Magnesium (Mg) is one of the medium elements needed by plants and plays an important role in plant metabolism, growth, and development. However, magnesium is often neglected by growers and cultivators, so it’s not uncommon to see magnesium deficiencies.
So, what does magnesium do for crops? Let’s find out!
The Physiological Role of Magnesium – The Effect of Magnesium on Plants
- Magnesium is an important part of chlorophyll and pigment in plants, which can promote photosynthesis and the formation of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats;
- Magnesium is an activator of hundreds of enzymes, and also participates in the composition of some enzymes to promote metabolism in plants;
- Magnesium can improve the disease resistance of crops and prevent the invasion of germs;
- Magnesium can promote the formation of vitamin A and vitamin C in plants, and improve the quality of crops while increasing yield.
Effects of Magnesium Deficiency – The Effect of Magnesium on Plants
- Magnesium is a mobile element in plants. When plants lack magnesium they will supply the new leaves at the top first so the old leaves will first show any magnesium deficiency.
- The veins of the old leaves at the bottom become chlorotic and yellow, and expand over time, and necrotic spots will appear as the symptoms develop.
- With the increase of magnesium deficiency, the new leaves at the top of the plant will also be affected, with brown spots and discoloration of the veins, which will eventually affect the flower bud yield and quality.
Magnesium deficiency is relatively easy to fix. The first is to check and adjust the pH value of the nutrient solution and ensure that it reaches somewhere between 6.0-6.5, which is conducive to the absorption of Mg through the roots. Second, add magnesium-containing supplements when fertilizing.
Effects of Excessive Mg element – The Effect of Magnesium on Plants
- The growth of the plant is retarded, and the leaf color will be dark green.
- Symptoms of calcium lockout (magnesium toxicity can affect a plant’s ability to take up calcium).
If there is excess of Mg you should flush the roots with triple the amount of water than the capacity of the pot. After that, water your plants with a balanced fertilizer.
As always if you have any questions you can message our Instagram or Facebook and we’ll be glad to help you out! We’re happy you’re on this journey and we want to help in any way we can.
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