Soil: Magnesium tends to tighten soils so it can be used to improve the loose structure of sandy soils. However, if there is too much magnesium in a heavy clay it makes the soil sticky and can tighten it up with an associated restriction of oxygen and soil-life. Gypsum is the best tool to reduce a magnesium excess.
Plants: Magnesium is the central molecule in chlorophyll, the green pigment which houses the sugar factories that fuel photosynthesis. If the soil is missing magnesium, the lifeblood of the leaf will be lacking and that loss of chlorophyll will be clearly visible. It is a little like the anaemia associated with iron deficiency in humans as magnesium is to plant sap what iron is to blood, Magnesium is the most important enzyme activator of all minerals so it impacts many different aspects of plant growth and health.
Deficiency Symptoms: Interveinal mottling (pale blotches between the veins) occurring on the older leaves. There may also be premature leaf drop in some species.
People: Magnesium has been claimed to be the single biggest deficiency in the western world. It is the “master mineral” responsible for 350 different enzymes. This missing mineral is needed for a healthy immune and detoxification system and it is an important mineral for heart health. It is important for bone health as calcium but often ignored.
Animals: Magnesium plays a major role in neuro-muscular health and bone density in animals. Grass tetany in ruminant animals is directly linked to a magnesium deficiency.
Common Forms: Magnesium carbonate (magnesite), dolomite and sulphate (Epsom salts).
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