Role of magnesium fertilisers in agriculture: plant–soil continuum

Abstract

Abstract. In this review, we summarise factors contributing to plant availability of magnesium (Mg) in soils, the role of Mg in plant physiological processes related to yield formation and abiotic stress tolerance, and soil and fertiliser parameters related to Mg leaching in fertilised soils. Mg is a common constituent in many minerals, comprising 2% of Earth's crust; however, most soil Mg (90-98%) is incorporated in the crystal lattice structure of minerals and thus not directly available for plant uptake. Plants absorb Mg from the soil solution, which is slowly replenished by soil reserves. Duration and intensity of weathering, soil moisture, soil pH, and root-microbial activity in soil are key factors that determine plant-available Mg release from soils. On the other hand, the amount of Mg released from soil minerals is generally small compared with the amounts needed to sustain high crop yield and quality. Thus, in many agro-ecosystems, application of Mg fertilisers is crucial. Magnesium is involved in many physiological and biochemical processes; it is an essential element for plant growth and development and plays a key role in plant defence mechanisms in abiotic stress situations. An early effect of Mg deficiency in plants is the disturbed partitioning of assimilates between roots and shoots because the supply of sink organs with photosynthetic products is impaired, and sugars accumulate in source leaves. Thus, optimal supply of Mg is required to improve crop tolerance to various stresses and to increase yield and quality parameters of harvested products. Unlike other cations, Mg is very mobile in soils because it is less bound to the soil charges. Therefore, Mg losses by leaching might occur in sandy soils with high water conductivity. Leaching of Mg in soils when applied with various water-soluble fertilisers may also vary depending on the fertiliser's chemical composition, granule size, and effect on soil pH and cation balance, as we discuss in detail.

Differential effects of varied potassium and magnesium nutrition on production and partitioning of photoassimilates in potato plants

“…The lower leaf Mg concentrations, especially in K3 + Mg plants, could result from an antagonistic interaction between K and Mg for root uptake. The induced Mg deficiency susceptibility in plants due to high K supply has been reported (Ding et al , Senbayram et al ). However, tubers and roots did not show lower Mg concentrations under high K supply (Fig.…”

Soil and management‐related factors contributing to maize yield gaps in western Kenya

“…Low Zn impairs protein metabolism and has been shown to affect yield (Cakmak, ). Low Mg is an indication of reduced biomass formation and increased susceptibility of maize crops to environmental stress (Senbayram, Gransee, Wahle, & Thiel, ). Low CEC resulted from the dominant soil types (Acrisols, Ferrasols, Nitisols) at the study sites and indicates low ability of the soils to hold important nutrients in a plant‐available pool.…”

Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles: Dielectric Properties, Surface Functionalization and Improvement of Epoxy-Based Composites Insulating Properties

“…It has a usage in medical applications [8], where MgO is used for relief of heartburn and sour stomach, as an antacid, magnesium supplement, and as a short-term laxative. Other applications include insulators [9], fertilizers [10], water treatment [11], protective coating [12], etc.…”