Understanding Micronutrients: Copper

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What does copper do in the plant?

Like all micronutrients, copper is essential to plant development. It is a critical component of chlorophyll, playing a vital role in photosynthesis. Copper also aids in forming lignin, the substance that gives plants their structure, aiding in overall plant health, stress resistance, standability and pollen production. Like many other micronutrients, copper activates various enzymatic processes within the plant and is a vital part of plant respiration.

What conditions can lead to copper deficiency?

Copper deficiency can often be seen in organic soils — such as peat or mucks — as high levels of organic matter can tie up copper ions. High-pH soils can also see reduced copper solubility, with the higher presence of oxides and carbonates impacting availability. Similarly, acidic sandy soils can also struggle to hold on to copper, affecting availability.

What does copper deficiency look like?

Copper deficiency symptoms can vary widely among crops. Since copper is immobile within the plant, symptoms generally appear in new growth. These can include soft or limp stalks and stems due to incomplete lignin production, new leaves that may be yellow with rolled margins attributed to the limited chlorophyll production and a complete failure of flowering and/ or fruiting.

How can you address micronutrient concerns around copper?

Soil application of copper sulfate and copper oxide are the most common methods to correct a copper deficiency before it can cause trouble for the crop. The line between copper deficiency and copper toxicity can be tricky, so using soil sampling to understand available nutrients is essential. Always remember to obey the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship — applying the right fertilizer source at the right rate, the right time and the right place.

WOLF TRAX™ DDP™ micronutrients are designed to help deliver highly available nutrition, providing the flexibility to focus on getting the micronutrients you need and not wasting time on the ones you don’t. WOLF TRAX Copper DDP delivers a mix of copper oxide and copper sulfate, helping boost your crop success and maximize your fertilizer return on investment.

To learn more about adding copper to your nutrient program, contact a Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) representative today or visit the KAS Knowledge Center for additional resources.