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Minerals for Plants, Animals and Man Agdex 531-3. Revised November 1998 - Twenty five elements are recognized as essential components of plants, animals and man. Because these elements are considered essential to life, they could be called "bioessential." A few others, such as cobalt and the rare earth elements, could be included, but information on their roles is less exact. Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O) and Hydrogen (H) are primarily derived from air and water and are not discussed; the other 21 elements, listed in alphabetical order, occur as minerals in the soil. Phosphorus, potassium and sulphur are regarded as macronutrients in all living systems. Calcium and magnesium are required in relatively large quantities while living organisms need the remaining 16 minerals in trace to minor amounts. Of the trace elements required for normal plant growth, referred to as micronutrients, Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), and Molybdenum (Mo) are the most important and best understood. The remaining micronutrients play definitive roles in the metabolism of animals and man, but only a few, such as chloride and sodium, are known to have plant growth functions. The more understood essential micronutrients are commonly found in mineral soils in the following ranges in parts per million or ppm. Parts Per Million (ppm) Boron 0.1 to 5 Manganese 1 to 100 Copper 0.1 to 4 Molybdenum 0.05 to 0.5 Iron 2 to 150 Zinc 1 to 20 Factors affecting deficiencies of these and other micronutrients include crop removal; leaching; extremes of soil pH; soil liming; land leveling; high soil phosphate; soil compaction; cool, wet growing conditions; tie-up in high organic soils or by manure amendments. In copper deficient soils, wheat is highly inefficient at extracting copper whereas rye or canola are considered to be very efficient at extracting this element. Micronutrient deficiency can, therefore, be very crop specific. Table 1 below is intended to interrelate these essential minerals with brief descriptions of their roles, where known, in plants, animals and man. Deficient or adequate levels are provided only for plant growth. Such mineral nutrient parameters for animals and man are best left to veterinary or medical experts in this field.   Table 1. Soil Minerals Plants (P) Animals (A) Man (M) Comments Boron (B) Micronutrient Deficient* 0.0 - 0.3 Adequate** 1.2 High 2.0 Hot water extraction (ppm) Essential for normal plant growth (1923)***, canola and legume crops in particular. Promotes crop maturity, water balance, flower set and yield. Stunted growth when deficient (1985). Helps build and maintain healthy bones. Toxic at anything more than low levels to plants (P), animals (A), and man (M). Boron toxic soils occur on the prairies. Cole crops are most tolerant of high levels. Calcium (Ca) Macronutrient Ca, Mg, K and H cation ratio’s important Cell wall structure component. No specific recommendation other than liming low pH soils, 5.5 or less. The 5th most abundant body mineral. The primary structural bone mineral. Major soil pH regulator for plants. “Ideal” cation saturation in soil for Alfalfa would be 65% Ca, 10% Mg, 5% K and 20% H. Chlorine (Cl) Micronutrient Deficient <- 8.0 Adequate unknown Trace levels seem beneficial in root rot control in wheat and barley. Potash fertilizer is KCl. Essential for body fluid regulation. Essential for body fluid regulation. Excessive intake as NaCl can lead to health problems in animals and man. Chromium (Cr) Micronutrient Deficient unknown Adequate unknown Unknown Blood sugar regulation and can enhance weight gain in livestock (1950). Deficiency causes diabetes like illness. Toxicity rate. Copper (Cu) Micronutrient Deficient <- 0.6 Adequate 0.9 - 2 High 2.5 + DTPA extraction (ppm) Wheat, barley and flax crops are very sensitive to deficient Cu levels. Very important in plants reproductive growth stage and indirect role in chlorophyll production. Deficiency results in major yield and quality losses. Red blood cells and skin pigments (1966). Up to 70% of cattle in Western Canada have been diagnosed as being deficient to some degree (blood copper levels). In nature, migrating animals may move from low copper to high copper areas. Emphysema, high cholesterol, heart and muscle damage when deficient. Molybdenum (Mo) interferes with Cu metabolism in (P), (A) and (M). Cu levels fed to cattle may be toxic to sheep. Copper toxicity occurs in some soils with history of prolonged copper pesticide applications, such as citrus groves in Florida. Fluorine (F) Micronutrient Deficient unknown Adequate unknown No known role in plants. No deficiency identified in animals. Prevention of dental cavities (1940). Important for hardness of bones and teeth. Only in trace amounts. Iodine (I) Micronutrient Deficient unknown Adequate unknown Some plant species reputed to accumulate this element. Major role in thyroid function. Lack of iodine, a cause of a thyroid disease, goitre. Commercial table salt is always iodized, i.e. trace levels of iodine. Iron (Fe) Micronutrient Deficient 5.0 Adequate 11 - 16 High 25 + DTPA extraction (ppm) Critical for cholorphyll formation and photosynthesis. Important in enzyme systems and respiration in plants. The oxygen transporter in red blood cells and the red color in muscles. Lack of iron causes anaemia and failure to produce red blood cells. Iron is also necessary for white blood cells in disease immunity responses. Iron competes with zinc and copper in their ionic forms. High pH soils (8 or greater) are likely to be iron deficient for many plant species. Magnesium (Mg) Macronutrient The key element in the chlorophyll molecule. There would be no greening in the absence of Mg. First shows up as yellowing on older leaves. Present in the body skeleton and a co-factor in many enzyme reactions. Involved in protein synthesis DNA and RNA. Present in all green plant parts that are consumed as food. Calcium and potassium interfere with Mg absorption in plants. Mg levels in soil should be greater than that of K. Manganese (Mn) Micronutrient Deficient <- 4.0 Adequate 9 - 12 High 30 + Important for all cereals on high pH mineral (alkaline) and organic soils. Enzyme systems involved with carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism. Bones, connective tissue and genetic proteins. As for animals, including fat metabolism (1970). Iron interferes with Mn uptake. Toxicity can occur with high intake levels of Mn in (P), (A) and (M). Grey speck disease of oats and barley (manganese deficiency) is common in Alberta. Molybdenum (Mo) Micronutrient Deficient <- 0.05 Adequate 0.11 - 0.2 High 0.40 + Hot water extraction (ppm) Essential for nitrogen fixation in legumes and nitrogen metabolism in crucifers (canola). Mo deficiency resembles iron chlorosis. Forages range from 0.1 to 3 ppm/kg of dry matter. Involved in iron metabolism and enzyme reactions. Available in grain seeds and animal livers. Seems to be involved in gout and sexual impotence. Can seriously and lethally interfere with Cu metabolism in cattle. Food and drinking water are sources of Mo. Soil availability increases as pH rises. Nickel (Ni) Micronutrient Deficient unknown Adequate unknown Role in plants unknown. Present in nuts, beans and peas. Co-factor for certain enzyme systems. In the 1970's, evidence that high iron intake increased the need for nickel. Some people are allergic to nickel jewelry. Phosphorus (P) Macronutrient Essential for all plant growth, i.e. energy transfer. Present in bones, teeth and numerous metabolic reactions. Average person eats 7 to 10 times the adult requirement for P. High phosphorus dietary levels can lead to calcium imbalance (bone loss-osteoporosis). Potassium (K) Macronutrient The major ion inside every living plant and animal cell. Involved in nerve impulses and muscle contraction, including the heart muscle. With extreme sweating or diarrhea, potassium deficiency can occur (over- use of diuretic medications). Potassium is universally present in all foods. Selenium (Se) Micronutrient No known function but this mineral can accumulate in some plant species. Sulphur may interfere with selenium uptake in crop production. Selenium first recorded as a poison in cattle grazing on high Se soils in 1930's. Deficiency causes white muscle disease in animals. Deficiency known to be responsible for a heart weakening disease (1979). Vitamin E and selenium interact to form free radical scavengers. Pastures in Alberta may be deficient in or occasionally contain toxic levels of available Se. S may interfere with Se plant uptake and animal metabolism. Silicon (Si) Micronutrient Deficient unknown Adequate unknown The most abundant element on earth. Plays a role in disease resistance in crop plants. A structural component of some plant species. Believed to hook fibrous body tissues, collagen and elastin tightly together. Possible role in bone calcification. Not until 1972 was Si shown to have a role in animal and human health. Non-toxic. Sodium (Na) Micronutrient Deficient unknown Adequate unknown Many cultivated crops, such as beets, were originally sea shore plants. Sugar beets will respond to sodium fertilization. Major ion in the fluids of the body outside the cells. Present usually as sodium chloride (NaCl). Sodium controls body water balance and has a role in muscle contraction. A diet high in calcium and magnesium can lead to sodium loss. Deficiency or excess may cause congestive heart failure. Sulphur (S) Macronutrient Absolutely essential for plant growth. Deficiency causes yield loss in all crops, especially canola. Plays a role in most body functions. Component of DNA. Universally required for the enzymes that speed body chemicals reactions. No symptoms of toxicity have been documented. High levels can interfere with selenium availability. Tin (Sn) Micronutrient Deficient unknown Adequate unknown Role not defined. Role unclear. Thought to be essential. An ingredient in mineral supplement health tablets. Tin is used extensively in cans, mugs and other food containers. Vanadium (V) Micronutrient Deficient unknown Adequate unknown Present in plants such as dill, parsley and corn - role unknown. Vanadium active in a number of body chemical reactions (1974). A co-factor in blood sugar and fat metabolism. Important in building bones and teeth. Toxic to health of man (1876). No dietary recommendations. Zinc (Zn) Micronutrient Deficient <- 0.5 Adequate 1.0 - 3.0 High 6.0 + DTPA extraction (ppm) Very important in corn and bean production. Deficiencies usually occur on eroded soils low in organic matter with high pH. Essential for sugar regulation and enzymes that control plant growth. Important for growth of hair, healing wounds and cell division (1934). Important in taste and as an enzyme detoxifier component for alcohol. High phosphate levels interfere with zinc uptake. Deficiencies have been recorded in beans, wheat and barley in Alberta. CR note: The following is from a specific location in Canada. With this information you now can ask the right questions of your local feed & soil experts. * 1. Deficient - in parts per million (ppm). ** 2. Adequate - in ppm that are generally sufficient to meet most normal crop requirements. Insufficient under higher fertility conditions. *** 3. Dates in parentheses indicate when the essential role of the mineral was first established. 4. To convert ppm (parts per million) into lbs per acre, multiply by 2, i.e. 5 ppm iron (Fe) equates to 10 lbs per acre. This fact is based on the rough assumption that 1 acre of soil to 6 inches deep weighs, on average, 2 million pounds. Peat and heavy clay soils would weight much less and much more, respectively. 5. In calculating the needs of a 60 bushel crop of wheat (Table 2), you need a SOIL TEST - soil available N and the organic fraction of the soil contribute N - may be 50 lbs per acre! But a 60 bushel crop needs 105 lbs per acre plus extra N for the inefficiency of the roots; therefore, you would need 55 lbs plus an extra 20 lbs to a total of at least 75 lbs of actual N per acre. 6. What does 1 per cent organic and 10 per cent organic mean? It means that in the top 6 inches of your soil stored in the 1 per cent organic fraction, there are 10,000 lbs of carbon, 1,000 lbs of nitrogen, 100 lbs of sulphur and small amounts of boron per acre. In a 10 per cent organic soil, there are ten times these amounts. Over the course of a year, cultivated (or fallowed) soil will release about .01 per of its nutrients. For 1 per cent O.M., that means 10 lbs of nitrogen and 1 lb of sulphur are released per acre in a form available to growing plants. Similarly, a 10 per cent organic matter content could release up to 10 times more nitrogen and sulphur. If you take out these nutrients without replacement, your soils will gradually lose its organic component. Hence, most prairie soils have lost 30 to 50 per cent of their original organic matter (fertility). In drawing down the fertility of your soil, you are depleting the nitrogen, phosphate, potash, mineral sulphur and micronutrient reserves as well. Soil reserves of nutrients are not limitless, but some soils contain more than other.   Table 2. * Crop Yield per acre Yield component Nitrogen N Phosphate P2O5 Potash K2O Sulphur S Calcium Ca Magnesium Mg Boron B Copper Cu Iron Fe Manganese Mn Zinc Zn Alfalfa 4 t all 175 39 175 20 112 21 .06 .06 .8 .4 .4 Barley 80 bu grain 78 34 25 7 2 4 .09 .09 .27 .09 .09 Barley 2 t straw 28 9 68 5 15 4 .02 .03 .01 .62 .09 Beans 40 bu all 100 31 31 7 3 3 . – .03 .04 .04 .08 Canola 35 bu seed 66 32 16 12 – – .1 .02 .41 .15 .22 Canola – residue 39 14 67 9 – – .1 .02 .3 .16 .07 Corn 100 bu seed 97 44 28 7 – – .41 .05 .12 .05 .12 Corn 3 t residue 56 19 101 8 10 14 .07 .05 .06 1.0 .2 Cotton 1500 lb lint/sd 105 40 45 7 18 12 . – . – . – . – . – Cotton – residue 95 30 85 25 9 12 . – . – . – . – . – Flax 24 bu seed 51 15 15 5 70 24 . – . – . – . – . – Flax – straw 14 3 20 4 . – . – . – . – . – Oats 100 bu grain 61 26 18 5 3 4 . – .09 .9 .18 .09 Oats 2.5 t straw 45 15 127 8 10 10 . – .09 .18 .18 .36 Peas 50 bu all 153 43 137 13 175 15 .06 .09 .63 .45 .09 Peanut 5000 lb nuts 175 33 41 13 12 17 . – . – . – . – . – Peanut – residue 95 30 85 25 90 24 . – . – . – . – . – Potatoes 20 t tubers 228 66 298 18 6 10 .06 .09 .8 .18 .09 Soybean 60 bu bean 250 50 86 12 9 9 .07 .06 .6 .07 .06 Soybean – residue 80 20 60 14 56 25 .04 .02 1.2 .6 .35 Sugarbeets 15 t roots 65 24 65 9 30 24 . – . – . – .70 .20 Wheat 60 bu grain 75 39 24 5 2 9 .06 .05 .45 .14 .2 Wheat 2 t straw 30 9 65 7 9 5 .02 .03 .15 .26 .08                                         Metric conversion 1 lb/acre = 1.12 kg/ha; 1 ton/acre = 2.244 kg/ha; ton (t) = 2000 lbs (U.K. ton = 2240 lbs); wheat and canola: 1 bu/acre (60 lb) = 67.25 kg/ha; barley: 1 bu/acre (56 lb) = 62.75 kg/ha; oats and light barley: 1 bu/acre (48 lb) = 53.80 kg/ha * Data collected from many sources. For further information, contact Dr. Ieuan Evans or Elston Solberg at Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, 6903 - 116 Street, Edmonton, AB. T6H 4P2 Tel. (780) 427-7098 Last Revised/Reviewed November 22, 1998 Copyright © 1999-2000 Her Majesty the Queen in the Right of Alberta. All rights reserved. E-Mail info@completerider.com Features|Health|Nutrition|Horse Power|HorseSport|Horseman|Canadian Thoroughbred|Horse News| TV Show|Horse Play|Learning Center|Sale Horses|HorsE-Shop|Contact Us| Advertise| designed for grasslands entertainment group by webSlave Mara all rights reserved   Supplements:GAGs?|MSM?|Herbals?|Vitamins and Minerals?|Electrolytes?| Other articles on nutrition |Forages|Water&Electrolytes with the exercising Horse|Cubes |