Copper

Monofertilizers

Copper (Cu) – is an important plant nutrient. It belongs to classic microelements. It is necessary for normal growth and development of many crops. The copper content in plants reaches 0.0002% of dry matter and usually ranges from 1 to 35 mg/kg (dry matter). Copper is involved in biosynthesis of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It takes part in the processes of photosynthesis, respiration and metabolism, and it is part of many important chemical compounds. Plastocyanin is a copper-containing protein originally found in carrot, parsley and spinach leaves. It is localized in chloroplasts of green cells. On average, 300 chlorophyll molecules accounts for 1 copper atom. This compound takes part in transfer of electrons from photosystem 2 to photosystem 1. This is possible due to the property of this element to participate in the process of reversible oxidation of reduction Cu+2 + e- = Cu+1. Copper extracted from plastocyanin accounts for half of the copper contained in chloroplasts. In addition, copper is a part of various enzymes (which are copper-containing proteins).

This element is necessary for normal assimilation of nitrogen. This function is related to the fact that copper is part of such enzymes as nitrite reductase and hyponitrite reductase. This element is located in the plant in form of complexes Cu+1 and Cu+2. In enzymes, copper is bound to proteins through the coordination bond of -SH groups. The most copper is contained in seeds and young growing plant parts. The property of copper to influence water exchange, to increase the heat, frost and drought resistance of all crops was also noted.

Copper deficiency signs: