Certified Crop Advisor International Practice Test

Molybdenum is an essential micronutrient for plants, and its availability in the soil is crucial for plant health and development. The form of molybdenum that plants primarily uptake from the soil is the molybdate ion. This is because, in most agricultural soils, molybdenum exists in this ionic form, which is soluble and readily absorbed by plant roots.

The molybdate ion allows for efficient transport to plants, where it plays a vital role, particularly in the function of enzymes involved in nitrogen fixation and carbohydrate metabolism. Because of its chemical properties, the molybdate ion is stable and more bioavailable for plant uptake compared to other possible forms such as elemental molybdenum, which is not soluble in water and would not be easily absorbed by plants.

Understanding the availability and form of molybdenum in soil is critical for proper crop nutrition management, as deficiencies can lead to reduced crop yield and quality.