Iron deficiency affects wheat production, know the methods of management

Wheat Cultivation: One of India’s main crops is wheat, and any decrease in output might have an adverse effect on farmers’ incomes and the nation’s food security. One of the most important micronutrients for the wheat crop is iron (Fe). It is essential for respiratory processes, enzyme function, and chlorophyll synthesis. Plants suffering from iron shortage may have severe physiological and biochemical issues that impact crop quality and yield.

The main signs of iron deficiency

Among the many indications of iron shortage in plants are the following:

• Chlorosis, or leaf yellowing, occurs when young leaves begin to turn yellow initially, while their veins stay green.
• Poor plant growth: The plant’s general development slows down and becomes lifeless.
• decreased production of chlorophyll: Photosynthesis is negatively impacted by iron deficiency, which is necessary for the synthesis of chlorophyll.
• Impact on reproductive development: A decreased yield results from the formation of fewer flowers and grains.
• Impact on root function: Plants are unable to adequately absorb nutrients as a result of stunted root development.

Iron deficiency causes

There are several causes of soil iron shortage; however, the primary ones include:

• High pH of the soil: Iron becomes insoluble and cannot be absorbed by plants in alkaline or lime-rich soils.
• Overabundance of other nutrients: Too much manganese, zinc, and phosphorus might prevent iron from being absorbed.
• Lack of organic matter: The absence of organic matter in the majority of North Indian soils results in poor soil iron availability. Burning stubble is another factor contributing to this issue.
• Issues with drainage: Waterlogging reduces soil oxygen, which impacts iron availability.
• Overuse of fertilizers: Overuse of chemical fertilizers may upset the soil’s nutritional balance.

Losses brought on by a lack of iron

• Reduced yield: Iron deficiency affects grain size and quality and hinders plant development.
• Impact on quality: A lower market price for wheat might be the outcome of decreased quality.
• Higher agricultural costs: To compensate for the shortfall, more fertilizers and additives are needed.
• Impact on soil health: Soil fertility may further decline if remedial actions are not implemented promptly.

How may iron deficiency be treated?

1. Testing and improving the soil

• Soil testing: Test the soil to determine its pH and nutrient condition prior to crop planting.
• pH control: Maintaining the soil’s pH in the range of 6.0 to 6.5 is advised. Use a little amount of lime for this.
• Use of organic manure: By adding more organic matter to the soil, FYM, green manure, and vermi-compost increase the amount of iron that is available.

2. Using fertilizers correctly

• Application of ferrous sulfate: It is advantageous to add 25–50 kg of ferrous sulfate per acre to the soil.
• Foliar spray: Applying a 0.5% ferrous sulfate spray aids in the leaves’ absorption of iron. You may do this two or three times, ten to fifteen days apart.
• Micronutrient mixes: Make use of commercially available micronutrient mixtures that include iron and other necessary components.

3. Crop rotation and cropping systems

• Turning: To release iron from the soil’s surface, use turning tillage.
• Intercropping system: Iron availability in the soil may be increased by growing wheat alongside pulse crops.

4. Management of water

To prevent waterlogging, provide an appropriate drainage system. During a drought, use a sprinkler watering system.

5. Biological actions

To make more iron available in the soil, use microorganisms that dissolve iron. Make use of mycorrhizal fungi, which improve the roots’ ability to absorb nutrients.