Understanding Nutrients – What Do They Do?
At Superior, we understand that healthy, productive farming starts with healthy soil. Every nutrient plays an important role in plant growth, pasture quality and animal health.
Understanding how these nutrients work together is key to developing effective, cost-efficient fertiliser programmes that deliver real results.
Macronutrients – The building blocks of productivity
These nutrients are required in larger quantities and are essential for healthy plant development and livestock performance.
Phosphorus (P): Supports root development, energy transfer and plant growth. Essential for animal bone strength, metabolism and production.
Potassium (K): Improves water efficiency, plant strength, crop quality and resilience to stress.
Sulphur (S): Essential for protein formation, chlorophyll production and pasture quality. Supports early root development.
Calcium (Ca): Supports plant growth, soil structure and nutrient uptake. Important for animal bone health and milk production.
Magnesium (Mg): Central to photosynthesis and chlorophyll production. Essential for animal metabolism and preventing grass staggers.
Sodium (Na): Helps regulate water balance in plants and supports important metabolic functions in livestock.
Micronutrients – Small quantities, big impact
Although required in smaller amounts, micronutrients are equally important to maintaining productive farming systems.
Copper (Cu): Supports plant growth, seed development and livestock reproduction, wool production and health.
Iron (Fe): Essential for chlorophyll production, photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation.
Manganese (Mn): Supports enzyme activity, plant growth, seed quality and reproduction.
Boron (B): Important for cell division, pollination, seed development and legume growth.
Molybdenum (Mo): Essential for nitrogen fixation in legumes such as clover and lucerne.
Cobalt (Co): Supports nitrogen-fixing microorganisms and vitamin B12 production in livestock.
Selenium (Se): Essential for animal health, fertility and muscle function, although not generally required for plant growth.
Zinc (Zn): Supports plant growth regulation, enzyme activity and protein synthesis, along with animal skin, bone and hair development.
Getting the balance right
Applying more fertiliser doesn't necessarily mean better results. Nutrients interact with one another, and an imbalance can limit plant uptake, reduce productivity or create unnecessary costs.
At Superior, our approach combines:
Comprehensive soil testing to identify nutrient levels and potential limitations.
Science-driven recommendations tailored to individual soil types, crops and farming systems.
Precision fertiliser blending to deliver the right nutrients at the right rates.
Experienced local advisors who understand the farming conditions across Otago and Southland.
Our focus is on ensuring every nutrient applied has a purpose, helping our clients improve productivity while managing input costs and supporting long-term soil health.
Talk to your Superior Fertiliser Advisor about developing a customised nutrient programme for your farm.
Call 0800 685 958 | www.superior.net.nz