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How can a copper deficiency be prevented?

Copper (Cu) is seen as an essential element for the development of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and enzymes within the plant. Therefore, a copper deficiency is believed to negatively affect the plant’s growth. But how can a copper deficiency in the plant be remarked? And more importantly, how can it be solved or even prevented? An explanation is given by our product specialist fertilizers in this article.
copper
Han van der Kooij 
Product specialist Fertilizers | December 12, 2019 | 3 min. reading time

The importance of copper

As mentioned above, the creation of proteins in the plant and the process of photosynthesis are dependent on the element copper. These proteins are needed for the development of chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis. Besides, the cell walls are strengthened by copper, contributing to the natural resistance of the plant. Thanks to this resistance, the plant is able to defend itself from stressful situations and diseases. 
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Causes copper deficiency

Even though shortages of copper are mainly seen in the younger leafs, it can be spotted in every part of the crop. A copper deficiency can be caused by several factors: 
  • High pH level in the soil or substrate
  • Surplus of iron, aluminium, manganese or calcium (antagonism)
  • Presence of diseases
  • Unfavorable climate within the greenhouse

Results copper deficiency

Several effects due to a shortage of copper in the plant, can be remarked. A break-off of chlorophyll within the leafs can be caused by a copper deficiency, leading to yellow discoloration in between the leaf’s grains. This discoloration is likely to lead to the plant hanging loosely. 
In addition, the flowering of a plant is limited: twigs, meristems and sprigs die due to this shortage.  Besides these visual symptoms, a worsened plant’s performance such as a decrease in the growth process, can indicate a shortage of copper.  

Symptoms copper deficiency

Apart from the problems that could arise in the functioning of the plant, a shortage of copper can also be seen in the plant visually: 
  • Drying of the young leafs
  • Curling leafs that start to hang
  • Discoloration of the leafs
  • Dying flower buds or sprigs

Prevent or solve a copper deficiency

Did you notice a deficiency of copper in your crop? Firstly, make sure to find the cause. A healthy soil life ensures a better and easier intake of nutritional elements. Did you check the soil life? Is the nutritional feeding schedule correct and in balance? If yes, it is recommended to check the pH level in the soil or substrate. This can be done by means of a pH meter. If the pH level appears to be different than expected, make sure to adjust the pH with fertilizers. Also, use of a copper chelate is recommended. 

Surplus of copper

Even though a surplus of copper does not occur very often, it is not impossible to happen. This surplus is often combined with a deficiency of iron, because it obstructs the crop’s intake of iron.

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Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Han van der Kooij will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.

How can a copper deficiency be prevented?

Copper (Cu) is seen as an essential element for the development of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and enzymes within the plant. Therefore, a copper deficiency is believed to negatively affect the plant’s growth. But how can a copper deficiency in the plant be remarked? And more importantly, how can it be solved or even prevented? An explanation is given by our product specialist fertilizers in this article.
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Han van der Kooij specialist fertilizers
Han van der Kooij 
Product specialist Fertilizers | December 12, 2019 | 3 min. reading time
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copper
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The importance of copper

As mentioned above, the creation of proteins in the plant and the process of photosynthesis are dependent on the element copper. These proteins are needed for the development of chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis. Besides, the cell walls are strengthened by copper, contributing to the natural resistance of the plant. Thanks to this resistance, the plant is able to defend itself from stressful situations and diseases. 
Want to read more?
This is a premium article. Do you want to read the entire article? Log in and get access to the article directly. 
Don't have an account? Create an account for free. As soon as we have processed your request you get access to the entire article.

Causes copper deficiency

Even though shortages of copper are mainly seen in the younger leafs, it can be spotted in every part of the crop. A copper deficiency can be caused by several factors: 
  • High pH level in the soil or substrate
  • Surplus of iron, aluminium, manganese or calcium (antagonism)
  • Presence of diseases
  • Unfavorable climate within the greenhouse

Results copper deficiency

Several effects due to a shortage of copper in the plant, can be remarked. A break-off of chlorophyll within the leafs can be caused by a copper deficiency, leading to yellow discoloration in between the leaf’s grains. This discoloration is likely to lead to the plant hanging loosely. 
In addition, the flowering of a plant is limited: twigs, meristems and sprigs die due to this shortage.  Besides these visual symptoms, a worsened plant’s performance such as a decrease in the growth process, can indicate a shortage of copper.  

Symptoms copper deficiency

Apart from the problems that could arise in the functioning of the plant, a shortage of copper can also be seen in the plant visually: 
  • Drying of the young leafs
  • Curling leafs that start to hang
  • Discoloration of the leafs
  • Dying flower buds or sprigs

Prevent or solve a copper deficiency

Did you notice a deficiency of copper in your crop? Firstly, make sure to find the cause. A healthy soil life ensures a better and easier intake of nutritional elements. Did you check the soil life? Is the nutritional feeding schedule correct and in balance? If yes, it is recommended to check the pH level in the soil or substrate. This can be done by means of a pH meter. If the pH level appears to be different than expected, make sure to adjust the pH with fertilizers. Also, use of a copper chelate is recommended. 

Surplus of copper

Even though a surplus of copper does not occur very often, it is not impossible to happen. This surplus is often combined with a deficiency of iron, because it obstructs the crop’s intake of iron.
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Han van der Kooij will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Han van der Kooij, fertilizers specialist