Cross-talks between plant nutrients deserve more attention

All plant nutrients interact with each other, directly or in an indirect manner. Scientists are discovering more and more crucial connections. Understanding of the mechanisms behind cross-talks between nutrients is increasing rapidly. Growers benefit if this knowledge is incorporated into practical advice.

All plant nutrients interact with each other, directly or in an indirect manner. Via other nutrients, for example, via enzymes, signalling compounds, altered gene expression, or other interactions. Bit by bit, plant physiologists are mapping such nutrient interactions. Sometimes they encounter unexpected, but very relevant cross-talks. The importance of sulphur in the iron nutrition of crops, for example, or the role of zinc in the translocation of nitrogen in rice. Research into cross-talks between nutrients is therefore highly topical. Not only to scientists who wish to deepen their understanding of the physiology of a plant, but also to growers who fill our bread baskets, or rice and salad bowls. Cross-talks between nutrients are directly related to food security. Due to the horrific war in the granary of Europe, this aspect has suddenly become highly relevant again, even in countries that are accustomed to abundance. Insight into cross-talks between nutrients is also necessary to improve nutrient use efficiencies.

Many nutrient interactions are found in experiments with seedlings on nutrient solutions. Such basic studies into cross-talks must be followed up by applied research with crops in later growth stages. Unfortunately, such a translation of results from basic research into practice is often lacking. As a result, crop advisers and growers are deprived of the latest in plant nutrition.

Awareness of the occurrence and scope of the interplay between nutrients is a prerequisite. This can prevent quick but erroneous conclusions, as has happened once with alleged chlorine damage in potatoes, which was probably in reality antagonism between nitrate and chloride. Knowledge of interactions also raises new research questions, for example, whether foliar application of sulphur-containing fertilisers affects the iron status of a crop, or whether sulphur nutrition helps against iron deficiency in fruit trees.

There is still a lot to discover in this area, especially under field conditions. Nutrient interactions in crops should therefore be placed higher on the research agenda.

More information about crucial cross-talks between plant nutrients in the Plant nutrition courier magazine 2021-06 issue.