Soil Science - Sameti.org

Soil Science
ii.
iii.
iv.
Flower formation is inhibited and if flowers do form, they abscise before setting of fruits.
Mlybdenum deficiency imbalances various amino acids in the plant.
It reduces the activity of the symbiotic and non-symbiotic nitrogen fixing organism.
Mo-deficient legumes will not modulate well or fix the normal amounts of N expected of them.
9. Copper
Copper is capable of acting as electron carriers in enzyme system which bring about oxidation reductions
in plant. It is an essential constituent of enzyme. Sommer et. al. have established copper as essential
element for plant in 1931.
Functions of Copper
i. Copper is a constituent of chlorophyll and thus help the synthesis of chlorophyll.
ii.
iii.
iv.
It is essential for the synthesis of vitamin-A and other compound in plants.
It acts as a catalyst in respiration.
It is involved in respiration and in utilisation of iron.
Symptoms under Deficient Supply
i. Copper deficiency is evident as chlorosis, withering and often distortion of the terminal leaves.
Copper deficiency is induced by heavy liming and excessive application of nitrogen and
phosphates.
ii.
iii.
iv.
The food synthesis by the process of photosynthesis is hampered.
Multiple bud formation in the leaf axial and malformation of leaves is one of common deficiency
symptom of copper.
Gum pockets under the bark and ‘Die-back’ of shoots in citrus are the predominant symptoms of
copper.
v. The fruit are subjected to cracking and die-back of terminal growth can occur.
10. Boron
Functions of Boron
i. Boron plays an important role in the development and differentiation of tissue, carbohydrate
metabolism and translocation of sugar in plants.
ii.
iii.
iv.
It makes up the calcium deficiency to some extent.
It helps in the normal growth of plant and in absorption of nitrogen in soil.
It helps in root development and flower and pollen grain formation. Warington has established
boron as essential element for plants in 1923.
Symptoms under Deficient Supply
i. Plant growth is retarted and the leaves turn yellow or red.
ii.
Boron deficiency is often found to be associated with sterility and malformation of reproductive
organs.
24 Reading Materials for Village Level Workers