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Trace Elements

Worrying about possible trace element deficiencies is futile.  Most
soils have all of the trace elements and the issue is whether they are
in sufficient quantity, not whether they are there at all.  There are
situations where one element is missing but this can usually be seen by
poor growth in the animals or plants, or not found, in the region.  The
presence of goitre in humans in areas such a the North of England or
regions of India is an example [that is why there is iodine in our
salt].  If the irises grow well, there is no trace element problem, if
they do not, something is wrong.  At that point, one should seek a
solution by the systematic elimination of possible causes.  Trace
elements would be low on the list, unless there is a history of problems
in the region.  In some regions, a more likely problem is that trace
elements, such as boron, might be poisoning the plants.

I would forget about trace elements unless many of the plants are
obviously sick.

Ian, in Ottawa

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