Copper is an essential micronutrient for plant growth, necessary in small quantities, but vital for good plant health and productivity. Its role is not limited to being a nutritional component; it also acts as a natural protector against diseases, which makes copper fertilizer key for crops.
Why is copper important for plants?
Copper (Cu), present in nature mainly in the form of compounds such as sulfides and carbonates, has multiple functions in plants:
- Chlorophyll and protein synthesis: It is key to the photosynthesis process.
- Structural strengthening: It participates in the formation of lignin, which gives rigidity to cell walls.
- Stress resistance: Promotes the formation of viable pollen and helps plants resist fungal and bacterial diseases.
- Quality improvement: Intensifies the color and flavor of fruits and vegetables.
Its deficiency can cause serious problems, such as the weakening of young leaves, reduced production of pollen, flowers and seeds, and even increased susceptibility to diseases.
What does copper deficiency look like in soils and plants?
Copper deficiency usually occurs in sandy soils, with high lime concentration or high pH, as these factors limit its availability. The most common symptoms include:
- New leaves turning bluish and folding downward.
- Wilt at the top of the plant.
- Necrosis on leaves and young branches.
In cereal crops such as wheat, deficiency can cause lodging (stalk drop), reduced vigor and low crop yields. It is crucial to diagnose these deficiencies by soil and tissue analysis before correcting them with fertilizers.
Which crops need more copper?
In Spain, several crops require special attention to copper supply due to their sensitivity to low copper concentrations:
- Cereals (wheat, barley): They need copper to avoid problems such as stunt and ergot (parasitic fungus of the genus Claviceps, also known as ergot).
- Vegetables (carrots, onions, spinach): Highly sensitive to its deficiency, they show problems in the development of hojas y raíces.
- Vineyards and olive groves: Essential to the Spanish agricultural economy, copper plays a crucial role in protecting against fungi such as mildew.
- Fruit trees (apple, pear): Often affected by diseases such as apple scab, which copper helps to prevent.
Copper fertilization: how and when to apply it
Some practical recommendations for its use:
- Application timing: In general, the application of copper fertilizer is recommended at times of beginning and maximum vegetative activity, especially when situations occur that may affect crop development. It can also be used as a corrective treatment in emergency situations.
- Dosage: The dose of copper fertilizer will depend on many variables, from soil fertility to crop type, since, in foliar applications, it is always lower. It is important to customize the application to the needs of the plant at each key moment.
- Avoid excesses: Whatever the dose, it is always important to avoid excess application of copper fertilizer as copper toxicity can damage roots and reduce iron and zinc uptake.
At BH Terra, we are manufacturers and distributors of organic fertilizers and have a range of copper fertilizers designed to meet the specific needs of your crops.