Comparison of symptoms

A common symptom of a deficiency of any of the nutrients is stunted plant growth, although this symptom may be more pronounced in one case than in another. Below is a comparison of symptoms of mineral deficiency other than stunting.
Symptoms of plant mineral deficiency can be divided into two large groups:
I. First group consist mainly of symptoms that appear on the old leaves of the plant. These include symptoms of deficiency nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc And magnesium. Obviously, if there is a lack of these elements in the soil, they move in the plant from older parts to young growing parts, which do not develop signs of starvation.
II. Second group constitute symptoms that appear on growing points and young leaves. Symptoms of this group are characteristic of a deficiency calcium, boron, sulfur, gland, copper And manganese. These elements do not appear to be able to move from one part of the plant to another. Consequently, if there is not a sufficient amount of the listed elements in the soil, then the young growing parts do not receive the necessary nutrition, as a result of which they get sick and die.
When starting to determine the cause of plant nutritional disorders, you should first of all pay attention to in which part of the plant anomalies appear, thus determining the group of symptoms. Symptoms first group, which are found mainly on older leaves, can be broken down into two subgroups:
1) more or less general (lack of nitrogen and phosphorus);
2) or be only local in nature (lack of magnesium, zinc and potassium).
Failure nitrogen And phosphorus(symptoms first subgroup) affects the condition of the plant as a whole or its older leaves. With a lack of these elements, a significant growth retardation is observed and the leaves tend to take an upright position on the stem, forming an acute angle with the latter. In case of shortage nitrogen the plant acquires an abnormally light green color and its lower leaves turn yellow to a greater or lesser extent. In case of shortage phosphorus the plant has an unusually dark green color, and the leaves either do not turn yellow at all or turn slightly yellow.
Symptoms of deficiency magnesium, zinc And potassium related to second subgroup of the first group, do not capture the entire leaf, but only individual sections of it, which is expressed in the loss of green color (chlorosis), and sometimes in the death (necrosis) of the tissues of individual sections of the leaf.
In case of shortage potassium chlorotic areas have a yellowish tint, which causes variegation. Chlorotic areas occur around small areas of dead tissue at the tips, along the edges, and between the veins of leaves. As the areas of dead and dried tissue increase, the plant takes on the appearance of being affected by rust. Other parts of the plant are distinguished by their bluish-green color. The earliest manifestation of potassium deficiency is expressed in downward curling of the tops and edges lower leaves; this symptom becomes more and more pronounced as the deficiency of the said element increases.
In case of shortage magnesium the green color of individual sections of the leaf disappears, becoming almost white. Leaf areas that have lost their green color are located mainly between the main veins, and not at the tops or along the edges of the leaves. There is little or no tissue death; curling of the tops and edges of the leaves is also not observed.
Flaw zinc causes the death of tissue areas on the entire surface of the leaf, and not just at the top and along its edges. Often the lateral and sometimes the main veins undergo this process. Areas with dead tissue disintegrate much faster than with a lack of potassium.
Second group symptoms that appear on young leaves or growing points of a plant can be divided into three subgroups, which are characterized by:
1) the appearance of chlorosis, or loss of green color by young leaves without subsequent death of the apical bud, which indicates a lack of iron, sulfur or manganese;
2) death of the apical bud, accompanied by the loss of its green color by the leaves, which indicates a lack of calcium or boron;
3) constant wilting of the upper leaves, which indicates a lack of copper.
With chlorosis of young leaves without subsequent death of the apical bud (symptoms first subgroup) the veins retain their green color in case of deficiency gland . Usually only areas of the leaf between the main veins lose color. But in exceptional cases, the veins may also be affected, then the entire leaf becomes white or yellow. There are usually no spots of dead tissue.
If there is a shortage sulfur the veins of the leaf, like all other parts of the leaf, become light green; the veins may even appear lighter. The loss of green color does not occur to the same extent as in the case of deficiency gland And manganese, so that the leaves do not turn white or yellow. There are also no spots of dead tissue.
In case of shortage manganese the entire vascular system of the leaf, down to the smallest branches, retains its green color, creating a sharp contrast with the discolored tissue between the veins, which gives the leaf the appearance of a chessboard. Subsequently, gradually increasing spots of dead tissue appear on the leaves, which can cover the entire surface of the leaf.
Co. second subgroup include symptoms that are characterized by the death of the apical bud.
If the missing element is calcium , young apical leaves first lose their green color and curl downwards approximately 1/3 of their length. The tips and edges of the leaves then die and the tissues of the leaf blade are torn as a result of subsequent growth, giving the leaf a ragged appearance. The plant as a whole takes on a dark green color.
In case of shortage boron young apical leaves first lose their normal color at their curved base. The top may remain green for some time. Typically, the affected tissues quickly disintegrate, and if the growth of the leaf continues further until it completely dies, the leaf becomes twisted or twisted. The upper leaves have an unhealthy light green color and curl from the top to the base. The main veins of the affected leaves become brown or black in color and break easily when the leaf is bent.
For symptoms third subgroup The development of chlorosis and death of the apical bud are not typical. This subgroup includes almost exclusively symptoms of deficiency copper , manifested in the steady wilting of the upper leaves.
The following describes the symptoms that appear due to deficiency minerals, for each element separately.

Sometimes when growing seedlings, we notice that they begin to feel bad, or do not develop quite correctly, and symptoms of diseases appear - lethargy, fragility and others. But such manifestations of “disease” do not at all mean the presence of pests or fungal infections - it may be a banal disturbance in the balance of certain elements (deficiencies).

Symptoms are caused by metabolic disorders that change the appearance of the seedlings. And this happens only because of improper mineral nutrition, a lack of any element, or, conversely, an excess of it, which prevents plants from absorbing other elements. For example, too much manganese interferes with the absorption of iron.

An imbalance can arise due to a small volume of soil or its incorrect pH, due to unsuccessful selection and application of fertilizers.

Imbalance due to...

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is part of the complex compounds from which protein is built - the basis of living matter. Nitrogen is also part of chlorophyll, which plays an important role in plant photosynthesis.

Oversupply: causes leaves to enlarge, the foliage color becomes intensely green, too fast growth shoots. Increased growth of shoots leads to weakening of the plant, the plant begins to resist diseases and external natural factors, such as cold, dryness and overflow. 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.

Flaw: leads to pale green or yellow-green foliage, reduced development of shoots, roots and the entire plant. On the older, lower ones, the yellowness is more pronounced than on the younger ones. General reduction of the leaf plate. Small upper leaves extend from the stem under acute angle, the stems are thin and tough, the plants themselves are small.

Calcium

Participates in carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism, ensures the permeability of cell walls.

Oversupply: the plant also manifests itself as a lack of zinc, magnesium, manganese, boron and potassium. If there is an excess of calcium, the plant cannot absorb iron. Signs of chlorosis appear. This is more often observed on plants if the acidity of the soil is exceeded, or on potassium-poor soils.

Flaw: the plant becomes sick with chlorosis. The leaves lose color, chlorotic spots and stripes appear on them, and the edges of the leaves turn brown, the tops of the shoots dry out, and the leaves fall off, or they turn white and curl upward. Sometimes the leaves have a ragged appearance. Root growth slows down, and root hairs are not created at all. The roots partially die off and are often affected by rot, easily breaking off during transplantation. The soil is acidifying.

Stems and leaves are weakened, and growing points may die. The shoots themselves thicken, but overall plant growth and the formation of new buds slow down. Symptoms of calcium deficiency may appear in soils where there is excess potassium.

Recommended: water the seedlings 1–2 times a week with a 0.25–0.3% solution of calcium nitrate (7.5–9 g per 3 liters of water), prepared with horsetail decoction. Or sprinkle the soil with dry calcium nitrate (1 g per 5 plants) and water it 2-3 times with the same decoction.

Potassium

Potassium is involved in nitrogen metabolism (helps the plant absorb carbon dioxide from the air) and hydration of proteins in cells.

Oversupply: a deficiency of calcium, magnesium and manganese is detected. 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.

Flaw: the leaves become bluish-green, sometimes wrinkled, the edges of the leaf blade become brownish (marginal burn) and dry out. Leaf spotting will appear. Sometimes a marginal burn. Immunity to underfilling and hypothermia is lost.

Copper

Participates in the synthesis of proteins and carbohydrates, as well as in the processes of photosynthesis and respiration, increases plant resistance to fungal diseases.

Oversupply: plants often suffer from iron deficiency. Cracks and swellings form on the bark of the shoots, and over time they dry out. This phenomenon is usually called dryness.

Copper is a sedentary element. Once in the ground, it is practically not washed out. With the constant use of copper-containing preparations, copper can accumulate in the soil to toxic concentrations. You can grow vegetables on such soil if you constantly maintain the reaction of the soil environment close to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Copper toxicity manifests itself when the soil is acidified (pH 4.0-5.5)

Flaw: The shoots become deformed and the tops curl. The growth of new shoots is inhibited. The tips of the leaves turn white, the leaves themselves become variegated. Lethargic and ugly, they become pale green with brown spots, but without yellowing, the leaf blade becomes discolored and often falls off, the veins of the leaf stand out sharply against this background. Young leaves lose turgor and wither, which cannot be corrected by watering. The roots often become diseased.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is the main element that provides energy processes in plant cells. Phosphorus is also part of the so-called nucleoproteins, the main component of the cell nucleus.

Oversupply: which is quite rare, causes premature aging of the entire plant, flowers and fruits fade too quickly, zinc and iron are no longer absorbed by the plant, a lack of potassium appears, the plant develops chlorosis (interveinal chlorosis), the foliage turns white.

Flaw: There is a slowdown in the growth of the entire plant, a decrease in the leaf size itself, and the shoots almost do not grow. Red veins are noticeable on the leaves, and the flowers lose their brightness. With a general deficiency of potassium and phosphorus, the petiole of the leaves and the lower part of the shoot exhibit purple shade. There are signs of nitrogen deficiency.

Chlorine

Chlorine - chlorine is needed by plants in small quantities; it, together with alkaline and alkaline earth ions, has a positive effect on the water content of tissues and the swelling of cell protoplasm. This element activates enzymes that carry out photolysis reactions during photosynthesis, but only in individual species plants need this element is high. Various plants respond differently to the concentration of chlorine in the soil solution - in practice, you have to deal more with excess chlorine, especially in dry conditions.

Crops such as radishes, spinach, chard, celery, and sugar beets are positive for chlorine. Chlorophobic plants that react negatively to increased chlorine content in the soil include: tobacco, grapes, pumpkin, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, fruit and berry crops.

Oversupply: can occur only with prolonged saturation of the soil with chlorine, and is dangerous for adult plants. When growing seedlings, excess chlorine is practically impossible.

Flaw: observed extremely rarely, not just withering, but drooping leaves.

Gland

Iron is involved in the formation of chlorophyll and proteins. Since the degree of solubility of iron absorbed by plant roots directly depends on the acidity of the soil, the amount of easily digestible iron is greater in soils with an acidic pH. Consequently, iron deficiency is more likely to occur in alkaline soils.

Oversupply: This happens quite rarely, and the growth of the root system and the entire plant stops. The leaves take more dark shade. If, for some reason, the excess of iron turns out to be very strong, then the leaves begin to die and fall off without any visible changes. With an excess of iron, the absorption of phosphorus and manganese is difficult, so signs of a deficiency of these elements may also appear.

Flaw: the formation of chlorophyll stops, the leaves become light yellow (chlorosis). This will not manifest itself in the same way as with a lack of magnesium, when yellowing occurs along the veins, and yellow spots form first between the veins, and then over the entire surface of the leaf, while the veins themselves remain green.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is an essential metal component of many enzymes. It is involved in carbohydrate, nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism, the synthesis of vitamins and chlorophyll, increases the intensity of photosynthesis, and is part of the enzyme nitrate reductase, with the participation of which nitrates are reduced to ammonia in plants.

Plant needs for molybdenum are significantly less than for boron, zinc, copper, and manganese. With an average yield, grain crops tolerate up to 6 g/ha of molybdenum, legumes - up to 10 g/ha. Legumes, some plants of the Brassica family (cauliflower and white cabbage, lettuce, spinach, radishes, mustard), citrus fruits and beets are sensitive to the lack of this element. Wheat, oats, corn, flax, tomatoes, potatoes, and buckwheat react positively to the presence of molybdenum. Under its influence, the quality of products significantly improves, the protein content in grain and hay of legumes, vitamins and sugars in vegetables, etc. increases.

Flaw: observed in cauliflower, which is grown on acidic sandy (less often clay) 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.

Oversupply: leads to impaired absorption of copper.

Magnesium

Magnesium is part of chlorophyll and is involved in plant photosynthesis.

Flaw: the leaves turn pale, interveinal chlorosis is possible, which manifests itself in the fact that yellowing begins on the leaf blade between the longitudinal veins, first these are small spots that increase in size, then wide stripes, the veins themselves remain green. Then the leaf turns orange and reddish, turns brown and dies. Flowering is delayed and plant growth slows down. Magnesium deficiency manifests itself primarily on the old lower leaves of plants.

Oversupply: The roots of the plant begin to die, the plant stops absorbing calcium, and symptoms that are characteristic of calcium deficiency occur. Magnesium is obtained from organic fertilizers. Magnesium deficiency primarily occurs in acidic soils.

Conclusion:

Signs of a lack of nitrogen, phosphorus, molybdenum, potassium, magnesium and zinc appear mainly on old leaves or throughout the plant - changes general form plants.

Signs of a lack of nitrogen, phosphorus and molybdenum are widespread throughout the plant; the color of the leaves varies from yellow to dark green, turning into yellow or purple on older leaves.

Signs of deficiency of potassium, magnesium and zinc are predominantly localized; chlorosis may be accompanied by necrosis on older leaves.

Signs of deficiency of iron, manganese, copper, sulfur, calcium and boron appear mainly on young leaves, the growing point, are localized, the growing point may die.

With a lack of iron, manganese, copper and sulfur, chlorosis can be accompanied by necrosis, the color of the veins from pale green to dark green.

With a lack of calcium and boron, the growing point dies, the leaves are chlorotic and deformed.

With Mg deficiency. chlorosis of the leaves is observed; they begin to turn pale between the veins from the middle to the edges, while the edges gradually curl, and the leaves become variegated. Yellowing covers almost the entire leaf blade; only the tips of the leaves and the V-shaped areas at their bases remain green. Magnesium chlorosis is usually observed in late summer and autumn, and extremely rarely at the beginning of the growing season. Root system plants develop poorly, the plants look exhausted. Characteristic of magnesium starvation is the fact that speckled yellowing affects both old and young leaves at the same time, which usually does not happen with a lack of iron, zinc or manganese. Spots subsequently appear between the veins different colors due to tissue death. At the same time, large veins and adjacent areas of the leaf remain green. The leaf tips and edges curl, causing the leaves to become domed, the edges of the leaves to wrinkle and gradually die. Signs of deficiency appear and spread from the lower leaves to the upper ones. fruit plants There is early leaf fall, starting from the lower shoots even in summer, and severe fruit drop. Signs of magnesium deficiency in the apple tree appear in August on the leaves of fruit trees and annual shoots. A characteristic sign of magnesium starvation in pome crops is interveinal chlorosis (discoloration), which begins with the leaves of the lower tier. In some varieties, the areas of the leaves between the veins become yellow, orange, or red, while the veins and adjacent tissues remain green. Subsequently, brown necrotic spots appear in the interveinal areas, starting from the edges of the leaves. In other varieties, the leaves turn yellow and brown in the middle, but leave the edges green. In cherries, yellowing of the leaves begins from the middle of the blade on both sides. Subsequently, elongated brown spots appear along the veins, and the leaves turn completely yellow. Diseased leaves fall off in advance. The application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, as a rule, increases the need of plants for magnesium, since a certain ratio between these elements is important for them. To eliminate this deficiency, magnesium-containing fertilizers are applied (for sandy soils, dolomite is the best). The cause of Mg deficiency can be not only its lack in the soil, but also increased soil acidity, as well as high potassium content in the soil. Sandy and sandy loam sod-podzolic soils are poor in magnesium.

Signs of sulfur deficiency (S)

With a lack of sulfur, plant growth is retarded. Chlorosis develops on the leaves, very similar to chlorosis caused by a lack of nitrogen. But the initial stages of S. deficiency are characterized by yellowing of the leaves of young shoots while maintaining the green color on older leaves. These differences in leaf color are striking and give the trees a distinctive appearance. A lack of sulfur is manifested in slow growth of stems in thickness, in a pale green color of leaves without tissue death. The stems become thin, brittle, woody and tough. A lack of sulfur leads to a delay in protein synthesis, since the formation of amino acids containing this element is difficult. Because of this, visual manifestations of sulfur deficiency are similar to signs of nitrogen starvation: plant development slows down, leaf size decreases, stems lengthen, leaves and petioles become woody. Unlike nitrogen starvation, with sulfur starvation the leaves do not die, although their color becomes pale. Sulfur requirements vary greatly among different crops. When cultivating agricultural crops on soils low in mobile sulfur, yields may decrease and the quality of products may deteriorate. The supply of sulfur to plants is the main factor in obtaining high-quality plant protein. In a number of crops, the structure, as well as the functioning of enzymes and proteins in the tissues of leaves and seeds, depends on the level of sulfur nutrition.

Signs of iron (Fe) deficiency

With a lack of Fe. Plants develop leaf chlorosis, they become pale and crumble. Iron chlorosis always begins on young leaves, and only then gradually moves to older ones. In addition, unlike calcium or magnesium chlorosis, the leaves turn pale green entirely, rather than partially. In the initial stage of iron chlorosis, a network of dark green veins stands out on a pale yellow leaf. During acute starvation, the color of both young and old leaves becomes very pale, almost white, the veins also turn very pale and only the middle one retains a pale green color. At this stage of starvation, necrotic spots often appear on older leaves, the tops of the shoots begin to dry out, fall off, and the tree stops growing. It should be remembered that Fe deficiency. usually associated with increased soil alkalinity, but it can also be caused by extreme variations in soil moisture. Iron deficiency is sometimes detected on carbonate soils and on acidic soils after the application of high doses of lime. With a lack of iron, uniform chlorosis is observed between the leaf veins. The color of the upper leaves becomes pale green and yellow, white stripes appear between the veins, and the entire leaf may subsequently turn white. Signs of iron deficiency appear primarily on young leaves. The following trees are sensitive to iron deficiency: apple, pear, cherry, as well as apricot, plum and peach. Chlorosis begins with yellowing or even whitening of the upper leaves. Often yellowing of leaf areas is observed only between the veins, and with a severe lack of iron, the leaf blade turns yellow completely. After prolonged fasting, yellowed leaves appear along the edges and between the veins. brown spots. The leaves have fallen and fall off, the apical shoots die.

Signs of zinc (Zn) deficiency

With a lack of Zn. the leaves become small, their tops become lighter, rosettes form, light, yellowish areas appear between the veins of the leaves, and the lower, older leaves die off. Symptoms of zinc deficiency appear very sharply on the leaves. Leaf symptoms of zinc deficiency include uneven green stripes along the midribs and lateral veins, and the rest of the leaf tissue becomes light green, greenish-yellow, or very pale yellow. A characteristic sign of zinc deficiency is the appearance of narrow leaves on shoots with short internodes; During acute starvation, very small, erect leaves develop. With a slight deficiency of zinc, a characteristic pattern on the leaves appears first in the form of a clearly visible network of green veins on a light green background of the leaf. As leaves age, the areas of green tissue adjacent to the veins expand and become darker, while the areas between the veins become lighter. The symptoms of zinc deficiency are so pronounced that they mask or greatly alter the symptoms of deficiency of all other elements, as well as various diseases; therefore, in order to detect the deficiency of other elements, it is necessary first of all to eliminate the deficiency of zinc. It should be remembered that a lack of zinc is often caused by a lack of copper, which, as we remember, is in turn caused by excess doses of nitrogen in the soil! Zinc deficiency is observed in soils. Symptoms of zinc deficiency develop throughout the plant or are localized to older lower leaves. First, scattered spots of gray-brown and bronze color appear on the leaves of the lower and middle tiers, and then on all leaves of the plant. The tissue of such areas seems to collapse and then dies. Young leaves are abnormally small and mottled with yellow or uniformly chlorotic, slightly upright, and leaf margins may curl upward. In exceptional cases, the internodes of starved plants are short and the leaves are small and thick. Spots also appear on leaf stems and stems. Apple, pear, peach, apricot, cherry and plum trees are sensitive to zinc deficiency. The deficiency of this element in the soil causes a delay in bud opening fruit trees. Since spring, small, narrow, hard leaves with wavy edges are formed, collected in rosettes on the tips of the shoots and chlorotic with small spots in the middle part of the leaf blade. The tops of the shoots die off. Below the dead area, a large number of weak-growing lateral shoots are formed, which do not ripen during the summer and freeze out in winter. In stone fruits, zinc deficiency results in yellowing of the entire leaf tissue between the veins. The application of large doses of phosphorus fertilizers and phosphating of soils aggravates zinc deficiency.

Signs of boron deficiency (B)

With a lack of boron, plant growth slows down, the growth points of shoots and roots die off, buds do not open, flowers fall off, cells in young tissues disintegrate, cracks appear, plant organs turn black and take on an irregular shape. The edges of the leaf blade become brown, and this is noticeable first on old leaves , then the process moves on to the young ones. Often, with a lack of V., the leaves have a withering appearance, as if dried out, but after watering the picture does not change. With a lack of boron, young leaves lose their normal color at the curved base of the leaf and become curled. The top of the shoot may remain green for some time. The upper leaves are especially distinguished by an unhealthy light green color and curl from the top to the base. Watery spots appear on other young leaves, which gradually become translucent. Another characteristic symptom of boron deficiency is the expansion of the veins, accompanied by their further splitting and suberization (large veins, starting from the central one, are covered with a brownish layer resembling a cork). The fruits of trees experiencing boron starvation begin to fall prematurely. Unripe fruits have brown spots and the fruits have a “dried” appearance. Boron deficiency is more often observed on carbonate, dark-colored, waterlogged soils, as well as on acidic soils after liming. A good supply of plants with phosphorus and calcium increases their requirements for the presence of boron. An indicator of a lack of boron in the soil can be sunflower, which has browning of the top and cessation of growth of young leaves. Large doses of boron cause general toxicosis in plants, while boron accumulates in the leaves, causing a kind of burn of the lower leaves, i.e., the appearance of marginal necrosis, their yellowing, dying and falling off. The sensitivity of plants to boron deficiency varies greatly. U fruit crops boron deficiency is expressed in the crushing of the upper leaves, their curling and falling off, and with a sharp deficiency and in the development of dry tops, in the appearance of watery ulcers on the fruits (inside and outside), which then turn brown and become suberized, and the fruits acquire a characteristic bitterish taste. If there is a lack of boron in plants, the growth point is affected, the apical buds and roots die, and the stems become bent. Side shoots develop rapidly, and the plant takes on a bush shape. Leaves become pale green, scorched and curled. There is a lack of flowering or falling off of flowers, non-set of fruits, empty grains. Symptoms of boron deficiency are especially noticeable in dry years. In pome species, the most characteristic signs of boron starvation is suberization of fruit tissues in both the outer and inner layers of the pulp. External suberization manifests itself in the ovary. Watery spots form on the fruits near the calyx, which over time turn brown, become hard and covered with cracks, the growth of the fruit stops and they fall off. The inner cork layer may appear in the fruit two weeks after the petals fall. The fruits develop dry, hard, brown, corky areas with a dry consistency and a bitter taste. Sometimes rosettes of small thickened leaves are formed on the shoots, and bushiness of the shoots is observed. In stone fruit trees, boron deficiency has the same symptoms as in pome trees. It must be borne in mind that even a small overdose of boron can result in the death of the plant!

Signs of Copper (Cu) Deficiency

Copper deficiency is more often observed on peat bogs, as well as on carbonate and sandy soils with a copper content of less than 0.001%. Plants vary in their sensitivity to copper deficiency. Plants bushy heavily, stemming is delayed, seed formation is suppressed (empty grains). With a lack of Cu. the growth of the root system is disrupted, as a result of which the growth of the entire plant slows down. The first sign of mild copper deficiency is the appearance of unusually wide, dark green leaves on long, soft, geniculate shoots; the leaves usually have irregular outlines with an arched midrib. Soft shoots bend at the ends or take an S-shape. At this stage of starvation, the tree appears powerfully developed to an inexperienced person. With more acute and prolonged starvation, the leaves of the tree become, on the contrary, very small and quickly fall off the dying shoots. Before falling, they have shapeless light yellow spots. In cases of very acute starvation, the leaves curl strongly, their edges take on an irregular shape, and a thin network of darker-colored veins stands out against the light green background of the leaf blade. Young shoots become thin and geniculate. Occasionally, deposits of resinous gum form between the bark and wood; Sometimes the bark breaks and the gum comes out. In cases of very severe starvation, large shoots with numerous buds develop a large number of young tender shoots with small leaves; the leaves die quickly, starting from the top. At this stage of starvation, reddish growths develop on the shoots over almost the entire surface of the bark. Many researchers note that copper deficiency is associated with excess nitrogen doses. This should be taken into account! Also, a lack of copper is usually accompanied by a lack of magnesium. >

Signs of manganese (Mn) deficiency

Mn deficiency. is in many ways similar to a lack of iron and zinc: chlorosis of the leaves appears, plant growth slows down. In young leaves, a thin network of green veins stands out against the background of the light green color of the tissues of the leaf blades. However, with manganese starvation, the color of the leaves is greener and the pattern of veins is less noticeable than with a lack of zinc or iron. With weak manganese starvation, this pattern blurs as the leaves age and dark green, irregular shape stripes along the main and larger lateral veins, between which there are areas of light green tissue. The noted symptoms of manganese deficiency resemble the changes that occur with a lack of zinc, however, such a sharp contrast as is characteristic of zinc starvation is never observed with a lack of manganese. In more acute forms of manganese starvation, the leaves acquire a dull green or yellowish-green color along the middle and larger lateral veins, but these stripes gradually become narrower, as at the same time the areas between the veins become increasingly pale and dull. Manganese deficiency often occurs on carbonate, peaty, floodplain and meadow-chernozem soils. With a lack of manganese, chlorosis occurs between the veins of the leaf - on upper leaves A yellowish-green or yellowish-gray color appears between the veins, the veins remain green, which gives the leaf a variegated appearance. Subsequently, areas of chlorotic tissue die, and spots of various shapes and colors appear. Signs of deficiency appear primarily on young leaves and primarily at the base of the leaves, rather than at the tips as with potassium deficiency. Manganese is needed by plants for the synthesis of chlorophyll. Apple and cherry trees suffer from a lack of this element. The first sign of manganese starvation is yellowing of the edges of the leaves (and subsequently the appearance of clear yellow spots), the entire surface. The veins and adjacent tissues remain green for a long time. Such symptoms appear on both old (more often) and young apical leaves, which distinguishes manganese starvation from iron, when yellowing begins with young apical leaves, and the leaf blades turn yellow completely. Manganese deficiency is more common in dry areas. With an acute shortage of manganese, the shoots die.

Signs of Molybdenum (Mo) Deficiency

Symptoms appear first on older leaves. Clearly expressed mottling appears; The leaf veins remain light green. Newly developing leaves start out green but become mottled as they grow. Areas of chlorotic tissue subsequently swell, the edges of the leaves curl inward; Necrosis develops along the edges and at the tips of the leaves. Molybdenum starvation is most often observed on acidic soils with a pH less than 5.2. Liming increases the mobility of molybdenum in the soil and its consumption by plants. Legumes are especially sensitive to the lack of this element in the soil.

When identifying signs of insufficiency of any nutritional element, it is necessary to take into account that some characteristic features starvation can be caused by diseases, pests, freezing and mechanical damage to plants. For example, when there is a massive proliferation of mites, the leaves become greenish-yellow, as if there is a lack of nitrogen. Light green color leaves with strong reproduction of aphids and lack of moisture in the soil. After the conductive tissue freezes, signs resembling potassium starvation (marginal leaf burn) appear on tree trunks.

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 of the plant.

Magnesium deficiency

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

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

Plays an important role in redox processes and 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 breakdown.

Sulfur deficiency manifests itself:

Slow plant growth.
Light leaves, reddish tint.
Low yield.

Copper deficiency:

Curved leaves, chlorosis.
Thinning leaves.
Low protein levels.
Reduced resistance to fungi.

Zinc deficiency:

Chlorosis.
Slow plant growth.
Low levels of sugars and protein.

Boron deficiency in plants

Low sugar content.
Ovaries and flowers are not formed.
Chlorosis, leaf death and deformation.

Manganese deficiency:

Reduced content of vitamins.
Low yields.
Necrosis and chlorosis of leaves.

Wanting to give plants as much as possible, many people often thoughtlessly use mineral fertilizers. But “more” is not always synonymous with “better.” Most often, crops lack only one or two minerals, and we pamper them with everything at once. And often after this, excess manifests itself much worse than deficiency. Take a closer look at the plants, and they themselves will tell you what they are missing.
Athot- pale or yellowed leaves, small size and early necrosis of leaves, fragile stem. With an excess of nitrogen, the plant “fattens,” that is, it suffers from growth with a clear delay in flowering.
TOAliyah– flowers form poorly or do not form at all, leaves turn yellow or brown, often die, and also curl downward and wrinkle. With an excess of potassium, plant growth slows down.

Fosphorus – leaves are dark green, with a bluish tint, slow growth, early leaf fall, the plant is often affected by fungus. With an excess of phosphorus, iron and zinc are poorly absorbed.

ANDiron- the appearance of uniform chlorosis between the leaf veins, pale green and yellow coloring of the leaves without tissue death. Iron deficiency most often manifests itself on carbonate and heavily limed soils.
MAgny – light or yellow leaves, perhaps even red; chlorosis of leaf tissue between green veins, death of roots.
TOalcium- damage and death of apical buds and roots, death of the tip and edges of young leaves, some of which have a hook-shaped tip. Calcium deficiency is often observed in very acidic, especially sandy, soils.
WITHera- pale green color of leaves without tissue death. When a plant lacks sulfur, protein synthesis slows down and growth lags. If, on the contrary, there is an excess of sulfur in the plant, the leaves turn yellow and the edges curl inward.

Bop- death of apical buds, roots and leaves; lack of flowering, fall of the ovary. Boron deficiency most often occurs on soils with a neutral and alkaline reaction, as well as on limed soils, since calcium interferes with the entry of boron into the plant.
Mgo- chlorosis and whitening of leaf tips. With an excess of copper, root development is disrupted and the supply of iron and manganese to the plant is reduced.

Manganese- poor development of leaves, the appearance of spots on them. Interveinal chlorosis indicates an excess of manganese. Manganese deficiency most often occurs in alkaline soils.