Molybdenum deficiency (plant disorder)

Molybdenum (Mo) deficiency occurs when plant growth is limited because the plant cannot take up sufficient quantities of this essential micronutrient from its growing medium.

Symptoms include:[1][2] In legumes, inhibition of N2 fixation may lead to pale, yellowing, nitrogen-deficient plants.

Symptoms are most common where both conditions apply, such as in acid sandy soils.

Although Mo requirements vary among crops, Mo leaf concentrations (on a dry matter basis) in the range 0.2–2.0 mg kg−1 are adequate for most crops.

Raising the soil pH by liming frequently relieves Mo deficiency.