The importance of micronutrients in oilseed rape

Boron

Boron is the most important micronutrient in oilseed rape. A boron deficiency often occurs in calcareous soils and with rapid cell formation and division. A deficiency can lead to a significant loss of yield and quality. It is therefore recommended to check the plants for a deficiency by soil or plant analysis.

A lack of boron significantly limits the ability of the pollen to germinate and the formation of the seeds, which in turn impairs the formation of flowers and fertilisation. The protein content is also affected. Although a small deficiency may not show any symptoms, it still results in poor seed formation.

Manganese

Manganese is important for chlorophyll formation and photosynthesis. Of all the micronutrients, rapeseed has the highest manganese requirement. In practice, a defect often remains undetected because it is often only latent. The risk of manganese deficiency is significantly increased on light and well-aerated soils.

Molybdenum

Rape needs around 15-30 grams of molybdenum per hectare. Molybdenum is closely linked to nitrogen uptake and is an important micronutrient in cabbage plants. A deficiency occurs mainly on acidic soils. Like all cruciferous vegetables, it is prone to molybdenum deficiency. Any molybdenum deficiency results in reduced protein synthesis, nitrate accumulation, and loss of nitrogen efficiency.

There is a contrast between sulfur and molybdenum: the higher the sulphur absorption, the more the molybdenum absorption can decrease. Molybdenum is the only micronutrient whose plant availability increases with soil pH.

Copper and zinc

Copper or zinc deficiency is rather rare in oilseed rape. A copper or zinc deficiency does not require special attention.