Liquid Iron for Plants
Iron deficiency occurs in plants growing in soil that has a high or neutral pH. Plants suffering from iron chlorosis will not grow or produce efficiently. They look yellow and sick. Liquid iron is a supplement that can improve the health of the plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Purpose of Iron
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Iron is necessary in plants to promote chlorophyll formation in the cells of the plants. Iron helps with plant photosynthesis and respiration.
Application Methods
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Spray a diluted mixture of liquid iron on the affected leaves or add it to the soil beneath the plant. Spraying may help temporarily but it will not permeate the plant from the inside the way a root feeding will.
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Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
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An iron deficient plant will have pale green or yellowing, unhealthy leaves. In extreme cases, the leaves can turn completely yellow. The yellow may even begin to extend down further into the plant.
Iron Deficiency vs. Nitrogen Deficiency
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According to Lynn Rawe, Texas Cooperative Extension, iron deficiency appears as yellowing growth in the new growth of the plant. Nitrogen deficiency will appear on the more established parts of a plant, the older growth.
Best Application Time
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It is best to apply liquid iron to a plant that is growing rapidly and experiencing low iron problems. It is not as effective applied on dormant plants before new growth appears.
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References
- Photo Credit green plants image by Amjad Shihab from Fotolia.com
