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The Forgotten Elements Series, Part 8: Nickel

The Forgotten Elements Series, Part 8: Nickel

Nickel and Nitrogen Metabolism

The Finishing Touch on Nitrogen Metabolism and Seed Development

By the time nitrogen reaches the plant, it has already gone through several steps. Nickel helps make sure the final steps happen smoothly. It plays a quiet but important role in helping the plant recycle urea, finish amino acid formation, and carry nitrogen all the way into the seed.

When nickel is short, nitrogen can pile up in forms the plant cannot fully use. That can add stress late in the season and show up as weak grain fill or uneven maturity.

What Nickel Actually Does

Nickel is part of the enzyme urease. Urease is the only enzyme that converts urea into ammonium, which the plant can actually use. Through that role, nickel helps nitrogen keep moving instead of backing up.

  • Urea metabolism. Helps convert urea into usable ammonium.
  • Nitrogen efficiency. Supports the movement of nitrogen from older leaves into developing seed.
  • Symbiotic support. Helps legume nodules function properly and supports nitrogen fixation.
  • Seed development. Plays a role in protein and oil formation during grain fill.
  • Late season balance. Helps plants finish more evenly under stress.

Molybdenum helps start the nitrogen process. Nickel helps bring it to the finish.

Recognizing Nickel Deficiency

Nickel deficiency often looks like a nitrogen problem. Urea and ammonium can build up, nodules may be present but underperform, and seed crops may struggle to finish evenly.

Because nickel is required to recycle urea, a nickel deficiency can cause nitrogen to act deficient inside the plant even when nitrogen levels are adequate.

  • Yellowing or burning at the tips of older leaves
  • Elevated tissue urea levels
  • Weak or poorly functioning nodules in legumes
  • Poor seed fill or lighter test weight
  • Delayed maturity or uneven ripening

Nickel shortages are not common, but they tend to show up more often in low organic matter soils or systems that rely heavily on urea.

Where It Comes From and Why It Is Sometimes Lacking

Nickel exists in soil at very low levels and availability can be affected by soil conditions.

  • High pH. Reduces nickel availability.
  • Low organic matter. Limits natural chelation and biological release.
  • High zinc, iron, or copper. Can compete with nickel for uptake.
  • Sandy soils. Often lower in total nickel.
  • Residue removal. Small amounts are removed each season with grain.

Bringing Nickel Into the Program

Nickel is needed in very small amounts. Even a few hundredths of an ounce per acre can make a difference. Nickel sulfate is the most common and practical source.

  • Seed treatments. 0.01 to 0.05 ounces per acre in biological or inoculant blends.
  • Foliar applications. 0.1 to 0.25 ounces per acre during reproductive stages.
  • Urea-based programs. Small additions can support urease activity.
  • Legume systems. Works well alongside cobalt and molybdenum.

Because rates are so low, nickel fits easily into existing programs when it is needed.

Nutrients That Work With Nickel

  • Molybdenum. Helps start nitrogen metabolism.
  • Cobalt. Supports healthy nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
  • Sulfur. Important for amino acids and protein formation.
  • Iron. Supports enzyme systems tied to nitrogen use.
  • Zinc. Shares uptake pathways and should stay balanced.

In the Field

Nickel responses usually show up late in the season. Crops tend to finish more evenly, nitrogen moves out of leaves more effectively, and grain fill improves. Soybeans often maintain active nodules longer. Corn and small grains may show fewer green patches and more uniform maturity.

Even though nickel is applied at very low rates, the improvement in finishing and nitrogen efficiency can be noticeable.

The Takeaway

Nickel helps close the nitrogen loop. It supports urease activity, improves nitrogen use, and helps crops finish strong. When nickel is missing, nitrogen efficiency can stall late in the season. When it is present, plants are better able to carry nitrogen all the way into the grain.

Next up in The Forgotten Elements Series:
Selenium The Antioxidant Trace That Connects Soil, Plant, and Animal Health.

Explore the rest of the series on the AgriBio Systems Blog
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