Among the essential micro-mineral nutrients, molybdenum is also a key player in alfalfa growth. It is commonly planted in semi-arid lands of New Zealand, where water scarcity and infertile soil are major constraints to its production. Moreover, Mo plays an important role in nitrogen metabolism and fixation in legumes. This study, conducted in Inner Mongolia, investigated the effects of molybdenum fertilizer on alfalfa growth and quality in semi-arid areas of New Zealand.

The use of molybdenum fertilizer is a highly cost-effective way to address molybdenum deficiency. It is available in many forms and is cheaper than lime. If your soil is acidic, molybdenum is bound in the soil and is unavailable to the plants. To counter this effect, raise the pH level of your soil. This will release molybdenum from the soil, making it more available to plants.

Molybdenum is needed by plants for the fixation of nitrogen and the reduction of phosphorus. Plants require these elements in trace amounts. Among all nutrients, molybdenum is one of the micronutrients that plants require. Plants cannot grow without this element. If it is not available to your plants, they will produce yellowish leaves. Moreover, molybdenum is essential for nickel.

For soil preparation, you can apply organic manure to planting holes. Alternatively, you can apply molybdenum fertilizer on the soil around the base of growing plants. You can also apply it to the leaves of your crops, and you can saturate them with vegetable fertilizer if you have any. The molybdenum content of your plants can be easily detected through sap and tissue tests. Ample application of molybdenum is an essential ingredient in fertilizing your crops.

Molybdenum is found in high concentrations in soils with poor drainage. Plants can absorb higher amounts of molybdenum than plants grown in dry soils. Soil pH levels should be balanced for proper molybdenum fertilization. However, it is possible to overdose on molybdenum in the soil. If you're concerned, consider using a low-pH molybdenum fertilizer.

The availability of molybdenum varies according to its oxidation state. It peaks in soils with pH levels between three and four and decreases as the pH rises. It is also influenced by soil temperature. In one study, Carroll et al. evaluated the adsorption of Mo in soils using batch-equilibrium experiments and miscible displacement methods. The findings showed that Mo is not readily available in neutral and alkaline soils.

Among the many benefits of applying molybdenum fertilizer to alfalfa, seed coating with Mo can improve comparative grain yield, chlorophyll index, and seed weight. Likewise, seedlings of soybeans with molybdenum have higher dry matter production and growth rate. Soil scientists are optimistic about the benefits of molybdenum fertilizer in alfalfa and other crops.

In some cases, molybdenum fertilizer can replace lime. It has numerous benefits, including increased availability of calcium and phosphorus in the soil. However, liming is still required in some areas, such as western Oregon. Liming can also increase molybdenum availability. Molybdenum fertilizer can only be used to a limited extent on acid soils, and it may only be a partial replacement for lime.