Molybdenum (Mo)

• molybdenum is one of the 13 essential elements for plant growth, and is considered a micronutrient based on the concentration required for plant growth
• principle form of uptake: molybdate anion (MoO₄^2-)
• amount required for healthy plant growth: 0.1 ppm, dry soil matter
  • amount of molybdenum required is greatly reduced if the form of nitrogen supplied to the plant is ammonium (NH₄)
• molybdate anions primarily move through the soil via diffusion
• soil conditions related to deficiencies in molybdenum:
  • low in sandy soils
  • increases in availability with pH
  • liming corrects Mo deficiencies
• soil factors that affect molybdenum uptake by plants:
  • soil test level
  • decomposition level of organic matter
  • soil pH: basic (high pH) increases molybdenum uptake
• plant factors that affect molybdenum uptake by plants:
  • hybrid or variety of plant
  • stage of growth
  • interactions with other elements

Roles of Molybdenum in Plant Functions

• component of two major enzyme systems for nitrogen utilization