Soil molybdenum

Subclinical effects are often observed when molybdenum levels in soil exceed 3 pg/g an excess of molybdenum in forage is toxic to livestock. Deficiency diseases have been observed in livestock when soil molybdenum levels are below 0.5 pg/g. 

Lon anemia (Fe deficiency) in humans is common, but is due to low availability to plants rather than low amounts in the soil. Molybdenum deficiency, which prevents microbial nitrogen fixation, and cobalt deficiency in Australian sheep that prevents rumen bacteria from synthesizing vitamin B12, have been reported in Australia. Phosphate deficiency that led to weak bones in grazing animals was reported in Norway. 

Grigg JL (1953) Determination of available soil molybdenum. N Z Soil News 3 37-40. 

Barshad, I. (1951). Factors affecting the Mo content of pasture plants. I. Nature of soil molybdenum, growth of plants, and soil pH. Soil Science 71 297-313. 

Lowe, R. H., and Massey, H. F. (1965). Hot water extraction for available soil molybdenum. Soil Science 100 238-43. 

Balaguru, T., and Mosi, A. D. (1973). Studies on soil molybdenum in Tamil Nadu soils. Madras Agric. J. 60 147-51. 

Orthophosphate and fertilizer Soil Molybdenum blue Spectrophotometry 0.05-100 mgr Extraction in a hydrogencarbonate... 

Silicate Soil Molybdenum blue Spectrophotometry >30pg - medium Various extraction procedures... 

Correction of these micronutrient deficiencies may be accomplished by soil or foliar application. Boron, copper, zinc, manganese, and molybdenum are usually applied to the soil. Molybdenum. is required..in such sraall quantities that it is often dusted on seeds. Iron is usually added as a chelated material and is foliar applied. 

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