Micronutrients and Summer Fertilization: What Your Soil Might Be Missing

When it comes to summer fertilization, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) tend to get all the attention. But your plants’ success through the hottest months of the year also depends on much smaller—yet just as critical—nutrients: micronutrients. Deficiencies in iron, manganese, zinc, or boron can be just as damaging as a lack of nitrogen.

In this blog, we’ll help you identify common summer micronutrient deficiencies, show you how to address them, and recommend fertilizers that provide complete, balanced support—all available at Supply Solutions LLC.

Why Micronutrients Matter

Micronutrients are essential for countless plant functions:

• Iron (Fe): Vital for chlorophyll production and green foliage
• Manganese (Mn): Aids in enzyme activation and root health
• Zinc (Zn): Promotes stem elongation and fruit development
• Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo): Support flowering, disease resistance, and nitrogen metabolism

Though required in small amounts, their absence can cause visible stress and reduced productivity—especially under high summer temperatures.

Summer Conditions That Cause Micronutrient Deficiencies

• High soil pH: Alkaline soils lock out iron, manganese, and zinc
• Heavy watering or rain: Leaches nutrients from the soil profile
• Sandy soils: Low organic matter content leads to low micronutrient holding capacity
• Compacted soil or poor drainage: Limits nutrient movement and root absorption

Signs Your Soil is Missing Micronutrients

Micronutrient	Common Deficiency Signs
Iron	Yellow leaves with green veins (interveinal chlorosis)
Manganese	Speckled yellowing between veins
Zinc	Shortened internodes, small leaves
Boron	Cracked stems, distorted new growth
Copper	Wilting, leaf curling, and dieback

Top Fertilizers with Micronutrients

1. 10-10-10 Liquid Fertilizer with Micronutrients

• Contains iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and boron
• Fast-acting and water-soluble for quick correction of deficiencies
• Ideal for vegetable beds, lawns, and ornamentals

2. 12-6-6 Ornamental Blend

• Delivers steady nitrogen for foliage support along with minor elements
• Great for flowering shrubs, hedges, and landscape plantings

3. Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0

• Though not a micronutrient fertilizer, it helps correct calcium deficiency, which is crucial for cell wall strength and heat resistance

How to Apply Micronutrient Fertilizers in Summer

• Use as a foliar spray for fast correction (early morning or late afternoon)
• Incorporate into regular watering schedule for ongoing support
• Avoid applying during extreme heat (above 90°F) to prevent leaf burn
• Reapply every 1–2 weeks if symptoms persist

When to Test Your Soil

If you’re seeing consistent chlorosis, weak growth, or unresponsiveness to traditional NPK fertilization, it’s time for a soil test. These tests:

• Measure pH and identify micronutrient availability
• Help prevent unnecessary applications
• Allow precise targeting with fertilizers like 10-10-10 with Micronutrients

Preventing Future Micronutrient Issues

• Maintain soil organic matter with compost or mulches
• Use balanced fertilizers that include micros—not just NPK
• Avoid overwatering, which flushes out soluble nutrients
• Adjust soil pH if necessary (products like ammonium sulfate can help lower pH)

Final Thoughts

Don’t let your plants suffer from the silent effects of micronutrient deficiency. Even in the peak of summer, a simple shift in your fertilizer strategy can lead to greener leaves, more blooms, and better yield. The team at Supply Solutions LLC has the products and advice to help you correct—and prevent—micronutrient problems before they cost you your season.

Call 503-451-1622
Email sales@mysolutionssupply.com
Use our Contact Form
Message us on Facebook

Let Supply Solutions LLC help you deliver complete nutrition—even in the most demanding summer conditions.