Zinc

Zinc is normally present in the soil, but it is very mobile and easily exchangeable. It can be absorbed by plants only in soils with a tendentially acid pH, rich in organic matter and poorly structured and in cold and humid climatic conditions. It is an indispensable element in the formation of some enzymatic systems, catalyzes the formation of auxins and intervenes in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Although its action is not fully understood, it is known how the deficiency of this element causes the lack of synthesis of auxins. In particular, zinc would have the role of precursor of the synthesis of tryptophan, which is fundamental in plant metabolism. Zinc therefore performs important functions in germination, intervenes in the synthesis of pigments and therefore has a fundamental action in the coloring of fruits. This effect, in particular, is linked to the involvement of the element in the respiratory processes of the plant and in the production of sugars. It is therefore necessary for the formation of starches and the proper development of the roots.

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