ATP

Cl

Chloride

Chloride

Knowledge

Chloride has the power to impact many important processes including stomatal activity, photo assimilate movement, disease resistance and insect infestation, and overall plant growth and yield.

Quick Facts About Chloride

  • Plants take up chlorine as the chloride (Cl-) anion.
  • Most Cl- in soils comes from salt trapped in parent materials, marine aerosols, and volcanic emissions.
  • Classified as a micronutrient, Cl- is required by all plants in small quantities.
  • High concentrations of the Chloride in the soil are extremely detrimental to both plant and soil health.

Role of Chloride in Plants

  • Photosynthesis and enzyme activation . Some of the enzymes activated are involved in starch utilization which affects germination and energy transfer.
  • Transport of other nutrients such as potassium (K+), calcium (Ca+2) and magnesium (MgP+2) within the plant.
  • Water movement in cells . Chloride helps water move into cells and also aids in retention in cells, thereby impacting cell hydration and turgor pressure.
  • Stomatal activity. Chloride is involved in the movement of guard cells that control the opening and closing of stomata.
  • Reduced lodging. Chloride strengthens stems, helping to reduce lodging later in the season.
  • Can assist in suppression of leaf diseases.

Chloride Deficiencies:

Deficiency Symptoms

  • Chlorosis in the younger leaves and an overall wilting.
  • Necrosis of some parts of the plan.
  • Leaf bronzing and a reduction in root and leaf growth.
  • Increased susceptibility to infection of various diseases may also occur.
  • Chloride deficiency can be leaf spotting (physiological leaf spot) that sometimes is mistaken as tan spot or septoria .
  • Chloride toxicity can occur from a foliar application with the symptoms being necrosis on the leaf margins and tips of the plant.

Factors Affecting Deficiencies

  • High rainfall, freely draining soils.
  • Atmospheric chloride deposition tends to be higher along the coast and decreases as you progress inland.
  • Antagonoism with other anions such as Nitrate, Sulfate, Boron and Molybdenum can reduce chloride uptake.
  • Sandy or coarse soils with a low CEC.

Chloride Recommended Products

Product Type Details
3-10-10
Soil Macronutrient

Nutrient Knowledge Guide

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