Strategy for optimization of higher productivity and quality in field crops through micronutrients: A review

The importance of micronutrients has been realized widespread. Micronutrient deficiencies were observed in most of the Indian soils, where intensive agriculture is practiced. Micronutrients may be minor in terms of the amounts needed by the crop, but they can be major in terms of their impact on crop growth. Micronutrients often act as co-factors in enzyme systems and participate in vital functions in plants. Studies of the roles of nutrients in plants have involved several diagnostic criteria that address the accumulation of nutrients and their roles in plants. These criteria include visual diagnosis, plant analysis, biochemical tests, and soil tests. Factors such as soil pH, organic matter, temperature, moisture & texture are important in determining the availability of micronutrient. Scientific methods involving for correcting micronutrient deficiencies and toxicity in soils and in field crops. Foliar application combined with nano-biotechnology are an efficient methods applying nutrients directly to the plants without farming any intermediate complexes and may result in rapid and significant progress in the areas of fertilizer micronutrient development for their efficient delivery and production of abundant nutritious food.