Physiological Effects of Magnesium
Magnesium is mainly used as the core atom of the chlorophyll molecule in green leaves.
Before the formation of prochlorophyll, the synthesis of chlorophyll and heme share a common pathway. The first step in chlorophyll biosynthesis is carried out under the action of magnesium chelatase. This magnesium activation also requires ATP.
Depending on the nutritional status of magnesium, magnesium combined with chlorophyll can account for 6%-25% of the total magnesium. In most cases, when the proportion of magnesium in chlorophyll exceeds 20%-25%, plant growth is inhibited and symptoms of magnesium deficiency appear.
Another essential function of magnesium is to serve as an important link in protein synthesis. Magnesium is required for RNA polymerase and therefore for the formation of RNA in the nucleus. The latter effect may be related to bridging between DNA single strands and neutralization of acidic proteins in the nuclear matrix.
Effect of Magnesium on Root Activity
Studies have found that compared with the normal supply of magnesium, under the magnesium deficiency treatment, the absorption activity of soybean roots is affected, and the chlorophyll is continuously decomposed, the activity of enzymes is reduced, and the photosynthesis is weakened.
The permeability of the cell membrane becomes larger, the content of active oxygen continues to rise, the balance between the generation and removal of active oxygen in the root is destroyed, and the ability of the root system to absorb nutrients is gradually weakened.
It shows that after magnesium deficiency, it will cause the leaves of the plant to age. Increasing the application of magnesium fertilizer can increase the vitality of soybean roots, which is beneficial to the absorption of nutrients, increases the chlorophyll content of soybean leaves, absorbs more light energy for photosynthesis, promotes the accumulation of dry matter, and increases crop yield.
Effect of Magnesium on Crop Quality
The lack of trace element magnesium will lead to a significant decline in crop yield and quality. Studies have found that magnesium fertilizer treatment can promote some crops to increase their yield and improve their quality. These crops include millet, corn, nightshade vegetables, early rice, late rice, peanuts, etc.
Studies have found that increasing the appropriate magnesium concentration in the nutrient solution for the growth and development of pakchoi will promote its growth and development, increase the length of leaves, and increase the VC content. This shows that magnesium can increase its yield, improve its quality and increase its economic value for pakchoi.