As a Molybdenum Source, Sodium Molybdate Aids Nitrogen Use

To continue our email series about micronutrients, this week we turn to molybdenum. Our Yield Booster product supplies sodium molybdate as a molybdenum source. You may recall from past emails that Yield Booster combines a 12-9-6 fertilizer analysis with seven vital micronutrients: boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, sodium molybdate and zinc.

Molybdenum influences a plant’s nitrogen status. Specifically, molybdenum generates molybdoenzymes, some of which are are involved in nitrogen regulation, according to a publication from the International Plant Nutrition Institute. In legumes, root nodule bacteria use molybdenum to fixate nitrogen. Plus, molybdenum influences internal nitrate use in legumes. The University of Idaho shared in a guide that the micronutrient may also affect phosphorus use.

Soil pH levels that are too low may compromise molybdenum availability, so the International Plant Nutrition Institute suggests that adding lime may address availability issues. This story from No-Till Farmer shares more about pH levels influencing molybdenum status and other details about the micronutrient.

When legumes lack enough molybdenum, they may appear stunted and turn yellow, according to the International Plant Nutrition Institute. In nonlegumes, stunting and lack of dark green leaf color development can indicate a deficiency. If a deficiency becomes severe, then symptoms may include leaves with pale green or yellow coloring that borders the leaf and fills area between veins.

According to the University of Idaho, molybdenum sensitivity is greater for legumes than cereals. In some cases, molybdenum deficiencies may incorrectly be identified as plants having too little nitrogen or sulfur. To ascertain the specific nutrient limitation, a tissue analysis can quantify the molybdenum content in plants and indicate whether molybdenum supplementation is necessary.

In corn, we’ve had growers reporting great results from adding Yield Booster and its micronutrients to their crop nutrition programs. Beth Dickey from the BigYield.us eastern division shares about one producer’s experience with Yield Booster in this video.

For further information about Yield Booster, contact us anytime.