affect the next generation.

It is responsible for the stomatal movement, the k ion acts directly on the opening and closing of the stomata. This control over stomatal opening is directly linked to water absorption, due to the difference in water potential that is caused by water loss. 

Participates in photosynthesis and translocation of Synthesizers. Potassium in photosynthesis is linked to the influence on the synthesis of rubisco, the main enzyme responsible for carbon fixation. It is activator of more than 60 enzymes. It also participates in nitrogen metabolism by participating in carbohydrate metabolism. It acts on meristematic growth.

Deficiency – It manifests itself through thin culms and less resistant to overturning, its leaves are yellowish, with necrosis.

Responsible for the structural and physiological stability of plant tissues, together with other substances, it regulates the permeability processes of cells and tissues; It also has enzyme activator function.

Calcium forms phytates and pectates, which makes it important in maintaining cell wall integrity.

 Deficiency – Appears on young leaves. These leaves are usually smaller than normal, with the surface between the chlorotic veins, with necrotic spots and a tendency to curl downwards.

Mg participates in the activation of several enzymes and in the stability of ribosomes; it is also a component of the chlorophyll pigment.

More than 300 enzymes are influenced by magnesium.

Deficiency – Appears on older leaves. These leaves present the surface between the chlorotic veins, which, with the worsening of the deficiency, turn yellow, however the veins remain green.

Sulfur is essential for plants, as it is a nutrient that plays a structural role in several important molecules of metabolism. 

For example, molecules from the amino acid group such as methionine, cysteine ​​and cystine, which are necessary for the formation of proteins.

Deficiency – It starts in the youngest leaves and resembles those of nitrogen deficiency. A chlorosis that can be accompanied by purplish reddish tones depending on the plant, as well as reduced-size leaves with curling of the margins.

Activation of the nitrogenaze enzyme. It acts on the metabolism of nucleic acids. It has catalytic and structural functions and participates in the formation of chlorophyll.

Deficiency – It starts in the new leaves, in the highest parts. It is also common to notice that only the veins of the leaves remain green, while the blades turn yellow. In severe cases of iron deficiency, necrosis and leaf fall occur, leading to total defoliation.

Participates in photosynthetic processes Formation of bridges between ATP and enzymes Involved in oxidation-reduction processes.

Deficiency – Older leaves, leaf bases and stems show brownish black spots as a consequence of MnO₂ accumulations. Subsequently, these spots present chlorotic edges.

Influence on permeability of membranes. It helps the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. Cellular component stabilizer. Component of several enzymes. 

Deficiency – The leaves are small and their tips are usually white. The general growth of the plant is stopped (dwarfing). The older and central leaves have chlorotic spots with necrotic areas.

Influence on the permeability of xylem vessels to water. It participates in many physiological processes.

Controls DNA and RNA production It is involved in disease resistance. It acts as an enzyme activator.

Deficiency – Symptoms initially appear on the young leaves of the plants. They become wilted and curled. The petiole and stems of the youngest leaves are curved downwards. The leaves do not have the same green color. They become yellowish or lighter green, and then suffer yellowing.

Carbohydrate metabolism Sugar transport across membranes; Synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and phytohormones Formation of cell walls Cell division. 

Deficiency – Appears on new leaves, with a reduction in size and deformation of the same.