Trace minerals, or trace elements, in soil are micronutrients all plants need to some extent. In most cases, the trace minerals are readily available in the soil. Sometimes, however, plants have a difficult time absorbing soil's trace minerals, which is a problem often fixed by adding a product that loosens or unbinds trace minerals from soil. Obtaining a complete analysis of your soil from a trusted laboratory will provide you with results revealing which nutrients your soil lacks. The lab also should be able to tell you how to improve the soil's trace minerals.
Test your soil with a soil test kit. The kits are often available through county Cooperative Extension Service offices, a few nurseries, laboratories and websites.
Mix a thick, nutrient-rich compost into your soil to a depth of about 10 to 12 inches. Use a tiller or shovel for the task. Compost adds several macronutrients and micronutrients to soil, along with several trace minerals. It also can aid in making certain trace minerals more available to plants.
Add specific products based on the results of the soil test. If, for example, your soil is acidic and deficient in calcium, then add lime; if the soil is neutral or slightly alkaline and deficient in calcium, then add gypsum. Zinc deficiencies may be caused by too much phosphorous.
Apply an organic fertilizer with trace minerals that promote microbial activity and health in soil. Trace minerals are affected by soil's living organisms that decompose various materials. A healthy soil is the key to allowing plants the nutrients they need for proper growth and development.
Layer compost and organic mulch on top of the planting area before winter. As the materials break down, they improve soil condition and produce nutrients plants need. The following spring, you may plant directly in the areas where you layered compost and organic mulch.
Things You Will Need
- Soil test kit
- Tiller or shovel
- Thick, nutrient-rich compost
- Specific mineral or minerals
- Organic fertilizer with trace minerals
- Organic mulch
- Soil's pH can greatly affect plants' ability to soak up the soil's trace minerals.
- Marin Independent Journal; Ask a Master Gardener; Fertilizers; Melissa Gebhardt
- New Mexico State University Gardening Advisor; Chapter One; Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers; Robert Flynn
- Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College: The Plant Nutrients
- A News Cafe: Edible Gardening and Spring Vegetables
- North Carolina State University: What Soil Amendments Do We Need?; David Goforth
- Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images