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What are 'missing elements'?

In plant nutrition, sometimes the so-called ‘missing elements’ are discussed. In term of fertilizers, many different elements with a nutritional value can be named. These elements are divided into head- and trace elements. Besides, elements outside of these categories also exist.
Chrysanthemums
Maarten Casteleijn
Product specialist Plant Resilience| December 4, 2020 | 3 min. reading time

What are 'missing elements'?

First, it was believed that plants only need water in order to grow. However, later the importance of head- and trace element fertilizers came to light. Also ‘missing elements’ are considered to have a function for plants, in which our product specialist would like to provide more information.

The ‘missing elements’ can be described as elements of which the nutritional value is not commonly known. Furthermore, these elements are present in small amounts which is the reason for them not being included in the category ‘fertilizers’. However, the ‘missing elements’ are believed to be a good contribution to plant resistance. That is why some of these elements are looked upon as bio stimulants. 

According to scientific research, it can be stated that there is a limiting factor when plants are provided with optimal nutrition. The element or factor that has a limitation in its availability to the plant, is believed to determine the speed of the growth process.

This is considered to be caused by the shortage of this specific element. An element’s deficiency could emerge, because it cannot be taken in by the plant properly. In addition, elements could counteract with each other (antagonism), leading to an insufficient intake of nutritional elements.

What elements are covered by 'missing elements'

According to the ‘fertilizer law’, 12 elements can be seen as essential to crops. However, when analyses are performed on plants in their natural habitat, over 60 different elements can be found. 

It is known that there definitely are several ‘missing elements’ that positively effect a crop. Examples are:
  • Selenium 
Selenium is involved in a plant’s process of photosynthesis. Especially the ultraviolet part of light can be taken in better when selenium is present within the plant. Due to selenium, a conversion process of light to energy could take place, which is perceived to support the plant’s photosynthesis.
  • Silicon
Silicon’s popularity is rising. The plant’s ability to ‘build in’thiselement, ensures stronger cell walls. Besides, a better intake of calciumin the plant is established thanks to the addition of silicon. Even though, the intake of calcium improves,the concentration of potassium should be monitored closely. In the end, silicon has indicated to lead to a firmer plant with a better resistance.
  • Seaweed/algae
Also, the advantages of the use of seaweedand algae areseen. Because seaweed is grown in the ocean, it contains several elements. In addition, seaweed consistsofnatural matter that enablea better resistance against drought. An attempt is done by the salty ocean water to extract the seaweed’s moisture, which is impossible due to the mannitol in the weed. Also (glycine) betaine is a matter that can be found in seaweed. Because of (glycine) betaine,a plant is able to maintain its moisture better. When matters like mannitol and (glycine) betaineare taken in by a plant, its resistance of stress will be affected positively. The use of ‘missing elements’When ‘missing elements’ are used, several things should be taken into account.

The use of 'missing elements'

When matters like mannitol and (glycine) betaine are taken in by a plant, its resistance of stress will be affected positively. When ‘missing elements’ are used, several things should be taken into account. 
  • Organic products should never be combined with chemical disinfecting products, such as chlorine or hydrogen peroxide. 
  • Reach out to one of our specialists, when wanting to make use of ‘missing elements’ in combination withchemical products. The functioning of the ‘missing elements’ could be lowered by a number ofchemical products. On the contrary,chemical productscould also have a strengthening effect. An example of a product as such is Algan, leading to improved contactwith insects on the leafs.
 
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Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Maarten Casteleijn will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.

What are 'missing elements'?

In plant nutrition, sometimes the so-called ‘missing elements’ are discussed. In term of fertilizers, many different elements with a nutritional value can be named. These elements are divided into head- and trace elements. Besides, elements outside of these categories also exist.
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Maarten Casteleijn
Maarten Casteleijn
Product specialist Plant Resilience| December 4, 2020 | 3 min. reading time
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Chrysanthemums

What are 'missing elements'?

First, it was believed that plants only need water in order to grow. However, later the importance of head- and trace element fertilizers came to light. Also ‘missing elements’ are considered to have a function for plants, in which our product specialist would like to provide more information.

The ‘missing elements’ can be described as elements of which the nutritional value is not commonly known. Furthermore, these elements are present in small amounts which is the reason for them not being included in the category ‘fertilizers’. However, the ‘missing elements’ are believed to be a good contribution to plant resistance. That is why some of these elements are looked upon as bio stimulants. 

According to scientific research, it can be stated that there is a limiting factor when plants are provided with optimal nutrition. The element or factor that has a limitation in its availability to the plant, is believed to determine the speed of the growth process.

This is considered to be caused by the shortage of this specific element. An element’s deficiency could emerge, because it cannot be taken in by the plant properly. In addition, elements could counteract with each other (antagonism), leading to an insufficient intake of nutritional elements.

What elements are covered by 'missing elements'

According to the ‘fertilizer law’, 12 elements can be seen as essential to crops. However, when analyses are performed on plants in their natural habitat, over 60 different elements can be found. 

It is known that there definitely are several ‘missing elements’ that positively effect a crop. Examples are:
  • Selenium 
Selenium is involved in a plant’s process of photosynthesis. Especially the ultraviolet part of light can be taken in better when selenium is present within the plant. Due to selenium, a conversion process of light to energy could take place, which is perceived to support the plant’s photosynthesis.
  • Silicon
Silicon’s popularity is rising. The plant’s ability to ‘build in’thiselement, ensures stronger cell walls. Besides, a better intake of calciumin the plant is established thanks to the addition of silicon. Even though, the intake of calcium improves,the concentration of potassium should be monitored closely. In the end, silicon has indicated to lead to a firmer plant with a better resistance.
  • Seaweed/algae
Also, the advantages of the use of seaweedand algae areseen. Because seaweed is grown in the ocean, it contains several elements. In addition, seaweed consistsofnatural matter that enablea better resistance against drought. An attempt is done by the salty ocean water to extract the seaweed’s moisture, which is impossible due to the mannitol in the weed. Also (glycine) betaine is a matter that can be found in seaweed. Because of (glycine) betaine,a plant is able to maintain its moisture better. When matters like mannitol and (glycine) betaineare taken in by a plant, its resistance of stress will be affected positively. The use of ‘missing elements’When ‘missing elements’ are used, several things should be taken into account.

The use of 'missing elements'

When matters like mannitol and (glycine) betaine are taken in by a plant, its resistance of stress will be affected positively. When ‘missing elements’ are used, several things should be taken into account. 
  • Organic products should never be combined with chemical disinfecting products, such as chlorine or hydrogen peroxide. 
  • Reach out to one of our specialists, when wanting to make use of ‘missing elements’ in combination withchemical products. The functioning of the ‘missing elements’ could be lowered by a number ofchemical products. On the contrary,chemical productscould also have a strengthening effect. An example of a product as such is Algan, leading to improved contactwith insects on the leafs.
 
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Maarten Casteleijn will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Maarten Casteleijn
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