So, we're going to chat about what these guys do, why they're so important, and how you can make sure they're playing nice in your soil. We'll break down all the science-y stuff into plain old English, helping you get to grips with what's going on beneath your boots.

It's all about arming you with the know-how to get the best from your soil and boost your yields. But it's also about a bigger picture, changing how we all think about and care for our land.

So let's dig into the role of nutrients play in our soils:

NITROGEN (N)

Nitrogen is essential for plants to reach their full potential. It is vital for plant structure, metabolism and chlorophyll creation, which plants need for photosynthesis.

PHOSPHORUS - Anion (P 3-)

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for animals and plants. It is necessary for cell development and division and for storing energy. And for the growing tip of plants; therefore, it is vital for seedlings and young plants. A deficiency will inhibit the growth of young plants and impact crop yield.

POTASSIUM - Cation (K+)

Potassium increases root growth and development. Optimal levels will reduce water loss and help with cold tolerance in the plant. It aids in photosynthesis and reduces energy loss. It also helps with photosynthesis in the plant.

SULPHUR - Anion (S)

Sulphur can be applied in two forms: sulphate, a plant-available form, and elemental form - a more stable form that needs to be converted to a plant-available form through biology in the soil. It is required to produce amino acids, which make up the proteins essential for plant growth. And it is essential for the production of all plants, especially legumes.

CALCIUM - Cation (Ca ++)

Calcium is essential for the development of soil structure, bonding organic and inorganic substances. It will help to aerate compacted soil if it is deficient. It promotes healthy soil and plants. It is required in plants for cell wall structure and development, which is a contributing factor to plant root development and depth.

MAGNESIUM - Cation (MG ++)

Magnesium is the main component for chlorophyll production in the plant, essential for photosynthesis. Along with Calcium, it helps with soil structure. If there is an excess in the soil, it will become compacted and tight. Soils with a high clay content often have high Magnesium. A deficiency will impact plant growth, causing discoloured and stunted plants. A lack and an excess of Magnesium in animals will often have the same symptoms.

IRON (Fe)

Iron is essential to aid Magnesium in chlorophyll production. If there is a deficiency, it will cause yellow stunted leaves and inhibit photosynthesis. It helps to provide the plant with oxygen.

MANGANESE (Mn)

Manganese is very reactive to environmental conditions. Levels will impact disease resistance, nitrogen utilisation, water utilisation and photosynthesis, as well as cold tolerance.

BORON (B)

Boron is essential for Calcium to be available to the plant. It helps to maintain and strengthen cell wall structure and transportation of nutrients. It is vital for root and seed development and essential to stop brown heart in brassica bulbs. Once symptoms appear, it is usually too late for treatment.

COPPER (Cu)

Copper promotes stalk strength in plants and is essential to help with disease prevention and cure in plants. It is also needed for photosynthesis, transportation and N fixation.

ZINC (Zn)

Zinc is required for stem strength in plants. It is essential for fruit set, bud fertility, and seed set in grains. It helps to prevent disease and improve yields. Plants will uptake phosphorus better when Zinc levels are adequate.

COBALT (Co)

Cobalt is often deficient in NZ soils. Cobalt in the form of vitamin B12 is required by animals and humans. In plants, it does not appear to be required by non-legumes. It is essential for nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium and thus is indirectly required by legumes.

MOLYBDENUM (Mo)

Molybdenum ensures clovers and other legumes can fix and cycle nitrogen, leading to greater yields. Molybdenum is essential to enzymes such as nitrogenase that convert Nitrogen gas into ammonia. This helps plants build amino acids for proteins.

Striking the Balance: nutrients and neutral pH

Maintaining the right soil pH is essential for ensuring nutrients are readily available for plant uptake. Increasing soil pH not only improves the availability of essential nutrients like Phosphorus and Sulphur but also enhances biological activity. A neutral pH allows for the highest availability of these vital elements, promoting healthier crop growth and better yields.