Copper’s Hidden Role in Plant Growth and Development

Meghana Bhardwaj 05 September, 2022 5:01 PM IST

The first step to treat copper deficiency is to evaluate and adjust the pH of the soil.

We all know the importance of copper in the human body. That it helps your body make red blood cells and keeps nerve cells and your immune system healthy. Also, it acts as an antioxidant, reducing free radicals that can damage cells and DNA.

But do you know it is also equally important for plants? Plants use copper in the production of chlorophyll and carbohydrates, as well as lignin production in cell walls. Copper affects water use efficiency through lignification, which has an impact on nitrogen use efficiency since it is directly related to nitrogen availability for the plant. Copper deficiency in cereals is initially discovered by pale green and wilted leaves; however, the tips of the youngest leaves die, while the lower leaves remain green. Copper deficiency is found in sandy textured soils, peat soils with high organic matter, and where pH values are above 7.5.

The peak demand period for copper is flowering; when copper is deficient a plant will be unable to produce seeds so the cereal head matures empty. The whole plant or stubble will discolor to an off-yellow or grey color, often in patches; this discoloration is called melanosis. Copper has poor mobility in the plant so the youngest leaf will show deficiency symptoms first. Copper enters the plant as roots come in contact with copper; sufficient supply and concentration in the root zone are both important for adequate plant growth; sandy loam soils with low organic matter can also be copper deficient.

How to treat copper deficiency?

The first step to treat copper deficiency is to evaluate and adjust the pH of the soil. Copper is most easily absorbed by plants if the soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5. If the soil is boggy, take steps to improve drainage by adding organic matter and aerating the soil with a fork. Alternatively, transplanting the affected plant to a raised bed or another better-drained site may be the best solution.