Role in plants
Copper is involved in electron transport, lignin formation, and oxidative stress defence. It supports structural strength and reproductive development.
Deficiency symptoms
- Dieback of shoot tips
- Poor lignification (weak stems)
- Leaf twisting or distortion
- Reduced flowering/fruit set
Toxicity symptoms
- Root damage and reduced root growth
- Chlorosis and leaf burn
- Strongly inhibitory to microbes at high concentrations
Natural sources
- Soil minerals
- Organic matter complexes
Fertiliser sources
- Copper sulphate (careful: narrow safety margin)
- Chelated Cu products
Plant uptake forms
- Cu²⁺ (and complexed forms)