Copper deficiency

Constraint - Copper

Plant use

• Copper is a micronutrient

• Copper is required for the formation of enzymes for chlorophyll production and nutrient processing, and for water and oxygen exchange

• Plant deficiencies are rare

Symptoms 

• Are non-specific, though dieback in young leaves is common

Damage

•  Yield penalties are rare

Management

A soil test or a plant tissue test should be used to confirm copper deficiency. Application of a small amount of copper based fertiliser every 3-6 years is sufficient for deficient soils.

Links and Resources

DEPI - A Nutrient Review of Copper in Wheat 14 page PDF. Copper as a nutrient for agricultural crops in Southern Australia. Extensive nutrient review. Written 2013. File size: 150kb

DEPI VIC - What nutrients do plants require? Copper 6.4.2. Copper. Plant uses of copper, deficiency symptoms in plants, animal health implications, and management. File size: 150kb

SARDI - Nutrition Management in Broadacre Cropping. Copper 5 page PDF. Information on macronutrients, micronutrients, deficiency symptoms, and management. File size: 150kb