# Magnesium and Iron – essential nutrients for crop ripening

- Link: https://rd2.co.nz/magnesium-and-iron-essential-nutrients-crop-ripening/
- Published: 2025-02-05T04:21:03+00:00
- Author: RSF Admin

As the growing season progresses and crops are entering the ripening phase of their
growth, the requirements for Magnesium and Iron are increasing. Deficiencies in 
these two vital minerals can significantly impact quality parameters and possibly
yield.  

### **Why ****magnesium**** matters for ripening crops**

Magnesium is vital for photosynthesis as it forms the central atom of the chlorophyll
molecule. As the focus shifts from flowering and fruiting, sufficient magnesium 
ensures that photosynthesis continues and any delays in crop ripening are mitigated.
Beyond its role in energy production, magnesium is crucial for enzyme activation,
nutrient transport, and carbohydrate metabolism.

In truth, magnesium is essential at every stage of the phenological cycle but it
is often only applied when signs of deficiency become apparent.  Long term magnesium
deficiency will potentially delay ripening and even impact bud initiation, affecting
the next year’s crop production.

### **The synergy and challenge of ****magnesium**** and ****phosphorus**

Phosphorus is another critical nutrient providing plants energy and, along with 
magnesium, it also supports photosynthesis so that crops ripen quickly. Phosphorus
and magnesium work synergistically, the availability of phosphorus directly impacting
the uptake of magnesium by crops.  In hot, dry weather, and cold, wet weather minerals
like phosphorus are hard for plants to access via the soil, further exacerbating
deficiencies. 

This makes it essential to balance these nutrients carefully to ensure crops reach
their full potential.

### **The role of iron in crop quality parameters**

Iron is indispensable for plant health, playing a key role in chlorophyll synthesis
and oxygen transport within the plant. This function is especially important for
crops producing red fruits, such as red grapes, where iron supports the development
of vibrant colouration. Environmental factors, like dry weather, make deficiencies
more likely during this critical stage. Without adequate iron, red fruits can appear
pale or unevenly coloured, directly impacting marketability and consumer appeal.
In the vineyard, iron deficiency will ultimately impact the quality of red wine 
as iron is important for production of sugar and anthocyanins. 

The heightened demand for iron during the ripening phase requires management to 
ensure quality parameters are met. 

### **Take action for better yields and quality**

As ripening progresses, don’t let nutrient deficiencies hold your crops back. By
incorporating BIOMIN Magnesium and BIOMIN Iron into your management programme, you
can address increased nutrient demands for plant health, and achieve better quality
yields.

### **BIOMIN Magnesium**** and ****BIOMIN Iron**

To combat these common nutrient deficiencies, BIOMIN offers specialised solutions
designed to deliver essential nutrients in bioavailable forms, ensuring rapid uptake
and effectiveness.

BIOMIN Magnesium provides a highly bioavailable source of magnesium to support chlorophyll
production, energy transfer, and overall plant health during ripening. Applied as
a foliar spray, its advanced formulation ensures that magnesium is readily absorbed
by plants to quickly address deficiencies and ensures that plants photosynthesize
at optimum levels for commercial production. 

BIOMIN Iron is specifically formulated to combat iron deficiencies, delivering glycine-
chelated iron that is easily taken up by plants. This product is especially beneficial
for red fruit crops ensuring colour and other quality parameters are met for commercial
growers. 

[Find out more – BIOMIN Magnesium](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JHJeXhlnsU6hYzyTHN9sCRsCz0J9x2DE/view?usp=drive_link)

[Find out more – ](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JHJeXhlnsU6hYzyTHN9sCRsCz0J9x2DE/view?usp=drive_link)
[BIOMIN Iron](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rjjgj85nJYFCIvJ1WPEor1vpo7VoRmpY/view?usp=sharing)