Vegetable Plant Nutrient Deficiency Identification
Identification of nutrient deficiencies in vegetable plants can be a bit challenging. The symptoms of a deficiency in one nutrient can mimic the symptoms of deficiency in other nutrients. In some cases, though, distinctive symptoms can help narrow down the possibilities considerably. There is no substitute for experience, and seasoned agronomists (experts in plants and soil science) can become adept at pinpointing the problem. Does this Spark an idea?
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Nitrogen
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Nitrogen deficiency in vegetable plants presents itself in the form of paler green leaves---especially the lower leaves at first---and stunted growth. Nitrogen, unlike some of the other essential plant nutrients, is mobile within the plant and so can move from one part of the plant to another. This mobility allows for redistribution of nitrogen to parts of the plant where it may be needed most.
Phosphorous
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A phosphorus deficiency in vegetable plants, like that of nitrogen, also results in stunted growth. Unlike in nitrogen deficiency, though, a phosphorus deficiency will produce leathery, dark green leaves and a purplish discoloration.
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Potassium
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Potassium deficiency results in a fading of the leaf's green coloration on the edges or at the tips. This effect starts with the lower leaves and works its way upward. Symptoms can manifest themselves in other ways, too, and may vary depending upon the kind of plant. Tomatoes deficient in potassium, for example, show an interference with fruit ripening.
Calcium
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A calcium deficiency can have a number of effects on vegetable plants, including poor root development, deformed leaves, dead regions on the leaves and lesions on the fruit in the case of peppers and tomatoes.
Magnesium
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Chlorosis is the term that plant physiologists use to refer to the condition in which a plant's leaves are paler green than normal. Leaves of plants with a magnesium deficiency generally show chlorosis in the regions between the leaf veins. This symptom occurs on the lower leaves first.
Sulfur
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A sulfur deficiency might easily be confused with nitrogen deficiency, as both entail yellowing of the vegetable plant. In contrast to nitrogen deficiency symptoms, though, sulfur-deficient plants begin showing the yellowing effect first in the topmost, younger leaves.
Micronutrients
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Micronutrients are nutrients that are necessary for healthy plant development and growth, but only in trace amounts. In fact, if levels are too high, micronutrients may even be toxic to the plant. Manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, iron and chlorine are all plant micronutrients. Symptoms of deficiencies in micronutrients can range from chlorosis to stunted growth to thickened leaves and death of growing tips.
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References
- Photo Credit salad and vegetable plants growing in allotment image by scalesy from Fotolia.com
