Question

What causes depletion of micronutrients in soil?

Answer 1

Micronutrients:

1. These include the nutrients that are needed in minute quantities for the maintenance of soil.
2. They are not required in abundance like sand, silt, clay, and loam but play an essential role in the soil quality.
3. They also play a major role as a source of micronutrients for plants.
4. These include elements like boron, zinc, magnesium, chlorine, etc.

The following are among the causes of micronutrient depletion in soil:

1. Large-scale deforestation and extensive growing crops with the help of chemicals lead to the depletion of soil micronutrients.
2. Another factor affecting the soil micronutrient profile is the inorganic cultivation of high-yielding variants on poor-quality of soil.
3. Long-term application of phosphate and nitrogenous fertilizers.
4. Improper drainage leads to the accumulation of toxic wastes and doesn't allow these micronutrients to percolate to the deeper layers of soil.
5. Intensive cropping depletes the nutrients of soil that take a long time to be replenished.
6. Moisture in soil, soil temperature, nature, and doses of fertilizers also have an impact on soil nutrient profile.