Factors influencing intake Magnesium is important for: the growth of plants photosynthesis and the absorption of some other nutrients. Discover how magnesium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate and magnesium sulphate fertilizers support healthier crops, higher yields and better nutrient balance. Find out why magnesium is so important to a sound crop nutrition strategy. 

Where balanced crop nutrition is inadequate, magnesium is a key yet frequently overlooked nutrient. As the central component in chlorophyll, magnesium is essential to photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. Without it, plant growth slows, leaves yellow, and production drops severely. 

Functions of Magnesium in Plants  
 
Magnesium is important in forming chlorophyll, activating enzymes and moving nutrients amongst its cells. It can regulate the absorption of phosphorus, and promote the synthesis of carbohydrate, protein and oil in plant. 

Magnesium deficiency symptoms include interveinal chlorosis, curling up of leaves, and low fruit development. Luckily, these can be rectified or avoided altogether by selecting the right fertilizer. 

Magnesium Sulphate - An Ideal Combination of Magnesium and Sulphur 

Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO₄) is a well-known and widely used fertilizer that contains magnesium and sulphur as well, another important secondary nutrient. It is highly soluble in water with easy wettability which makes it perfect for liquid foliar sprays and drip irrigation systems. 

Magnesium Sulphate for Plants Magnesium sulphate is most efficient for those crops including tomatoes, grapes, and leafy greens. It encourages good leaf growth, helps increase photosynthesis, and increases overall plant vitality at important growth stages. 

The Double Nutrient Solution of Magnesium with Nitrogen 

Another useful magnesium fertilizer is magnesium nitrate (Mg (NO₃) ₂) which contains magnesium and nitrate nitrogen. Nitrates of nitrogen are easily taken up by plants and will also assist in the uptake of magnesium in the root area. 

Nitrates (ie magnesium nitrate) are typically applied through fertigation or foliar applications. It lends support to high value crops like fruits, and vegetables during their critical growth stages like flowering, fruit setting, maturation etc. The synergistic effect of magnesium and nitrogen helps the plant grow stronger and better-quality fruit is stress resistance. 

Additional Fertilizer: Nitrates of Potassium and Calcium 

To enhance a balanced nutritive program, it is common practice for magnesium fertilizers to be used in combination with potassium nitrate and calcium nitrate. 

Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃) provides potassium and nitrogen, supporting water adjustment, sugar transportation, and plant hardiness. It increases a plant’s resistance to drought and disease and works well with magnesium in improving nutrient movement. 

Calcium Nitrate fertilizer provides 100% immediately available calcium and nitrate nitrogen. Calcium stiffens plant cell walls, increasing structural integrity and reducing susceptibility to physiological disorders, particularly in fruit crops. Nitrate formings are good for magnesium, enhances the mobility of the nutrients in the plant and the efficiency of the uptake of the nutrients. 

Magnesium is Important in All Crop Plans 

Whether you are producing vegetables, fruits or field crops, magnesium is a cornerstone nutrient to target for optimum productivity and quality. Applied as part of a balanced fertilization plan —with magnesium sulphate, magnesium nitrate, potassium nitrate and calcium nitrate — gives your crops all the nutrients necessary for thriving growth.