Manganese Deficiencies on the Rise
What Growers Need to Know This Season
Across the UK, OMEX agronomists and SAP analysis results are reporting a consistent trend emerging in farmers’ fields this spring: increasing cases of manganese deficiencies.
While nutrient shortfalls are nothing new, the scale and consistency of what’s being observed this season points to a combination of environmental conditions and crop demand coming together at a critical time.
What’s Driving Manganese Deficiencies in 2026?
Manganese deficiency is the most common crop deficiency across the UK.
It can cause leaf chlorosis, impair crop growth, delay maturity, and make the crop more vulnerable to pests and diseases, thus leading to reduced yields and crop quality.
It can typically be expected on/during:
- High organic soils with a pH value above 6.5
- Sandy soils
- Loose seedbeds with reduced root to soil contact
- Over application of phosphates or low levels of potash
- Following stages of heavy rainfall and stress (autumn/early spring)
- Rapid growth stages
Manganese Deficiency for 2026 Crops
There are several factors impacting what we’re seeing on crops this season including:
Cool Nights Slowing Nutrient Uptake
Recent periods of cool overnight temperatures have limited plant metabolic activity. Even where nutrients are present in the soil, uptake can be significantly reduced, leaving crops showing visible deficiency symptoms.
Wet Weather and Nutrient Mobility
Prolonged wet conditions have had a major impact, particularly on manganese. As a highly mobile nutrient in the soil, manganese is prone to being moved out of the root zone or converted into less available forms under waterlogged conditions.
Rapid Spring Growth
As daytime temperatures rise and crops begin to grow quickly, nutrient demand increases sharply. This rapid growth phase is often where latent deficiencies, built up over the winter months, are showing visually and on SAP analysis results throughout the country.
Winter Legacy Effects
Nutrient availability has been challenged over winter, with reduced root activity and leaching in wetter areas. Now, as crops “get away” quickly, they are effectively outgrowing the available supply.
Why Manganese Matters
Manganese is essential for enzyme activity and nitrogen metabolism, as well as supporting photosynthesis. Deficiency can result in poor growth, pale leaves, and reduced yield potential.
When either nutrient is limiting, crop performance is compromised, but when both are deficient, the impact can be significantly magnified.
Given current conditions, relying solely on soil reserves is proving insufficient. Foliar nutrition is becoming an increasingly important tool to quickly correct deficiencies, support crops through rapid growth phases and maintain yield during periods of stress.
How to Identify Manganese Deficiencies This Spring
Early identification is key to preventing yield loss, particularly in seasons where rapid crop growth can quickly expose underlying nutrient shortages. Utilising SAP analysis can help growers spot deficiencies before the signs begin to visually show. Here’s what growers should be on the lookout for:
Manganese Deficiency: What to Look For
Manganese behaves differently, as it is less mobile within the plant. Symptoms therefore appear in younger tissue first.
- Pale green or yellow patches on younger leaves
- Development of fine grey or speckled spots (sometimes described as “grey speck” in cereals)
- Leaves may appear limp or lack vigour, with reduced tillering in cereals
- Symptoms can appear rapidly during periods of fast growth, especially following cool, wet conditions
Manganese deficiency is particularly common on high pH soils, or where soils have remained wet and cold, limiting availability.
Supporting Crops With SuperMn
OMEX’s SuperMn is specifically formulated to address manganese and magnesium deficiencies efficiently and effectively. Part of our hero range it helps to:
- Provide rapid foliar uptake, ensuring plants receive the key nutrients when they need it most
- Helps maintain photosynthetic activity during periods of stress
- Supports strong, consistent crop development
In seasons like this. where growing conditions are limiting nutrient availability, targeted foliar applications can make a measurable difference.
SuperMn
