FUNCTION OF MAGNESIUM (Mg) IN PLANTS 
 

1. Magnesium is an structural component of chlorophyll thus it gives green colour to leaves.

2. Help in uptake and Transformation of phosphorous.

3. Necessary for the synthesis of proteins, fatty acid and oils .

4. Activator of enzyme in carbohydrate metabolism.

5. Helps in transformation of sugar and starch in the plants.

6. Regulates the uptake of other nutrients.

7. This also serves as a structural component of ribosome's.


Deficiency symptoms of Magnesium 
Symptoms often appear first on the lower leaves, interveinal chlorosis in which the veins remain green is also observed. In more advanced stage the leaf tissue becomes uniformly pale yellow then brown and then necrosis occurs. Less photosynthetic area results in the reduction of bio chemical activities thus plant height and dry matter accumulation reduces drastically.

Amelioration Technique
Magnesium Sulphate should be applied @ 50 kg/ha in the field before sowing. Thereafter, if there need be, it can be followed by a foliar spray of 0.2 - 0.5% magnesium sulphate and 0.1 - 0.3% lime or 0.4 - 1.0% urea solution.