Which of the following is true about oxides as a form of micronutrient fertilizer?

Oxides are indeed recognized as the least expensive form of micronutrient fertilizers. This is largely due to their stability and the manufacturing processes involved, which typically result in lower production costs compared to other forms, such as chelates or sulfates.

In agricultural contexts, the cost-effectiveness of oxides makes them a popular choice for providing essential micronutrients to crops, especially when budgets are tight or when large-scale applications are needed. While they may not provide the same immediate availability for plant uptake as some other forms, their affordability can make them an attractive option for long-term soil management.

Although oxides may not be the most water-soluble or offer the highest immediate availability to plants, they do contribute to building a nutrient reservoir in the soil that can benefit plants over time. Thus, their long-lasting effects can additionally offset their initially lower solubility, making them a practical option for sustained nutrient availability in agricultural systems.