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    NUTRIENT:

    MOLYBDENUM

    Molybdenum (Mo) is a trace element found in the soil and is required for the synthesis and activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase. Molybdenum is vital for the process of symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation by Rhizobia bacteria in legume root modules.

    Rare Deficiency

    Considering Mo’s importance in optimizing plant growth, it’s fortunate that Mo deficiencies are relatively rare in most agricultural cropping areas.

    Deficiency Symptoms

    Molybdenum-deficiency symptoms show up as a general yellowing and stunting of the plant. A Mo deficiency can also cause marginal scorching and cupping or rolling of leaves.

    Usage

    Several materials supply Mo and can be mixed with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers applied as foliar sprays or used as a seed treatment. Seed treatment is the most common way of correcting Mo deficiency because of the very small amounts of the nutrient required.

    MoO₄⁻² Anion

    Plants take up Mo as the MoO₄⁻² anion

    pt_nutrient_details_soybean

    Soil pH to Molybdenum Ratio

    Molybdenum becomes more available as soil pH goes up, the opposite of most other micronutrients.

    Toxicity

    Excessive Mo is toxic, especially to grazing animals.

      • Deficiency Symptoms

        Molybdenum-deficiency symptoms show up as a general yellowing and stunting of the plant. A Mo deficiency can also cause marginal scorching and cupping or rolling of leaves.

      • Usage

        Several materials supply Mo and can be mixed with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers applied as foliar sprays or used as a seed treatment. Seed treatment is the most common way of correcting Mo deficiency because of the very small amounts of the nutrient required.

      • MoO₄⁻² Anion

        Plants take up Mo as the MoO₄⁻² anion

      • Soil pH to Molybdenum Ratio

        Molybdenum becomes more available as soil pH goes up, the opposite of most other micronutrients.

      • Toxicity

        Excessive Mo is toxic, especially to grazing animals.

      Molybdenum deficiency symptoms

      Symptoms of deficiency can vary across crop species, but similarities exist for how nutrient insufficiency impacts plant tissue color and appearance. Nutrient deficiencies are commonly associated with the physical location on the plant (i.e., whether the symptoms are primarily observed on older versus newly formed plant tissue), but these symptoms can spread as the severity of the deficiency progresses.

      Looking to dig deeper into molybdenum?

      Browse the Resource Library for Molybdenum-related articles, research insights and more.