Molybdenum (Mo) does not always get the attention it deserves. This essential element plays a very important role in the growth and development of plants. In the majority of agricultural soils, the content of molybdenum is somewhere in the range of 0.6 ppm – 3.5 ppm with an average of 2 ppm.
Plants typically take up molybdenum in the form of molybdate. One major factor controlling the amount of molybdenum that is available for the plants is the pH of the substrate. The adsorption rate at neutrality is extremely low. The solubility increases as soils become acidic, lower pH. Molybdenum is essential for a number functions, including the enzymes nitrate reductase and nitrogenase (enzymes that reduce nitrogen to usable forms). Of all crops, legumes are those that require the highest amount of molybdenum.
Many of these discoveries are new but the necessity for molybdenum in plants for healthy growth has been recognized for many years. In fact, Arnon and Stout in 1939 first discovered and identified molybdenum as an essential element. In the subsequent studies, molybdenum deficiencies have been shown to retard plant growth and show symptoms of nitrogen deficiency due to the fact that molybdenum, is necessary for converting nitrogen into its usable form.
Flowering can be slowed or restricted if there is not enough Mo in the soil available for the plant to absorb. Leaves can become pale or eventually wither if the deficiency is severe. Irregularities in the formulation of leaf blades are another common visual symptom. However, all of these different plant problems are caused because of a necrosis (a form of cell injury that results in the premature death of cells in living tissue by self-digestion) in the tissue that is largely due to a lack of the element molybdenum.
The majority of these deficiencies and problems with molybdenum levels in your plants or in your crops are problems that are fixable. One such method is the use of complete fertilizers that contain all of the essential elements. Dyna-Gro™ Plant Nutrition Solutions, Liquid GROW™ , Foliage-Pro®, Liquid Bloom™, Orchid-Pro® , Bonsai-Pro®, all contain the 16 essential mineral elements for proper plant nutrition.
The amount of molybdenum that is required by your plants varies from plant to plant. To know the specific requirement for your particular plant, you should do the necessary research for your individual plant needs. Dyna-Gro™ complete nutrition solutions all contain luxurious levels of molybdenum to meet the needs of all plants.