Change in leaf color due to lack of nutrition. Diagnosis of nutritional deficiencies in cultivated plants

Just like people and animals, plants vitally need nutrients, which they receive from soil, water and air. The composition of the soil directly affects the health of the plant, because the soil contains the main microelements: iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese and many others. If any element is missing, the plant gets sick and may even die. However, there is an overabundance minerals no less dangerous.

How do you know which element in the soil is not enough or, conversely, too much? Soil analysis is carried out by special research laboratories, and all large crop-growing farms resort to their services. But what should ordinary gardeners and home flower lovers do? How can they independently diagnose a deficiency? nutrients? It's simple: if the soil lacks iron, phosphorus, magnesium and any other substance, the plant itself will tell you about it, because the health and appearance of a green pet depends, among other things, on the amount of mineral elements in the soil. In the table below you can see a summary of the symptoms and causes of the disease.

Let's take a closer look at the symptoms of deficiency and excess of individual substances.

Micronutrient deficiency

Most often, a plant experiences a deficiency of individual microelements when the soil composition is not balanced. Too high or, conversely, low acidity, excessive content of sand, peat, lime, chernozem - all this leads to a lack of any mineral component. The content of microelements is also influenced by weather conditions, especially extremely low temperatures.

Typically, the symptoms characteristic of micronutrient deficiency are pronounced and do not overlap with each other, so identifying the deficiency useful substances quite simple, especially for an experienced gardener.

[!] Do not confuse external manifestations characteristic of a lack of minerals with manifestations that occur when plants are damaged by viral or fungal diseases, as well as various types of insect pests.

Iron– an element vital for the plant, participating in the process of photosynthesis and accumulated mainly in the leaves.

Lack of iron in the soil, and therefore in the plant’s nutrition, is one of the most common diseases, called chlorosis. And, although chlorosis is a symptom that is also characteristic of a deficiency of magnesium, nitrogen and many other elements, iron deficiency is the first and main reason chlorosis. Signs of iron chlorosis are yellowing or whitening of the interveinal space of the leaf plate, while the color of the veins themselves does not change. First of all, the upper (young) leaves are affected. The growth and development of the plant does not stop, but the newly emerging shoots have an unhealthy chlorotic color. Iron deficiency most often occurs in soils with high acidity.

Iron deficiency is treated with special preparations containing iron chelate: Ferrovit, Mikom-Reacom Iron Chelate, Micro-Fe. You can also make your own iron chelate by mixing 4 grams. iron sulfate with 1 l. water and adding 2.5 g to the solution. citric acid. One of the most effective folk ways To eliminate iron deficiency, stick a few old rusty nails into the soil.

[!] How do you know that the iron content in the soil has returned to normal? Young growing leaves have normal green color.

Magnesium. About 20% of this substance is contained in the chlorophyll of the plant. This means that magnesium is necessary for proper photosynthesis. In addition, the mineral is involved in redox processes

When there is not enough magnesium in the soil, chlorosis also occurs on the leaves of the plant. But, unlike signs of iron chlorosis, the lower, older leaves are affected first. The color of the leaf plate between the veins changes to reddish, yellowish. Spots appear throughout the leaf, indicating tissue death. The veins themselves do not change color, and the overall color of the leaves resembles a herringbone pattern. Often, with a lack of magnesium, you can see deformation of the sheet: curling and wrinkled edges.

To eliminate magnesium deficiency, special fertilizers containing a large number of required substances - dolomite flour, potassium magnesium, magnesium sulfate. Wood ash and ashes well compensate for magnesium deficiency.

Copper important for proper protein and carbohydrate processes in the plant cell and, accordingly, plant development.

Excessive content of peat (humus) and sand in the soil mixture often leads to copper deficiency. This disease is popularly called white plague or white-tailed plague. Citrus home plants, tomatoes, and cereals react especially acutely to copper deficiency. The following signs will help identify a lack of copper in the soil: general lethargy of leaves and stems, especially the upper ones, delay and stopping of the growth of new shoots, death of the apical bud, white spots on the tip of the leaf or throughout leaf plate. In cereals, leaf curling into a spiral is sometimes observed.

To treat copper deficiency, copper-containing fertilizers are used: superphosphate with copper, copper sulfate, pyrite cinders.

Zinc has a great influence on the rate of redox processes, as well as on the synthesis of nitrogen, carbohydrates and starches.

Zinc deficiency usually manifests itself in acidic swamps or sandy soils Symptoms of zinc deficiency are usually localized on the leaves of the plant. This is a general yellowing of the leaf or the appearance of individual spots; often the spots become more saturated, bronze in color. Subsequently, the tissue in such areas dies. Symptoms first appear on the old (lower) leaves of the plant, gradually rising higher. In some cases, spots may appear on the stems. Newly emerging leaves are abnormally small in size and covered with yellow specks. Sometimes you can see the leaf curling upward.

In case of zinc deficiency, zinc-containing complex fertilizers or zinc sulfate are used.

Bor. With the help of this element, the plant fights viral and bacterial diseases. In addition, boron actively participates in the process of growth and development of new shoots, buds, and fruits.

Swampy, carbonate and acidic soils very often lead to boron starvation of the plant. Particularly affected by boron deficiency are different kinds beets and cabbage. Signs of boron deficiency appear primarily on young shoots and upper leaves of the plant. The color of the leaves changes to light green, the leaf blade curls into a horizontal tube. The leaf veins become dark, even black, and break when bent. The upper shoots suffer especially severely, even to the point of dying, and the growth point is affected, as a result of which the plant develops with the help of lateral shoots. The formation of flowers and ovaries slows down or completely stops, and flowers and fruits that have already appeared fall off.

Boric acid will help compensate for the lack of boron.

[!] Boric acid must be used with extreme caution: even a slight overdose will lead to the death of the plant.

Molybdenum. Molybdenum is necessary for photosynthesis, vitamin synthesis, nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism, in addition, the mineral is a component of many plant enzymes.

If a large number of brown or brown specks appear on the old (lower) leaves of the plant, but the veins remain normal green, the plant may be lacking molybdenum. In this case, the surface of the leaf is deformed, swelling, and the edges of the leaves curl. New young leaves do not change color at first, but over time, mottling appears on them. The manifestation of molybdenum deficiency is called “Whiptail disease”

Molybdenum deficiency can be replenished with fertilizers such as ammonium molybdate and ammonium molybdate.

Manganese necessary for the synthesis of ascorbic acid and sugars. In addition, the element increases the chlorophyll content in the leaves, increases the plant’s resistance to adverse factors, and improves fruiting.

Manganese deficiency is determined by the pronounced chlorotic color of the leaves: the central and lateral veins remain deep green, and the interveinal tissue becomes lighter (becomes light green or yellowish). Unlike iron chlorosis, the pattern is not so noticeable, and the yellowness is not so bright. Symptoms can initially be seen at the base of the upper leaves. Over time, as the leaves age, the chlorotic pattern blurs, and stripes appear on the leaf blade along the central vein.

To treat manganese deficiency, manganese sulfate or complex fertilizers containing manganese are used. From folk remedies You can use a weak solution of potassium permanganate or diluted manure.

Nitrogen– one of the most important elements for a plant. There are two forms of nitrogen, one of which is necessary for oxidative processes in the plant, and the other for restorative. Nitrogen helps maintain the necessary water balance and also stimulates the growth and development of the plant.

Most often, nitrogen deficiency in the soil occurs in early spring, because of low temperatures soil that prevents the formation of minerals. Nitrogen deficiency is most clearly manifested at the stage of early plant development: thin and sluggish shoots, small leaves and inflorescences, low branching. In general, the plant develops poorly. In addition, a lack of nitrogen may be indicated by a change in the color of the leaf, in particular the color of the veins, both central and lateral. With nitrogen starvation, the veins first turn yellow, and subsequently the periveinal tissues of the leaf also turn yellow. Also, the color of the veins and leaves may become reddish, brown or light green. Symptoms appear first on older leaves, eventually affecting the entire plant.

The lack of nitrogen can be compensated for by fertilizers containing nitrate nitrogen (potassium, ammonium, sodium and other nitrates) or ammonium nitrogen (ammophos, ammonium sulfate, urea). High nitrogen content is present in natural organic fertilizers.

[!] In the second half of the year, nitrogen fertilizers should be excluded, as they can prevent the plant from transitioning from a dormant state and preparing for wintering.

Phosphorus. This microelement is especially important during the period of flowering and fruit formation, as it stimulates the development of the plant, including fruiting. Phosphorus is also necessary for proper wintering, therefore best time for applying fluorine-containing fertilizers - the second half of summer.

Signs of phosphorus deficiency are difficult to confuse with any other symptoms: leaves and shoots turn bluish, and the glossiness of the leaf surface is lost. In particular advanced cases the coloring may even be violet, purple or bronze. On lower leaves areas of dead tissue appear, then the leaf completely dries out and falls off. Fallen leaves are dark, almost black. At the same time, young shoots continue to develop, but look weakened and depressed. In general, a lack of phosphorus affects the overall development of the plant - the formation of inflorescences and fruits slows down, and the yield decreases.

Phosphorus deficiency is treated with phosphate fertilizers: phosphate flour, potassium phosphate, superphosphate. A large amount of phosphorus is found in bird droppings. Ready-made phosphorus fertilizers take a long time to dissolve in water, so they must be applied in advance.

Potassium- one of the main elements of plant mineral nutrition. Its role is enormous: maintaining water balance, increasing plant immunity, increasing resistance to stress, and much more.

An insufficient amount of potassium leads to leaf edge burn (deformation of the leaf edge accompanied by drying). Brown spots appear on the leaf blade, the veins look as if pressed into the leaf. Symptoms appear first on older leaves. Often, a lack of potassium leads to active leaf fall during the flowering period. The stems and shoots droop, the development of the plant slows down: the appearance of new buds and sprouts and the setting of fruits are stopped. Even if new shoots grow, their shape is underdeveloped and ugly.

Fertilizers such as potassium chloride, potassium magnesia, potassium sulfate, and wood ash help compensate for the lack of potassium.

Calcium important for the proper functioning of plant cells, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. The first person to suffer from calcium deficiency is root system.

Signs of calcium deficiency appear primarily on young leaves and shoots: brown spotting, bending, curling. Later, both already formed and newly emerging shoots die. A lack of calcium leads to impaired absorption of other minerals, so the plant may show signs of potassium, nitrogen or magnesium starvation.

[!] It should be noted that house plants rarely suffer from calcium deficiency, since tap water contains quite a lot of salts of this substance.

Lime fertilizers help increase the amount of calcium in the soil: chalk, dolomite limestone, dolomite flour, slaked lime and many others.

Excess of microelements

Too much great content minerals in the soil are just as harmful to the plant as their deficiency. Typically, this situation occurs in the case of overfeeding with fertilizers and oversaturation of the soil. Failure to comply with the dosage of fertilizers, violation of the timing and frequency of fertilizing - all this leads to excessive mineral content.

Iron. Excess iron is very rare and usually causes difficulty in absorbing phosphorus and manganese. Therefore, the symptoms of an excess of iron are similar to the symptoms of a deficiency of phosphorus and manganese: a dark, bluish tint of the leaves, cessation of plant growth and development, and the death of young shoots.

Magnesium. If there is too much magnesium in the soil, calcium ceases to be absorbed; therefore, the symptoms of an excess of magnesium are generally similar to the symptoms of calcium deficiency. This is the curling and dying of leaves, a curved and torn shape of the leaf plate, and a delay in the development of the plant.

Copper. If there is an excess of copper, brownish spots appear on the lower, older leaves; subsequently, these areas of the leaf, and then the entire leaf, die. Plant growth slows down significantly.

Zinc. When there is too much zinc in the soil, the plant leaf becomes covered with whitish watery spots on the underside. The leaf surface becomes bumpy, and subsequently the affected leaves fall off.

Bor. Excessive boron content appears primarily on the lower, older leaves in the form of small brownish spots. Over time, the spots increase in size. The affected areas, and then the entire leaf, die.

Molybdenum. If there is an excess of molybdenum in the soil, the plant does not absorb copper well, so the symptoms are similar to those of copper deficiency: general lethargy of the plant, slow development of the growing point, light spots on the leaves.

Manganese. Excess manganese in its symptoms resembles magnesium starvation of a plant: chlorosis on older leaves, spots different colors on a leaf plate.

Nitrogen. Too much nitrogen leads to rapid growth of green mass to the detriment of flowering and fruiting. In addition, an overdose of nitrogen in combination with excessive watering significantly acidifies the soil, which in turn provokes the formation of root rot.

Phosphorus. Excessive amounts of phosphorus interfere with the absorption of nitrogen, iron and zinc, resulting in symptoms characteristic of a deficiency of these elements.

Potassium. If the soil contains too much potassium, the plant stops absorbing magnesium. The development of the plant slows down, the leaves acquire a pale green color, and a burn occurs along the contour of the leaf.

Calcium. An excess of calcium manifests itself as interveinal chlorosis. This happens because too much calcium leads to difficulty absorbing iron and manganese.

We most often learn that a plant is experiencing a nutritional deficiency by a number of external signs. It also happens that we mistakenly take these symptoms for the onset of some disease, although the plant only needs feeding, and not treatment. A deficiency of mineral nutrition elements primarily manifests itself in indicator plants, which are the first to respond to such a deficiency. It is characteristic that the type of soil itself initially implies a lack of a certain element, which causes metabolic disorders in the green organism. This process accompanied by yellowing and falling of leaves, dying of shoots, etc.

For example, light sandy and sandy loam soils are characterized by a lack of elements such as magnesium, potassium, iodine, sulfur and bromine. Over-limed or carbonate soils lack zinc, boron and manganese, and peat soils plants do not absorb manganese, copper, boron and potassium well.

So, before treating plants for “diseases,” make sure they are not starving. To do this, below we present the signs that accompany a plant with a lack of one or another element:

Nitrogen deficiency in plants is manifested by a change in leaf color and a decrease in their size. Due to the reduction of chlorophyll, they lose their intense green coloration, acquiring light green, orange and purplish-red hues (on older leaves below). At the same time, the petioles and veins of the leaves also become reddish. A lack of nitrogen is accompanied by early leaf fall, a reduction in the number of inflorescences and fruits, and slower growth of shoots. The shoots become brownish-red, thin and short, the fruits become smaller, and their color changes to brighter. In stone fruits, nitrogen starvation may be accompanied by reddening of the bark. Strawberries do not form whiskers well. The apple tree's young leaves do not reach normal sizes, and the angle of inclination of the petiole to the shoot becomes acute. Indicator plants: tomatoes, potatoes, apple trees, strawberries.

If there is a lack of nitrogen, plants are fed with ammonium nitrate (2-3 kilograms per 100 m²) or slurry (up to 100 kilograms per 100 m²). For quick effect spray with a 0.5% urea solution (50 grams per 10 liters of water). Nitrogen fertilizers are applied at the roots of crops in the spring.

Phosphorus starvation in plants with pronounced external signs appears quite rarely. Thus, the development of the root system and growth in height slows down in the apple tree. The shoots grow short and thin. The leaves at the ends of the shoots acquire an elongated, narrow shape. Flowering and fruit ripening are delayed, early leaf fall occurs. Old lower leaves change color to bluish-green, sometimes with a bronze tint. The fruits fall off, and the winter hardiness of the crop decreases.

During phosphorus starvation, gooseberry leaves become reddish-purple, currant leaves become covered with small brown spots or have a dark bronze border. In strawberries, old leaves take on a purple-bronze hue. In spring, the buds of trees are in no hurry to bloom. Drying leaves become dark, almost black. Stone fruits have a greenish tint and sour flesh. Phosphorus deficiency in crops most often occurs on acidic light soils with low organic matter content. At the same time, mature trees do not immediately show signs of nitrogen starvation, since they have time to accumulate nutrients and transfer them from the old parts of the tree to the young ones. Indicators - apple tree, peach, black currant, strawberry, tomato.

When plants suffer from a lack of phosphorus, they are fed with superphosphate, and in acidic soils with phosphorite. Fertilizing with organic matter is also effective. For express restoration, crops are sprayed with a superphosphate solution (50 grams per 10 liters of water).

During potassium starvation, the leaves of apple, plum, cherry, gooseberry, and red currants become bluish-green; for pears - dark brown; and in black currants - red-purple. In addition, they often become wrinkled in spring or summer. The main sign of potassium deficiency is the appearance of a rim of drying tissue along the edges of the leaf blade of the lower leaves. In an apple tree this rim can be brown, gray or brown, in plums and cherries it can be brown. Moreover, young leaves may not have such “burns”. Raspberry leaves curl slightly inward, causing the overall color of the foliage to appear greyish (curly). Leaves with torn edges may also appear (as if they were being chewed by insects). The harvest of all crops is of low quality and short term storage If potassium starvation is very severe, the shoots may die by the end of the season.

It happens that trees develop relatively normally in the spring, but signs of deficiency appear in the summer. Apple fruits ripen unevenly and have a pale color. In autumn it takes a long time for leaves to fall. A red and then a brown border appears on the strawberry leaves. The lack of potassium can be especially severe on highly acidic soils, as well as on those soils to which excess doses of magnesium and calcium have been added. Indicator plants - pear, peach, apple, plum, raspberry, strawberry, currant, beet, tomato.

Calcium deficiency is accompanied by whitening of young leaves, curling, death of growing points and ends of shoots (chlorosis), as well as falling of leaves and newly set fruits. Calcium starvation manifests itself in delayed development of the root system, the formation of new buds and slow growth of the plant as a whole. With a lack of calcium, stone formation is disrupted in stone fruits, and shell formation in nuts is disrupted. The edges of the leaves may appear ragged.

If you notice signs of calcium deficiency in your plants, check the acidity of the soil. If there is such a need, carry out liming. At a neutral pH, starving plants are fed with calcium sulfate. Indicator plants: apple tree, strawberry, currant, plum, cherry, cherry plum, cabbage, cucumbers.

A lack of magnesium is manifested by interveinal chlorosis, that is, the leaves turn red, but their edges and veins continue to remain green for some time. This color resembles a herringbone. The lower leaves of starving plants begin to fall off prematurely. Magnesium deficiency contributes to a decrease in the winter hardiness of crops and their freezing. In gooseberries, magnesium deficiency manifests itself in the form of red stripes along the edges of the leaves. Signs of magnesium deficiency are especially pronounced on light acidic soils.

If you find signs of magnesium deficiency on your plants, after flowering, spray with a solution of magnesium sulfate (20 grams per 10 liters of water). Repeat the procedure 3-4 times every 10 days. Important: if you apply magnesium fertilizers to the soil, they will begin to work only after two years. Indicator plants: tomatoes, potatoes, apple trees.

When a plant lacks manganese, white, light green and red spots appear on its upper young leaves, and the veins of the leaves remain green for a long time (interveinal chlorosis). A lack of manganese can cause brown leaf spot. In this case, adding manganese will help improve the yield and taste of the fruit.

To eliminate manganese deficiency, starving plants are sprayed with a solution of manganese sulfate (500 grams per 10 liters of water before flowering or 10 grams per 10 liters of water after). Indicator plants: cabbage, beets, potatoes.

A lack of boron in plants manifests itself in the form of chlorosis of young leaves: their veins turn yellow, the leaves themselves become smaller, curl, and marginal and apical necrosis appears on them. The leaves fall early. Against the background of increased development of lateral buds, the development of apical buds slows down. The plant blooms weakly and few ovaries appear on it, the fruits are formed ugly. If a plant experiences boron starvation for a long time, the tops of its shoots may die. In apple trees, the pulp of the fruit hardens, in cauliflower the heads become glassy, and in beets the core rots.

To increase the yield of crops during flowering, they are sprayed with boron-containing preparations. In case of boron deficiency, plants are sprayed at the beginning of summer boric acid(5 grams of substance per 10 liters of water). Boron fertilizers are applied to the soil once every three years (500 grams per 100 m²). Indicator plants - tomatoes, beets, raspberries, apple trees.
Copper (Cu) starvation of plants is accompanied by the death of shoot tips and intensive growth of lateral buds. At the same time, the leaves become variegated, pale green, ugly and limp, and brown spots appear on them. The leaf veins contrast sharply with their background. Citrus fruits are particularly vulnerable to copper deficiency. Tomatoes respond well to the addition of copper.

Plants that are regularly treated with preparations containing copper in the spring to prevent diseases do not lack this element. Indicator plants: spinach lettuce, plum, apple tree.

Zinc deficiency manifests itself as narrow, wrinkled and small leaves; as well as brittle, thin, short shoots. The internodes on the branches are short, the fruits are small, deformed and have a thick skin. In the pulp of the fruit stone fruits brown spots appear.

Zinc deficiency can occur in soils with high nitrogen content. To prevent a shortage of this element, alfalfa is grown between the rows in the garden or garden. Indicator plants: apple, peach, cherry, cherry, pear, tomatoes, beans, soybeans.

A manifestation of iron deficiency are yellowed and discolored leaves (in whole or in part). Starving plants grow slowly, the edges of their leaves die, and the fruits become small. The harvest is reduced, the foliage falls prematurely. The tops of tree shoots may dry out.

Iron deficiency usually occurs with excessive liming. In this case, the leaves on fruit and berry crops completely white. To replenish iron reserves, iron sulfate in the form of a solution or powder is added to each plant in September. In the spring, spray twice with a solution of iron sulfate (50 grams per 10 liters of water). Indicator plants: plum, cherry, pear, apple tree.

Molybdenum deficiency most often occurs in cauliflower on acidic sandy soils. Starvation is accompanied by the death of the growth point. Molybdenum deficiency is caused by excess nitrogen, swampy soils, and dry or cold periods. As a result, the leaf blades are underdeveloped and the cabbage head practically does not set. Old leaves become chlorotic.

Very often in practice one can observe a deficiency of several batteries at once. Consequently, the signs of starvation are combined. For example, when a plant simultaneously lacks phosphorus and potassium, it grows poorly, but there are no special symptoms. If the deficiency is experienced for too long, the lower part of the shoots and leaf petioles may take on a purple hue. With a lack of phosphorus and nitrogen, leaves begin to grow under acute angle to escape, they become light green and hard. Plants often refuse to bear fruit. With a simultaneous lack of magnesium and an excess of potassium, strawberries develop gray mold fruits If a crop experiences a simultaneous lack of potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus (the three most important elements), it develops poorly, bears fruit poorly, and its fruits have very few seeds.

Signs of deficiency and excess of substances in plants

Lack and excess of nitrogen

Nitrogen deficiency most clearly manifests itself on older lower leaves from the very beginning of the growing season of indicator plants: strawberries, apple trees, potatoes, tomatoes.

The leaves of pome crops become smaller, they become narrow, losing their rich green color. Orange and red dots appear on pale green young leaves. The leaves turn yellow and fall prematurely. Roses in spring are particularly sensitive to nitrogen deficiency. There is weak growth of shoots, the flowering of the plant weakens, and the wood of the stems does not ripen well. Strawberries exhibit poor whisker formation.

Nitrogen starvation of plants may increase due to increased acidity of the soil and turfing of its surface under fruit trees.

With excess nitrogen the foliage takes on a dark green color. The plants begin to grow wildly, but their stems are soft and few flowers are produced. Plants are easily affected fungal diseases. Surplus nitrogen fertilizers leads to the development of chlorosis along the edges of the leaves and between the veins, brown necrotic spots appear on them, and the ends of the leaves curl.

Deficiency and excess of phosphorus

Phosphorus deficiency most clearly manifested on the older lower leaves of indicator plants, such as peach, apple, strawberry, black currant and tomatoes.

The leaves are dull, dark green, with a red or purple or bronze tint. Red and violet-brown stripes and spots may appear on the edges of leaves, as well as near the petioles and veins. The stems, petioles and leaf veins also turn purple.

The leaves become smaller, become narrow, move away from the shoots at an acute angle, dry out and fall off. Leaf fall begins early, the drying leaves darken, sometimes even turning black. Flowering and fruit ripening are delayed. Plants lose their decorative value.

The growth of shoots slows down, they bend and weaken, often the shoots are blind. The root system develops poorly and root growth is delayed. In general, plants' winter hardiness decreases.

Organic fertilizers have a beneficial effect on the composition of the soil, improve its permeability to water and air, and stabilize the soil structure. As organic fertilizers decompose in the soil, they form a layer of humus in the soil, which increases its fertility.

Symptoms of phosphorus starvation of plants most often are observed on acidic light soils with a low organic content.

Excess phosphorus leads to soil salinization and manganese deficiency. In addition, the plant loses the ability to absorb iron and copper, as a result the metabolism is disrupted. Plants that receive excess phosphorus have leaves that become smaller, dull, curled, and covered with growths. Plant stems harden.

Potassium deficiency and excess

Sign of potassium deficiency is more pronounced in the middle of the growing season on the older lower leaves of indicator plants: strawberries, raspberries, currants, tomatoes and beets.

Symptoms of potassium deficiency first appear as leaves turning pale. The color of the leaves is dull, bluish-green. Uneven growth of leaf blades is observed, leaves become wrinkled, and leaf curl is sometimes noted. The edges of the leaves droop down. The leaves turn yellow starting at the top, but the veins remain green. Gradually, the leaves turn yellow completely and acquire a reddish-purple color.

This phenomenon is observed in black currants, whose leaves, due to a lack of potassium, become purple with an edge burn. The marginal “burn” along the edges of the leaves is a rim of drying tissue, then the leaves dry out.

The plant becomes stunted with short internodes, the shoots grow thin and weak.

Young rose leaves acquire a reddish tint, with brown edges. The flowers of the plants are small. This phenomenon is often observed in roses growing on sandy and peat soils, where roses lack potassium. First, the lower leaves die, then the process moves to young leaves, they turn black. As the process continues, the stems of the roses also die.

Signs potassium starvation may be most pronounced on soils with high level acidity, as well as on those soils in which excessive doses of calcium and magnesium were added.

Excess potassium causes a delay in plant development. The leaves of a plant overfed with potassium become light green in color and spots appear on them. First, the growth of leaves slows down, then they wither and fall off.

Calcium deficiency and excess

Plants need calcium for the normal development of the above-ground parts and root growth; in nature it is found in the form of limestone, chalk and other compounds. Sign of calcium deficiency It is most clearly manifested on older lower leaves, at the beginning of the growing season on young tissues, on the tops of shoots of indicator plants such as strawberries, gooseberries, currants, cucumbers and cabbage.

A lack of calcium is expressed in a change in the color of young leaves - they turn white and curl upward in a hook. Sometimes the leaves have a ragged appearance.

The stems and leaves are weakened, growing points, peduncles and shoot tips may die, leaves and ovaries fall off. The shoots themselves thicken, but overall plant growth and the formation of new buds slow down. The root system develops poorly, root growth is delayed.

Symptoms of calcium deficiency may appear on soils where there is excess potassium.

With excess calcium the shells of nuts and seeds of cherries and plums thicken, the leaves may turn yellow, since with an excess of calcium the plant cannot help but absorb iron. These signs are sometimes appear on potassium-poor soils.

Iron deficiency and excess

For iron deficiency indicate yellowing and partial or complete discoloration of leaves (chlorosis). However sometimes pale leaves indicate to excess calcium in the soil.

Yellowing of leaves begins from their edges; young leaves suffer the most. But there is still a narrow green stripe around the veins. As chlorosis progresses, small veins also become discolored. Then the leaf becomes almost white or acquires a white-cream color. Then the edges of the leaves die, then the leaf tissues die completely and they fall off prematurely.

In plants weakened by chlorosis, growth slows down, tree tops may dry out, fruits become smaller and the yield sharply decreases.

Very often, plants experience a lack of iron in neutral, alkaline and calcium-rich soils. This also happens with excessive liming of the soil, when the iron contained in the soil becomes bound, which can cause chlorosis.

Magnesium deficiency and excess

Magnesium deficiency most clearly manifests itself on older lower leaves, often in the middle of the growing season, especially during drought on indicator plants: potatoes and tomatoes. It is expressed in the development of interveinal chlorosis of the leaves, their color becomes like a “herringbone”. First, discolored spots appear on old leaves, and then on young ones in mid-summer.

Leaves turn yellow, red, or purple as dead dark red areas and dying reddish-yellow areas appear between the veins. But the edges of the leaves and veins remain green for some time. They begin to fall ahead of time, and early leaf fall begins from the lower part of the plant. Sometimes, due to a lack of magnesium, a pattern similar to the symptoms of mosaic plant disease appears on the leaves. The edges of gooseberry leaves are striped red. Often, a lack of magnesium leads to a decrease in winter hardiness and freezing of plants.

The most obvious symptoms of magnesium deficiency are on light acidic soils, especially in roses growing in acidic soils. Often magnesium deficiency strengthen the constant application of potassium fertilizers. If magnesium compounds in the soil in excess, then plant roots do not absorb potassium well.

Deficiency and excess of boron

Boron accelerates the growth of pollen and affects the development of ovaries, seeds and fruits. Sufficient boron content in plant nutrition promotes the flow of sugars to plant growth points, flowers, roots and ovaries.

Signs of boron deficiency most often appear on younger parts of indicator plants, tomatoes, and beets. Symptoms are especially pronounced during drought.

Lack of boron affects the growth point of young shoots. With prolonged boron starvation, it dies. Often there is a slowdown in the development of apical buds with increased development of lateral buds.

Chlorosis of young leaves develops: light green leaves become smaller, their edges bend upward and the leaves curl. The veins of young leaves turn yellow. Later, marginal and apical necrosis appears on such leaves.

With a lack of boron, the growth of the entire plant is suppressed. Small sections of bark die off on the shoots, and the tips of the shoots may die off (dry apex). There is weak flowering and fruit set, which take on an ugly shape.

The application of organic fertilizers increases the nutrient content in the soil, promotes the regulation of biological processes in it and activates the activity of soil microorganisms.

The tissues of pome fruits acquire the structure of a cork. On cauliflower, glassy heads appear, and on beets, the core rots.

Most often, boron starvation of plants occurs on calcareous soils.

Excessive application of boron-containing fertilizers accelerates the ripening of fruits, but their keeping quality suffers.

Deficiency and excess of manganese

Signs of manganese deficiency in the soil primarily appear on upper leaves, in their bases of indicator plants: potatoes, cabbage and beets.

White, light green, red spots appear in the same way as during magnesium starvation, but not on the lower, but on the upper, young leaves.

Affected plants develop interveinal chlorosis, the leaves turn yellow between the veins from the edge to the center, forming tongue-shaped areas. In this case, the veins of the leaf can remain green for a long time, and a green rim forms around the veins. Sometimes a lack of manganese causes brown leaf spots.

With an excess of manganese, iron goes into the oxide form, which is poison for the plant. To avoid such problems, it is necessary to add four times more iron than manganese. It is this ratio that is beneficial for the plant.

With an excess of magnesium the plant shows signs of calcium deficiency.

Deficiency and excess of copper

Signs of copper deficiency are most pronounced on the younger parts of indicator plants - lettuce and spinach. These signs are especially pronounced during drought.

Plants experience stunted growth and die apical bud, at the same time the awakening of the lateral buds occurs. Then rosettes of small leaves appear on the tops of the shoots.

The tips of the leaves turn white, the leaves themselves become variegated. Lethargic and unsightly, they become pale green with brown spots, but no yellowing. The leaf veins stand out sharply against this background. Young leaves lose turgor and wither.

If there is presence in the soil excess copper, then plants often suffer from iron deficiency.

Deficiency and excess of molybdenum

More often than others lack of molybdenum noted in cauliflower, which is grown on acidic sandy (less often clayey) soils. This symptom manifests itself more clearly if physiologically acidic fertilizers are used. Therefore, it is not recommended to use excessively acidic peat for growing seedlings.

Symptoms of starvation are manifested in the death of the growing point, as well as the fall of buds and flowers. The leaf blades cannot develop to the end, the cauliflower head practically does not set. Old leaves take on a color similar to chlorosis. At later stages of development, a lack of molybdenum in cauliflower causes deformation of young leaves. Sustainability early varieties to this problem is much weaker compared to late varieties.

The most common manifestation of molybdenum deficiency is on marshy soils, in cold or dry periods, with excess nitrogen.

Excess molybdenum leads to impaired absorption of copper.

Deficiency and excess of sulfur

Sulfur affects redox processes in plant tissues, promoting the dissolution of mineral compounds from the soil.

If there is a lack of sulfur the leaves become light green in color, and the veins on the leaves become even lighter. Then red spots of dying tissue appear on them.

With excess sulfur the leaves gradually turn yellow at the edges and shrink, turning inward. Then they turn brown and die. Sometimes the leaves take on a lilac-brown hue rather than yellow.

Deficiency and excess of zinc

Signs of zinc deficiency usually appear on old leaves (especially in spring) of indicator plants: tomatoes, pumpkin and beans.

Symptoms first appear on the leaves, which are small, wrinkled, narrow and mottled due to interveinal chlorosis. Green coloring remains only along the veins. Dead areas often appear on the leaf along the edges and between the veins.

Usually zinc deficiency appears on nitrogen-rich soils.

Signs of high zinc levels are watery, transparent spots on the lower leaves of plants along the main vein. There are projections on the leaf blade irregular shape After some time, tissue necrosis occurs and the leaves fall off.

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Nitrogen deficiency

Nitrogen- one of essential elements root nutrition. Nitrogen is a protein molecule that makes up protoplasm, which is responsible for plant respiration. Nitrogen is also responsible for the green color of the plant, being part of chlorophyll.

Nitrogen deficiency manifests itself:

Paleness of old leaves, yellowing and loss of green mass.
Young shoots become thinner and new shoots do not form.
Roots do not develop.
Fruit buds are not set.
Low protein levels.
Acidic soil exacerbates nitrogen starvation.

Phosphorus deficiency

Phosphorus is an element of the nucleus and plasma, a complex nucleoprotein. Participates in photosynthesis, regulates acid-base balance.

Phosphorus deficiency manifests itself:

Blue-green marks on the foliage.
Old leaves and stems turn purple.
The tips of the leaves dry out and curl up.
The color of the leaves can turn blue, red, purple (mostly inner part sheet).
Deformation of seedlings, seeds, flowers.
Poor seed germination.
Phosphorus deficiency is aggravated by high pH - more than 7, or low pH - below 5.5.

Calcium deficiency

Calcium in the plant neutralizes excess organic acids. Calcium also antagonizes potassium. The correct ratio of calcium and potassium affects the most important life processes in the plant. Calcium deficiency during watering tap water happens rarely.

Calcium deficiency manifests itself:

The leaves are withering.
Shoots and foliage are colored Brown color, then die off.
Excess calcium prevents magnesium and potassium from being absorbed.
Leaves bend and roots shorten.
Frequent fungal infections plants.

Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium is part of chlorophyll. With its help, a number of reactions occur in the formation of phosphate bonds and their transportation.

Magnesium deficiency manifests itself:

The edges of the leaves turn white and yellow.
The tips of the leaves curl up.
Leaf spotting.
Death of the interveinal space (necrosis, skeletonization).

Iron deficiency

Playing important role in redox processes, participates in the formation of chlorophyll.

Iron deficiency manifests itself:

Leaf chlorosis.
The green mass becomes smaller.
The level of sugars in the plant decreases.
Too alkaline soil aggravates iron deficiency.

Sulfur deficiency

Sulfur helps enable photosynthesis. Participates in the process of oxygen absorption and CO2 release. If the root begins to rot, sulfur breaks down into components and hydrogen sulfide, its excess leads to rapid tissue decay.