Iron deficiency in crops, also known as iron chlorosis, is one of the most common nutritional imbalances in modern agriculture. It particularly affects crops grown in calcareous, alkaline, or waterlogged soils, leading to a gradual loss of green color in the leaves and reduced crop performance.
Iron Deficiency in Crops
According to the FAO, iron is an essential micronutrient for photosynthesis and chlorophyll formation. When plants cannot absorb enough of it, their development becomes compromised.
What Is Iron Chlorosis?
Iron chlorosis occurs when the plant is unable to absorb or mobilize the iron available in the soil, even if this element is present. Iron (Fe) plays a vital role in chlorophyll formation and in various enzymatic processes related to respiration and photosynthesis.
When a deficiency occurs, the plant cannot synthesize enough chlorophyll, leading to the characteristic discoloration of young leaves.
Visible Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Recognizing iron deficiency in crops early is key to avoiding yield losses. The most common symptoms include:
Yellowing of young leaves while veins remain green.
Smaller leaves and slower growth.
In severe cases, necrosis or drying of leaf edges.
Reduced overall vigor and root development.
This type of chlorosis usually begins in the upper part of the plant and progresses downward.
Main Causes of Iron Deficiency
Although often associated with a lack of iron, in most cases the issue lies in iron availability, not its actual amount. The most common causes include:
High soil pH (alkalinity): iron becomes insoluble and unavailable.
Excess active limestone: common in calcareous soils.
Poor aeration or inadequate drainage.
Competition with other nutrients such as phosphorus, copper, or manganese.
Water stress or extreme temperatures, which reduce root activity.
In the long term, nutritional stress can make plants more susceptible to diseases and reduce their productive lifespan.
How to Prevent and Correct Iron Deficiency
Prevention is always the most effective strategy. Some key practices include:
1. Adjust Soil pH
Keeping soil pH slightly acidic (6.0–6.5) improves the availability of iron and other micronutrients.
2. Improve Soil Structure
Good aeration and drainage help roots absorb essential elements effectively.
3. Apply Biostimulants and Corrective Products
Using biostimulants with amino acids and natural extracts can boost nutrient uptake and reduce stress impact. Iron chelates are also effective correctors when nutrient blockage is severe.
4. Avoid Nutritional Imbalances
Balanced management of phosphorus, calcium, and manganese is crucial to prevent iron immobilization in the soil.
HEFE Fertilizer’s Approach
At HEFE Fertilizer, we offer natural solutions to prevent and correct iron chlorosis:
HUMIXTRACT: improves soil structure, balances pH, and stimulates microbial activity, enhancing iron uptake.
NAUTA: boosts plant vitality through seaweed extracts and amino acids, improving nutrient absorption.
You can also explore our biostimulant products section to discover more solutions focused on soil health and plant nutrition.
Solutions for Iron Deficiency in Crops
Iron deficiency in crops is one of the most visible and frequent nutrient issues in agriculture — but also one of the easiest to prevent when addressing its true causes: soil balance and root health.
Taking care of the crop foundation, reinforcing soil structure, and stimulating plant activity are essential steps to maintain green, vigorous, and productive plants.
Strawberry crops are highly sensitive to various pests, with thrips being one of the most problematic. This pest was first detected in Spain in November 2020 in several municipalities of Huelva province (Andalusia), marking the first detection at the European level. Between 2020 and 2022, new detections of the pest occurred in the Andalusian provinces of Huelva and Seville, and in 2024, the pest was reported in the Valencian Community and the provinces of Córdoba and Málaga. In 2022, it was detected for the first time in Portugal (EUROPHYT, 2024).
These tiny insects can cause severe damage to plants, affecting both the quality and quantity of production. Their feeding habits lead to leaf deformations, silvery spots on fruits, and a significant reduction in crop yield. Additionally, thrips can act as virus vectors, further worsening the situation.
The Negative Impact of Pesticides
To combat these pests, many farmers resort to chemical pesticides. However, these products can lead to insect resistance, impact soil biodiversity, and pose risks to consumer health and the environment. Additionally, excessive pesticide use can disrupt the biological balance of the ecosystem, reducing beneficial insect populations and favoring the emergence of new pests.
HEFE Fertilizer’s Biofertilizer Solution
In response to these challenges, HEFE Fertilizer has developed BASIGEL, a biofertilizer formulated with highly efficient microorganisms that help defend against plant pathogens. Thanks to its innovative composition, BASYGEL is quickly absorbed by the plant, preventing the development of insect-borne diseases and promoting healthy growth.
One of the major benefits of BASYGEL is its rapid action. Studies have shown that in just four days, it can activate the plant’s defense system, protecting the crop throughout all growth stages. Additionally, it is not only effective for strawberries but can be applied to any type of crop, providing a sustainable and safe solution for farmers.
Additional Prevention Strategies
To minimize the presence of thrips in strawberry crops, the following strategies are recommended:
✔️ Implement crop rotation to prevent pest proliferation.
✔️ Use blue sticky traps to monitor and reduce thrip populations. ✔️ Maintain proper irrigation and fertilization management, ensuring plants receive adequate nutrition with products like those from HEFE Fertilizer.
HEFE Fertilizer’s Global Commitment
HEFE Fertilizer, headquartered in Rota, Andalusia, Spain, is a leader in the agrobiological sector, with a presence in over 30 countries. Our mission is to offer innovative and eco-friendly solutions for crop care, ensuring farmer productivity and environmental sustainability.
If you want to protect your crops effectively and sustainably, BASIGEL is the ideal solution. Discover the benefits of applied biology in agriculture with HEFE Fertilizer!
Would you like a solution tailored to your crop’s needs?
📩 Contact us today!
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The start of a new year is the perfect time to set agricultural goals, especially if you want to improve the health of your crops and increase productivity. In this article, we explore how planning and changes in your farming practices can have a positive impact on your harvests in 2025.
This year, we want to propose 12 agricultural resolutions to help you care for the soil, enhance your crops, and move towards a more sustainable future. Agriculture, like life, always has room for growth. Setting agricultural goals for the new year can include anything from improving soil quality to optimizing irrigation.
Resolution 1: Reduce the Use of Chemical Pesticides
Starting with a more eco-friendly approach is key. Implementing alternative methods, such as using natural biostimulants or crop rotation, can help protect both your harvest and the environment.
Resolution 2: Try New Biostimulant Solutions
Innovate with products like Jungle, a root-enhancing biostimulant that improves root systems, increases stress tolerance, and promotes healthy plant growth. It’s an essential tool for farmers committed to excellence.
Resolution 3: Diversify Your Crops
Introduce new varieties into your farming operation. Biodiversity not only benefits the ecosystem but can also open new market opportunities.
Efficient water management is more important than ever. Smart irrigation systems can optimize the use of this valuable resource, reducing costs and maximizing results.
Resolution 5: Embrace Composting Practices
Give back to the soil what it needs. Composting is a natural and cost-effective way to enrich the land with essential nutrients, ensuring stronger and more sustainable crops.
Resolution 6: Create an Efficient Agricultural Calendar
Organize and optimize your work with an agricultural calendar that accounts for planting, watering, and harvesting seasons. Proper planning will make a significant difference in productivity.
Resolution 7: Continuous Learning
Knowledge is never wasted. Attend workshops, talks, or courses on modern agriculture to stay updated on the best practices and technologies.
Resolution 8: Experiment with Resilient Crops
Try crop varieties adapted to extreme or adverse climates. This not only ensures production but also strengthens your resilience to climate changes.
Resolution 9: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint on the Farm
Small actions, such as using more efficient machinery or reducing chemical fertilizers, can significantly contribute to a positive environmental impact.
Resolution 10: Strengthen the Local Agricultural Community
Collaborate with other farmers in your region. Sharing experiences and resources can be a great source of innovation and mutual support.
Resolution 11: Promote Agricultural Education
Share your knowledge with the next generations. Inspiring future farmers is sowing for everyone’s future.
Resolution 12: Connect with Nature
Never forget the bond that ties us to the land. Take time to observe, listen, and understand what your crops and the environment are telling you.
Here’s to a 2025 Filled with Successful Harvests!
Just like eating 12 grapes at midnight, fulfilling these 12 resolutions will allow you to start the year with renewed energy and clear goals. At Hefe Fertilizer, we understand that agriculture teaches us that every effort counts, and every accomplished resolution becomes a seed for success.
Introduction: The Importance of Fertilizers in Agriculture
In modern agriculture, fertilizers play an essential role in increasing production and ensuring healthier, more abundant harvests. Without these key nutrients, meeting the growing global demand for food would be difficult. In this article, we will explore how fertilizers can boost agricultural production and improve crop yields, backed by recent data and studies on their effectiveness.
How Do Fertilizers Work in Crops?
Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to understand how fertilizers impact agricultural production. Fertilizers provide key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), which are essential for plant development. These nutrients help:
Stimulate root growth.
Increase plants’ resistance to diseases.
Improve crop quality and yields.
In summary, fertilizers allow plants to obtain the necessary nutrients to grow strong and healthy, which translates into a significant increase in crop yields.
Key Statistics: The Impact of Fertilizers on Production
Data supports the effectiveness of fertilizers in boosting agricultural production. According to a report by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), proper use of fertilizers can increase crop yields by 20% to 50%, depending on the crop type and soil conditions.
Some specific examples:
Wheat: Fertilizers increase wheat yields by approximately 30%.
Corn: Farmers report up to a 50% increase in corn yields with proper fertilizer application.
Rice: In rice fields, production increases can exceed 40% when fertilizers are applied correctly.
Sustainable Yields: Fertilization and Responsible Agriculture
It’s essential not only to apply fertilizers effectively but to do so sustainably. With proper and responsible use, fertilizers can maximize production without harming the environment. Controlled-release fertilizers and organic fertilizers, which release nutrients gradually and minimize environmental impact, are key in this regard.
Studies also show that proper fertilization contributes to long-term food security by balancing food production with the preservation of natural resources.
How to Determine How Much Fertilizer Your Crop Needs
The amount of fertilizer required depends on several factors, such as soil type, climate, and crop type. Conducting a soil analysis before applying fertilizers is crucial to identify specific nutrient deficiencies and apply the right amount.
At Hefe Fertilizer, we provide tailored solutions for every type of crop and terrain. Our fertilizers are designed to maximize yields without compromising soil health or the environment.
The Future of Agriculture is in Our Hands
Fertilizers are an essential tool for improving agricultural productivity. As we have seen, the proper use of fertilizers can significantly increase crop yields, ensuring larger harvests and contributing to global food security.
If you want to optimize your harvests, we invite you to learn more about our products. At Hefe Fertilizer, we offer efficient and sustainable solutions to help your crops reach their full potential.
The Industrial Revolution and Chemical Fertilizers
The Industrial Revolution brought significant advances in agricultural production, including the manufacturing of synthetic fertilizers. With the development of chemistry, farmers gained access to more efficient and easy-to-use fertilizers, increasing crop productivity.
1840-1850: German chemist Justus von Liebig revolutionized agriculture by discovering that plants require specific nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, for optimal growth. This theory laid the foundation for chemical fertilizers.
1900s: The mass production of synthetic fertilizers began, including nitrates and phosphates, which were applied in large quantities to improve crop yields.
While these artificial fertilizers marked a significant milestone, their widespread use only began in the 20th century, bringing both progress and challenges.
Synthetic Fertilizers and Widespread Use
As agriculture modernized, synthetic fertilizers became a primary tool for farmers worldwide. Ammonium nitrate and other chemical fertilizers allowed for massive agricultural productivity, especially during the Green Revolution of the mid-20th century.
1950s: During this period, synthetic fertilizers like ammonium nitrate were widely adopted, enabling farmers to grow significantly larger quantities of food, particularly in developing countries.
1970s-80s: However, excessive fertilizer use raised concerns about environmental impact. Increased water pollution and soil degradation became pressing issues, prompting a reevaluation of fertilization models.
While synthetic fertilizers offered short-term benefits, they also introduced long-term challenges that remain a topic of discussion today.
Modern Fertilizers: Sustainability and Technology
In recent decades, the fertilizer industry has shifted toward sustainability and efficiency. Today’s fertilizers are designed not only to enhance crop productivity but also to protect the environment and promote more responsible farming practices.
Controlled-release fertilizers: These fertilizers release nutrients gradually, preventing nutrient overload in the soil and reducing the risk of pollution. They optimize nutrient absorption, ensuring better plant performance.
Organic and biological fertilizers: With increasing demand for organic products, biological fertilizers using beneficial microorganisms and organic matter are becoming popular. These fertilizers improve soil quality and support sustainable farming.
Technology and sustainability are now at the forefront, with leading companies working to develop more eco-friendly and effective products.
The Future of Fertilizers: Innovation and Sustainability
The future of fertilizers is shaped by technological advances that are redefining agriculture. Nanotechnology, smart fertilizers, and precision farming systems are among the most promising developments.
Nanotechnology: Applying nanotechnology to fertilizers will allow much more efficient nutrient absorption by plants, reducing the amount of fertilizer needed and minimizing environmental impact.
Precision agriculture: Using sensors and advanced technology, farmers will be able to tailor fertilizer applications to the specific needs of each crop, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
These innovations promise not only to make fertilizers more effective but also to make them more environmentally friendly, helping to mitigate climate change and soil degradation.
Conclusion
From rudimentary fertilization methods to today’s advanced innovations, the evolution of fertilizers has been a testament to humanity’s progress in agricultural science and technology. Each stage of this evolution has enabled farmers to improve the quality and quantity of their harvests, meeting the growing food demands of an ever-increasing global population.
At Hefe Fertilizer, we are committed to a more sustainable and efficient future for agriculture. Our mission is to offer high-quality products that not only optimize crop performance but also protect the environment and promote more responsible farming.
If you’d like to learn more about our fertilizers and how they can help improve your crops, feel free to get in touch with us.
