Nitrogen Vs. Magnesium Deficiency

Plants, just like humans, need a certain amount of minerals to maintain a healthy life. Nitrogen and magnesium are among the most important elements in enabling plants to grow and carry out their essential functions.

Nitrogen's Role

According to the University of North Dakota State's Web site, nitrogen plays a crucial role in the support of amino acids that provide structural integrity to the plant and allow its processes to efficiently function.

Symptoms of Nitrogen Deficiency

According to Dr. Wade Berry from UCLA, a plant suffering from nitrogen deficiency will exhibit a pale green color in the more mature leaves. In severe cases, these leaves will turn almost white. Younger leaves at the top of the plant will decrease in size and also pale in color. The plant veins may take on a reddish tint.

Growth Effects of Nitrogen Deficiency

According to a study published in the Annals of Botany in August 2005, maize plants with a deficiency in nitrogen produced less grain and were stunted in growth. The deficiency also decreased protein and chlorophyll contents.

Magnesium's Role

According to an article published in Plant Physiology in 1974, magnesium plays a vital role in the structure of chloroplasts, and therefore has an affect on photosynthesis, the process by which plants absorb light and convert it into energy and oxygen.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

According to Dr. Wade Berry from UCLA, a plant suffering from magnesium deficiency will have yellow coloring between the veins. Severe cases of magnesium deficiency can result in necrosis, which is the death of living cells.

Health Effects of Magnesium Deficiency

According to a study published in Soil Science Society of America Journal in 1966, decreased magnesium rates resulted in reduced chlorophyll production and therefore affected photosynthesis rates.

References

• "Annals of Botany;" Effects of Nitrogen Deficiency on Photosynthetic Traits of Maize Hybrids Released in Different Years; L. DING, K. J. WANG, G. M. JIANG, D. K. BISWAS, H. XU, L. F. LI and Y. H. LI; August 2005
• "Plant Physiology;" Effects of Magnesium Deficiency on the Photosynthesis and Respiration of Leaves of Sugar Beet; NORMAN TERRY AND ALBERT ULRICH; 1974
• "Soil Science Society of America;" Photosynthesis in K- and Mg-Deficient Maize (Zea mays L.) Leaves; D. E. Peaslee and D. N. Moss; 1966

Resources

• Wade Berry's Article on Nutrional Deficiency symptoms
• North Dakota State University's webpage on nitrogen's role in plants