Smith Seed Coating

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are often overlooked despite their crucial role in root and plant development. Essential minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, and molybdenum are vital during early plant growth, particularly for root development, which is the lifeblood of any plant. While these minerals are present in varying concentrations in soils, their availability for plant uptake can be limited by a lack of soil biology.

Chelation is the process of combining a mineral molecule with a protein molecule, making the mineral available for immediate uptake by the plant. This naturally occurring process can be hindered in soils lacking adequate bacterial populations, challenging seedlings not only nutritionally but also in terms of disease resistance.

Incorporating micronutrients into seed coatings makes perfect sense. It allows the micronutrients to leach into the soil immediately surrounding the seed upon germination, delivering nutrients right where they are needed most. These components are critical during the early stages of seedling development, as the speed at which a plant develops a healthy root system is a primary factor in the health of the adult plant.