Succinic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with a chemical formula of C4H6O4. It is a colorless crystal or white powder with a slightly acidic odor. It is widely distributed in animals and plants, is an important intermediate product of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), and participates in the energy metabolism and material transformation of organisms.
Main characteristics:
- Easily soluble in water and ethanol, acidic.
- Environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable.
- It has good chelating ability and can combine with metal ions to form a stable complex.
Succinic acid is widely used in medicine, food, chemical industry and other fields. In recent years, its role in the agricultural field has gradually attracted attention. As a functional additive or plant growth regulator, it can promote crop growth, enhance stress resistance, and improve soil environment, becoming a popular product in modern agriculture.
1. Functions of Succinic Acid
Succinic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid with multiple physiological functions and application values, especially in agriculture. Its main functions include:
Plant growth promotion
Succinic acid is an important intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which can enhance plant respiratory metabolism and improve photosynthesis efficiency.
It can also promote the development of plant roots and improve the absorption capacity of water and nutrients.
Enhanced stress resistance
Succinic acid can induce plants to produce stress-related enzymes and improve the tolerance of plants to environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and low temperature.
It can also reduce the active oxygen produced by plants due to oxidative stress and improve the disease resistance of plants.
Increase fertilizer utilization
Succinic acid can be used as a carbon source for microorganisms in the soil, promote soil microbial activity, thereby improving soil structure and improving fertilizer utilization efficiency.
Improved fruit quality
After using succinic acid, the sugar, vitamin and organic acid content of crop fruits often increases, thereby improving flavor and commodity value.
2. Usage recommendations of succinic acid in agriculture
1. Foliar spraying
- Concentration ratio: dilute succinic acid into a 0.01%~0.05% (100~500 ppm) aqueous solution.
- Use stage: spray at the key growth stage of crops (such as seedling stage, flowering stage, fruit expansion stage).
- Spraying frequency: spray once every 7~10 days, for 2~3 times in a row.
- Effect of use: promote leaf photosynthesis, enhance stress resistance and increase crop yield.
- Precautions: avoid spraying under high temperature and strong light conditions to avoid affecting the absorption effect.
2. Root irrigation or drip irrigation
- Concentration ratio: dilute into a 0.05%~0.1% (500~1000 ppm) aqueous solution.
- Dosage: use 10~20 liters of diluted solution per hectare.
- Time of use: Suitable for the stage after crop transplanting or during the growth period when the root system is developing vigorously.
- Effect: Promote root growth, improve nutrient absorption efficiency, and enhance resistance to diseases and pests.
3. Seed treatment
- Seed soaking concentration: Dilute succinic acid to 0.01%~0.02% (100~200 ppm).
- Seed soaking time: Soak the seeds for 4~6 hours and then dry them for sowing.
- Scope of application: Suitable for germination treatment of field crops and vegetable seeds.
- Effect of use: Improve seed germination rate, enhance seedling vitality, and improve uniformity of seedling emergence.
4. Base fertilizer treatment
- Addition ratio: Add 1~2 kg of succinic acid to each ton of organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer, mix evenly and apply.
- Fertilization method: Suitable for bottom application or furrow application, used simultaneously with traditional fertilizers.
- Effect: Improve soil microbial environment, increase fertilizer utilization and soil nutrient supply capacity.
5. Mix with irrigation water
- Dilution ratio: Mix with irrigation water at a ratio of 0.01%~0.05%.
- Applicable scenarios: Irrigation during the growth period of field crops or greenhouse crops.
- Effect: Provide additional carbon source, promote soil microbial activity, and improve crop resistance.
Precautions for use
- Avoid excessive use: High concentration may cause pesticide damage, and the recommended dosage should be strictly followed.
- Avoid mixing with strong acid or strong alkaline products: It may affect the activity of succinic acid.
- Pay attention to weather conditions: The best effect is achieved in the morning or evening when it is sunny and windless, and avoid using it in high temperature and rainy days.
- Storage conditions: Succinic acid should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
As a multifunctional plant growth regulator, succinic acid can significantly improve crop growth, increase farmland income, and promote sustainable agricultural development if used scientifically and properly, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for modern agriculture.
