Micronutrient Se is characterized by extremely low physiological requirements and a narrow threshold between deficiency and toxicity. Selenium deficiency leads to poor health and shortened lifespan. Soil is the primary source of Se for plants, and this element is then passed along the food chain. Most agricultural soils are characterized by a significant Se deficiency. Enriching soils with this micronutrient not only increases Se-content in agricultural products but also enhances the productivity of agrocenoses, reduces pathogen load on plants, and improves their stress resistance. Se-containing fertilizers can be used to enrich soils. Fertilizers containing Se in organic form or bioform are considered the safest, however, the production of such fertilizers is relatively expensive. Sodium selenate is most often used as a source of Se for plants. High toxicity is its disadvantage limiting its use in agriculture. Commercial forms of combined fertilizers enriched with Se are considered safer. The production and marketing of affordable and effective Se fertilizers is of great social importance. However, the technological aspects of their production have not been adequately addressed in scientific publications. Questions regarding optimal Se application rates to soils have not yet received an acceptable answer. Various publications report positive effects with Se applications ranging from 4 to 200 g/ha for the same crop. Assessing the environmental risks of large-scale Se-fertilizer use is controversial. However, there is evidence that due to volatile compounds formed, Se does not accumulate in soils and virtually does not migrate into groundwater.
ISSN 1995-4301
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