The use of nutrients in seed treatment plays a key role in promoting healthy plant growth from the beginning of their life cycle. These nutrients can include macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca), as well as micronutrients such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn). Treating seeds with nutrients can also help protect plants against diseases and pests by strengthening their natural defenses, as well as stimulating root growth, which can improve the efficiency of nutrient absorption by plants, ensuring more effective use of resources. available in the soil. In the case of soybeans and other legumes, cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) are of particular importance because of their functions in the process of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF).
Co plays a fundamental role in FBN through the symbiosis between soybeans and bacteria of the genus Bradyrhizobium, popularly known as rhizobia. These bacteria form nodules on soybean roots and have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen (N) into forms that plants can use. Co is essential for the synthesis of cobalamin (vitamin B12), which is a precursor of leghemoglobin, a protein responsible for protecting nitrogenase, the main enzyme in the FBN process. When soybean seeds are treated with a formulation containing Co, there is a significant improvement in nodulation and N fixation, resulting in greater availability of this nutrient for soybean growth.
Mo is essential for the growth and development of plants, as it is involved in metabolic pathways in plants, mainly by acting alongside important enzymes in the processes of N assimilation and amino acid synthesis. For soybeans, Mo also has another fundamental role, which is acting as a cofactor for nitrogenase, the enzyme responsible for converting atmospheric N into ammonia in the FBN process. Without adequate amounts of Mo, both FBN and the N assimilation process into amino acids are impaired, which can lead to N deficiency in soybean plants. This results in slow growth, yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) and reduced grain productivity. By treating soybean seeds with Mo it is possible to correct and prevent the deficiency of this nutrient, ensuring adequate plant growth and development and enhancing crop yield.
The use of Co and Mo in seed treatment also contributes to the quality of soybeans. Nutrients help in the synthesis of proteins, vitamins and enzymes, which are essential components for the nutritional quality of grains. Furthermore, the greater availability of N promoted by treatment with Co and Mo results in higher protein levels in soybeans, which is especially valued by consumer markets.
Treatment of soybean seeds with Co and Mo can be carried out by applying products containing these elements directly to the seeds before sowing. This approach allows nutrients to be readily absorbed by the seeds, providing an adequate initial supply during the early stages of growth.
It is also important to highlight that seed treatment with Co and Mo must be combined with other appropriate management practices, such as inoculating seeds with bacteria of the Bradyrhizobium genus, liming and fertilization, choosing adapted varieties, controlling pests and diseases and the adoption of good agricultural practices. Furthermore, the application of these nutrients must be carried out in accordance with specific technical recommendations for each region and type of soil, in order to avoid nutritional imbalances and ensure maximum efficiency.
In summary, the use of nutrients in seed treatment plays a vital role in promoting healthy plant growth. When thinking about soybean cultivation, cobalt and molybdenum are essential elements that play a fundamental role in biological nitrogen fixation and other vital metabolic processes. By ensuring adequate nitrogen fixation, seed treatment with Co and Mo reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizers, reducing production costs and the environmental impact associated with excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers consider the use of these nutrients as part of a comprehensive management strategy to achieve the maximum productive potential of the soybean crop.
