Micronutrients can maximize crop performance
Andrea Rice, Director of Research, Education, and Outreach
Missouri Fertilizer Control Board
How is copper used by the plant?
Copper (Cu) activates enzymes and assists with reactions in several plant-growth processes. Cu is necessary for successful protein synthesis and vitamin A is linked to copper’s presence in the plant.
How should copper be applied?
Copper is typically broadcast at a rate of 3-6 pounds per acre as copper sulfate or copper oxide. It can also be banded in row fertilizer at a rate of 2-3 pounds per acre from the same sources. Foliar spray can be applied using 2 pounds of basic copper sulfate in a minimum of 30 gallons of water per acre.
Is there any information on copper specific to Missouri soils?
Copper deficiencies are most common in acidic, organic soils.
Is copper more useful in specific areas of crop production?
There is an occasional deficiency of copper in wheat, corn, and soybeans.
Resources
https://extension.umn.edu/micro-and-secondary-macronutrients/copper-crop-production
https://www.cropnutrition.com/resource-library/sweet-17-inside-the-essentials