For disturbing symptoms, such as discoloration and stains on leaves, plant wilting or inhibition of their growth, we usually suspect a fungal disease or pest. Often, however, the reason may be simplyerrors in fertilizing plantsand relatedmacro- and micronutrient deficienciesSee how to recognize them and how to help plants in such situation.
Leaf chlorosis - yellowish discoloration of the crumb between the leaf veins. In this case, it occurs on young leaves, which may indicate iron deficiency
Deficiency of macro- or microelementsmay occur even with, as it might seem, proper fertilization of plants. The reason for the deficiency may be weather conditions (e.g. in heavy rains, some nutrients are washed into the deeper layers of the soil), improper soil pH (e.g. excessive acidification reduces the absorption of, among others, calcium and magnesium) or damage to the root system of the plant by pests , when transplanting or loosening the soil. Deficiencies may also be the result ofimproper proportions of individual nutrients or over-fertilization with one of the ingredientsFor example, excessive potassium fertilization makes it difficult for plants to absorb magnesium.
In the event of a deficiency in nutrients, we can help plants quickly by applying an appropriate mineral fertilizer in the form of foliar or soil fertilization. First, however, we must learn to recognizewhat are the symptoms of deficiency of individual macro- and micronutrients .
Macronutrient deficiencies in plant fertilization
The correct proportions of macronutrientscontained in the NPK formula (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) are essential for the life and growth of plants. They are the basic ingredients of most fertilizer mixtures for garden plants.
Nitrogenis an important element for plants responsible for their growth and leaf color, necessary mainly in the growth phase. With a nitrogen deficiency, plants grow slowly, are weakened, leaves turn lighter and turn yellow. These discolorations are related to the deficiency of chlorophyll, which is involved in the photosynthesis process. A frequent symptom of nitrogen deficiency is also premature staining of the stem tissues. An extreme deficiency of this element can cause a yellowish-brown discoloration of the leaf fragments, and on older parts of plants the yellowish color can turn to pinkish or purple (e.g. in the oldest leaves of Beijing and head cabbage).
Nitrogen deficiency in soilcan be supplemented by fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers.Depending on the needs, it is used to acidify the soil in the gardenammonium sulphate(recommended for acidophilic plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons, most conifers, blueberries) or non-acidifying soilcalcium ammonium nitrateSupporters of natural fertilization can use nettle manure, which, in addition to a large dose of nitrogen, will also provide plants with potassium.
Excess nitrogen can also be dangerous for plants , especially when combined with a phosphorus, potassium or water deficiency. Plants overfertilised with nitrogen are excessively bulky, their leaves are dark green, the excessive development of green parts takes place at the expense of flowering and fruiting. An excess of nitrogen in the autumn period makes it difficult for plants to go into dormancy and exposes them to frost damage. Therefore, the last nitrogen fertilization in the garden is recommended no later than July. In the case of nitrogen over-fertilization, intensive watering is used (it helps to flush the excess nitrogen into the soil) and fertilization with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.
Phosphorus- is another macroelement important for plant life. The demand for this ingredient increases especially in summer, as it determines the production of flowers and fruit. Phosphorus is also responsible for the development of the root system. When this nutrient is missing, plant growth is slowed down, leaves, petioles and stems become purple-purple in color, leaves may become stiff. Flowering, fruit setting and seed formation are also weaker.
Phosphorus deficiency - purple-red discoloration of leaves appears earlier than in autumn. Leaves become stiff, flowering and fruit setting are weaker
In the case of phosphorus deficiency, phosphorus fertilizers are used, such assuperphosphateHowever, it must be remembered that phosphorus, despite its presence in the soil, may be unavailable for plants. This is because it easily precipitates into less soluble forms, its bioavailability is significantly reduced in too acidic soils, as well as when nitrogen is overfertilized.It is also not very mobile in the soil and must be delivered directly to the plant's roots. Therefore, fertilizers for the so-called precise phosphorus fertilization, such asMicrostar PZ , which are much more effective than classic phosphorus fertilizers.
Potassium- in the case of its deficiency, the growth of roots and shoots is inhibited, leaf chlorosis occurs, the edges of older leaves turn brown, and in extreme cases the plants wilt. The fruits of plants such as cucumber and zucchini become deformed and their taste deteriorates. Tomatoes are yellowish, hard spots, green heel, the taste of the fruit also deteriorates. Potassium deficiency in soil can be supplementedpotassium sulfate
Calcium- its deficiency is manifested by deformation of young leaves, dying of growth tips and flower buds. It causes characteristic symptoms in individual crops. Fruit dry rot may be present on tomato and pepper.It is a common explanation for why paprika rots on the bush, usually mistaken for an attack of fungal disease. Calcium deficiency is also a common cause of tomato leaves curling. In Chinese cabbage and lettuce, browning of the edges of the leaves curling the head can be observed, while in Brussels sprouts there is internal browning of the leaves. In orchards, calcium deficiency may cause apple bitter spot, and in pears - alfalfa. In turn, cherries are more prone to cracking.
" How to supplement the calcium deficiency in the soil?There are many understatements in this topic. The concepts of fertilizers for liming soil to deacidify the soil and fertilizers to provide calcium available to plants are confused. Liming fertilizers, popularly known as garden lime, contain calcium compounds that are poorly soluble in water. Usually it is calcium oxide or calcium carbonate. The calcium contained in them is practically unavailable for plants, and the purpose of their use is only to deacidify the soil.If we want to supplement calcium deficiencies in plants, use e.g.calcium nitrate "
Magnesium- its deficiency causes wilting and chlorosis of the leaves. A characteristic symptom of magnesium deficiency is a yellowish color of the crumb between the leaf veins. In coniferous trees and shrubs, magnesium deficiency manifests itself first by brightening, then yellowing and browning of the youngest growths of conifers. This is best seen on thujas as they are especially sensitive to a lack of magnesium. Often also on spruce or cypress trees. It is worth knowing that you do not need to use a special fertilizer mixture against browning of the needles (fertilizers of this type are currently a sensation and are unfortunately quite expensive). Just applymagnesium sulfate
Micronutrient deficiencies in plant fertilization
We have discussed the individual macronutrients necessary for plant life. However, equally visible symptoms of plant failure may also appear in the absence of micronutrients such as iron, boron, molybdenum, manganese or copper.
Iron- deficiency of this micronutrient causes disturbances in photosynthesis, which is manifested in the formation of chlorosis between the veins on young leaves. Easily confused with a magnesium deficiency. What is the difference? In the absence of iron, chlorosis occurs mainly on young leaves, and in the absence of magnesium - on older leaves.
Bor- in the absence of it, the edges of the young leaves turn yellow and dry. The browning of roses occurs in cauliflower and broccoli. In turn, in the cultivation of beet, boron deficiency may be the cause of heart leaf blight and dry root rot.
Molybdenum- its deficiency may also cause chlorosis of young leaves. In cauliflower and broccoli, as a result of the deficiency of this micronutrient, we can observe the whipiness of the leaves and the gradual scattering of small roses.
Manganese- its deficiency is another cause of chlorosis, as a result of which we observe between veins yellowing of leaves and marbling.
Copper- its deficiency manifests itself in the deformation of the youngest leaves and the withering of their tips. Often there are also disorders in the setting of flowers and fruits.
In order tosupplement the microelements in amateur crops , ready-made fertilizer mixtures are usually used, which, apart from the content of macroelements, are also enriched with microelements. If the plant shows deficiencies of micronutrients, it indicates a very large deficiency of a given micronutrient. Then, in many cases, a quick rescue can be achieved by foliar fertilization with concentrated liquid fertilizers or the so-called
A very good solution is also the regular use of bas alt flourIt is a mineral fertilizer of natural origin (from ground volcanic rock), which does not pose a risk of over-fertilization (minerals from the flour are released very slowly and only in the absence of them in the soil). At the same time,bas alt flour provides plants with a rich set of micronutrients , such as: iron, zinc, manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum, boron and selenium.It is also a source of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and very large amounts of silica. The last ingredient strengthens the plants, makes the stems harder and makes them resistant to diseases.
As bas alt flour does not contain nitrogen, it is perfect as an autumn fertilizer. So if during the growing seasonwe noticed deficiencies of nutrientson plants, but we cannot determine which specific ingredient is missing,let's use bas alt flour in autumnIt is perfect for all vegetable and fruit crops, as well as most ornamental plants.
