Proceedings of the 2005 Idaho Alfalfa and Forage Conference TRACE METAL TOXICITY FROM MANURE IN IDAHO: EMPHASIS ON COPPER

Plants have need for about 18 essential nutrients. Of these essential nutrients, several are classified as trace metals, namely: zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, molybdenum, cobalt, and nickel. In addition, other trace metals commonly exist in soil that can be taken up, such as arsenic, chromium, iodine, selenium, and others. Some of these elements are more or less inert in the plant and others can be utilized although they are not essential. Animals also have requirements for trace elements.