Lack of microelements in trees affects the entire plant. The deficiency can be determined by color, shape, the presence of spots on the leaves, and the size of the foliage.
Nitrogen deficiency
The leaves can indicate a lack of nitrogen. They become small and pale green in color. The shoots are short and thin, the plants bloom weakly, and the ovaries fall off.
To compensate for the lack of nitrogen, you need to add 20 grams of nitrogen fertilizers to the soil for every meter around trunk circle. If there are no signs of deficiency, then apply a dose 2 times less. Urea also works effectively. She doesn't need to do anything root dressings. Dilute the solution as follows: take 30 grams of the composition per 10 liters of water.
Potassium deficiency
If a tree does not have enough potassium, then its leaves will be a rich dark green color, they will have a bronze tint. Spots appear, the leaves turn yellow, turn brown, and then the tissue around the edges begins to die. Edge burns form. The next stage is where wrinkles appear between the veins, all tissues lose turgor. The fruits take a long time to ripen and are small.
Magnesium sulfate or potassium magnesium will help fill the deficiency. You need to contribute for each square meter 50 gr. Wood ash also helps.
What if you don't have enough magnesium?
The leaves of the plants turn light green because chlorophyll is poorly formed. The leaf begins to turn yellow over time, and then purple and red colors begin to appear along the edges of the veins. If the leaf is old, then light green spots form on it, which turn yellowish-brown. After the spots appear, the leaf falls off.
Magnesium sulfate will help with magnesium deficiency. You need to apply fertilizing at a rate of 50 grams per square meter next to the tree trunk.
Phosphorus deficiency
With a lack of phosphorus, the leaves become smaller, become dark green, and turn black when dry. The fruits grow sour and their quality is poor. With a lack of phosphorus, signs begin to appear from the lower part of the tree crown.
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, an excess of minerals is 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 lack of 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, on the contrary, 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 a 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 the lack of magnesium, special fertilizers are used that contain a large amount of the necessary substance - dolomite flour, potassium magnesium, magnesium sulfate. Wood ash and ashes well compensate for magnesium deficiency.
Copper important for proper protein and carbohydrate processes in 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 sharply 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 along the entire leaf blade. 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 occurs in acidic swampy or sandy soils. Symptoms of zinc deficiency are usually localized to 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.
Wetlands, carbonate and acidic soils very often lead to boron starvation of the plant. Particularly affected by boron deficiency are various types 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.
[!] Apply boric acid It is necessary with the utmost 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 reduction processes. 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 early spring, because of low temperatures soil that prevents the formation of minerals. Nitrogen deficiency is most pronounced at the stage early development plants: 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 particularly advanced cases, the color 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, phosphorus deficiency affects general development plants - the formation of inflorescences and fruits slows down, productivity 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.
In this topic I will try to briefly list and describe
external signs of macro deficiency or overdose
and microelements when growing citrus fruits.
Nitrogen(N)
This is one of the main macroelements that the plant needs. It is necessary for the growth of all parts of the plant. There are two forms of Nitrogen: nitrate (oxidized) and ammonium (reduced). Nitrate nitrogen accumulates in the succulent organs of plants, helping them regulate water balance, stimulating plant growth, preventing it from going into a dormant state. Based on this, when preparing plants for wintering (August), they try to remove nitrogen from feeding mixtures.
With a lack of nitrogen nutrition, plants lag behind in growth, their development slows down. Main symptom– premature yellowing of the lower, older leaves. nitrate (potassium, calcium, sodium, ammonium) – nitrate nitrogen content.
urea (urea), ammonium sulfate, ammophos, ammonium nitrate. A lot of Nitrogen is present in organic fertilizers. You can use any complex fertilizers with a high nitrogen content - ammonium nitrogen content.
Phosphorus (P)
Necessary for the formation of inflorescences and fruits. It is necessary to apply it immediately before the plant goes “resting”, i.e. at the end of summer. Phosphorus promotes the growth of the root system. Lack of phosphorus reduces tree productivity. With a lack of phosphorus, the plant lags in growth, blooms poorly or does not bloom at all. The fruits develop slowly and have a rough, rough skin.
What to use to replenish nitrogen: potassium phosphate, ammophos, superphosphate, bone meal, phosphate meal, fertilizers based on bird droppings, any complex fertilizers with a high phosphorus content.
Potassium (K)
Potassium is fed to plants during the growth phase and before winter dormancy. With a lack of Potassium, spots appear on the edges of leaves, especially old ones. brown spots, while the center of the leaf and the veins remain green. The leaves become wavy.
What to use to replenish nitrogen: potassium nitrate, potassium magnesium, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, wood ash extract, various complex fertilizers with a high potassium content. Spraying with potassium permanganate. It should be remembered that potassium nitrate is very rich in nitrogen and should not be used at the end of the growing season!
Calcium (Ca)
Calcium has a good effect on the functioning of the root system of citrus fruits. With a deficiency of this element, the growth and formation of roots, especially root hairs, is delayed.
If there is a shortage Calcium causes curling of young leaves, their discoloration, as well as discoloration of the growth cone in the shoot. Young shoots begin to die off. In this case, the picture is very similar to nitrogen deficiency. It should be noted that when growing citrus fruits at home, calcium deficiency is observed very rarely, since in tap water There is always an excess of calcium salts. The exception is often young seedlings, which are watered with soft boiled water. Much more often there is an excess of Ca, the so-called alkalization of the soil.
In case of excess Sa. plants begin to experience difficulty in absorbing iron, zinc and manganese. Excess calcium is often the main cause of iron chlorosis in citrus fruits.
How to compensate for calcium deficiency: calcium nitrate, superphosphate, chalk extract, lime.
How to reduce the amount of Ca. in soil: regular watering with soft water, watering with acidified water, adding peat to the soil (very carefully!).
Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium is extremely important for plant life, as it is part of chlorophyll, necessary for the process of photosynthesis. Chlorosis of the leaves begins - 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. After most of the surface of each leaf has turned yellow, the leaves Not favorable conditions(dry air, spraying with toxic substances, etc.) can fall off, and under favorable conditions sometimes remain on citrus fruits for a relatively long time. Magnesium chlorosis is usually observed in late summer and autumn, when fruits develop on citrus, and extremely rarely at the beginning of the growing season. The root system of plants develops 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 (in their case, young leaves always suffer first). The cause of Mg deficiency may be not only its lack in the soil, but also increased acidity soil, as well as high content potassium in the soil.
How to compensate for Mg deficiency: magnesium sulfate, potassium magnesium, many complex fertilizers.
Iron (Fe)
Iron – participates in the process of plant respiration, as well as in the synthesis of chlorophyll. It occupies an intermediate position - it is needed less than macroelements, but much more than microelements. Most often, the plant’s problem is not that there is little iron in the soil, but how to extract it from there for its own benefit. The reason is that iron is easily oxidized by soil oxygen, turning into a form inaccessible to plants. 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. is usually associated with increased soil alkalinity, but it can also be caused by extreme variations in soil moisture.
How to compensate for Fe deficiency: iron sulfate (iron sulfate) - spraying leaves, iron chelate, complex fertilizers with microelements (usually on the leaf).
Bor (V)
Boron is a microelement whose deficiency also often manifests itself in indoor citrus growing. With its deficiency, the development of the conduction system is primarily disrupted. All growth points, young buds, and flowers need boron. Boron has fungicidal and bactericidal properties and increases plant resistance to various viral diseases. With a deficiency of V., the tips of young citrus shoots turn yellow and stop growing first. The edges of the leaf blade become brown, and this is noticeable first on old leaves, then the process spreads to young ones. Often, with a lack of vitamins, citrus leaves have a fading appearance, as if dried out, but after watering the picture does not change. With a lack of boron, young citrus 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.
How to compensate for the lack of V.: boric acid - on leaves and root dressings, complex fertilizers with microelements. It must be borne in mind that even a small overdose of boron can result in the death of the plant!
Copper (Cu)
Copper – participates in protein and carbohydrate metabolism in the plant and is important for the respiration process. With a lack of Cu. the growth of the root system of citrus fruits 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 shapes with an arched midrib (photo.) Soft shoots bend at the ends or take an S-shape. At this stage of fasting citrus tree seems 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 excessive doses of nitrogen applied to citrus fruits. This should be taken into account! Also, a lack of copper is usually accompanied by a lack of magnesium.
How to compensate for Cu deficiency: copper sulfate, copper sulfate, Bordeaux mixture (per leaf), complex fertilizers with microelements.
Manganese (Mn)
Manganese is necessary for the synthesis of proteins and fats in the plant; it is involved in the process of photosynthesis. 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 vein pattern 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. With more acute forms With manganese starvation, the leaves acquire a dull green or yellowish-green color along the middle and larger lateral veins, but these stripes gradually become increasingly narrow, since at the same time the areas between the veins become increasingly pale and dull.How to compensate for Mn deficiency: spraying with potassium permanganate, manganese sulfate, complex fertilizers with microelements, manure solution.
Zinc (Zn)
Zinc – takes part in the synthesis of substances important for plant life. There is an opinion that zinc deficiency occurs in citrus fruits more often than the deficiency of any other microelement. 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!How to compensate for Zn deficiency: spraying with zinc sulfate or zinc oxide, fertilizing with special complex fertilizers with microelements.
Sulfur (S)
Sulfur is an important trace element involved in the processes of respiration and photosynthesis. It usually enters the plant in the form of sulfates. With a lack of sulfur, plant growth is retarded. Citrus leaves develop chlorosis, very similar to chlorosis caused by nitrogen deficiency. But for initial stages S. deficiency is characterized by yellowing of the leaves of young shoots while maintaining a green color on older leaves. These differences in leaf color are striking and give the trees a distinctive appearance. No anomalies were noted on the branches, but with progressive deficiency the bark may begin to die. Unripe fruits from trees lacking sulfur are lighter green, and ripe fruits are lighter orange, than fruits from healthy trees.How to compensate for the lack of S.: introducing various sulfates into the soil, using complex fertilizers with microelements.
Indoor plants live in unnatural conditions: the volume of soil is limited by the pot, and therefore the amount nutrients limited.
When you transplant a flower into new soil, you give it enough nutrients (modern soils sold in stores usually have a fairly balanced composition, which allows you to do without fertilizing for about 2 months), but as it grows, the amount of nutrients in the soil decreases and the plant begins to grow. starve in the truest sense of the word. A weakened plant is easy prey for pests and diseases.
Then feeding comes to the rescue.
Feeding plants almost always improves their condition. A lack of nutrients in the soil can be detected by external signs: the leaves have begun to turn yellow, turn white, the plant has slowed down, etc.
Macronutrients for plants - breakfast, lunch and dinner
These are substances necessary for plants to large quantities, their concentration is 0.1-10%.
Nitrogen needed for the growth of shoots and leaves. If the soil lacks nitrogen, the color of the plants changes: from deep green it becomes pale, yellowish. The leaves turn yellow, become smaller and fall off, the plant sheds its buds. This is called chlorosis - not a disease, but a weakening of the plant.
Excess nitrogen leads to vigorous growth of the plant. But this is not good, because the tissues become loose, as if stuck together. a quick fix, flowering is delayed and the plant becomes susceptible to diseases. Normal liquid fertilizer almost always contains nitrogen. Look at the composition of the fertilizer and you will see there Latin letter N. This is nitrogen. Nitrogen fertilizers are most needed at the beginning of plant growth - in the spring. By autumn, its consumption decreases, and in winter, nitrogen must be completely excluded from fertilizing.
Potassium provides tissue strength and plant immunity. If there is not enough potassium, the edges of the leaves curl downwards, become wrinkled, turn yellow or brown and die. A severe lack of potassium leads to the death of old leaves, while young leaves are preserved. Plants especially need potassium during flowering and fruiting.
Phosphorus necessary for plant health, the formation of flowers, fruits and seeds, and forms adventitious roots in cuttings. If there is little phosphorus, the growth and development of plants is delayed, they bloom late or do not bloom at all. With a lack of phosphorus, the leaves become dark green or bluish in color, red-violet spots appear on them, and drying leaves have an almost black color. Excess phosphorus causes the plant to become smaller, the lower leaves wrinkle, turn yellow and fall off. Phosphorus is especially necessary during the period of budding and flowering.
Calcium regulates water balance. Lack of calcium primarily affects young shoots and leaves: they turn pale and curl, and brown spots appear on them. However, excess calcium is much more harmful than its deficiency: it makes iron compounds unavailable to the plant, causing chlorosis.
If you notice white-brown stripes on the surface of the soil, try to change the soil completely by replanting the plant in new soil. If the plant is too big, change it top layer soil. Otherwise, the plant may die. The quality of water for irrigation also matters: hard water contains a lot of calcium, which, unlike other elements, is introduced into the soil with each watering. Use soft water for watering.
Magnesium promotes the absorption of phosphorus by plants. A lack of magnesium leads to chlorosis: the leaves turn yellow, red, purple between the veins and along the edge of the leaf. The leaves curl, the root system develops poorly, this leads to depletion of the plants.
Iron participates in the formation of chlorophyll and respiration. If a plant lacks iron, the leaves turn pale green but do not die. A lack of iron leads to complete chlorosis: the entire surface of first young and then all other leaves turns pale and discolored. White leaves appear.
If there is a shortage sulfur plants are stunted, leaves turn pale.
Microelements for plants are vitamins
Plants need microelements in very small doses, their concentration is less than 0.01%.
The tips of the leaves turn white - the plant lacks copper.
The apical buds and roots die off, the plant does not bloom, the leaves turn brown and die - there is little in the soil boron.
The plant does not grow, and the leaves have become variegated - this is a drawback manganese
If there is a shortage cobalt The root system of plants develops poorly.
Light areas appeared between the veins of the leaves, the tips turned yellow, the leaves began to die - the plant didn’t have enough zinc
Flaw molybdenum leads to disruption of nitrogen metabolism, causes yellowing and spotting of leaves, and death of the growing point.
Sodium and chlorine necessary for plants from sea coasts and salt marshes. However, in culture these plants are usually not presented increased requirements to soil salinization.
As you know, in order for plants to grow and develop well, they need nutrition. And the diet should include not just anything, but certain substances. They are usually divided into several groups.
The first of them includes elements that make up about 98% of the weight of the entire plant. These are macroelements - oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron.
The second group is the so-called microelements. Their content is small - sometimes ten thousandth of a percent. Among the trace elements, we can highlight, for example, boron, copper and zinc.
Nutrients and their effect on plants
Macronutrients
Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is the most important element in the structure of a plant - not a single cell can do without it. It is involved in the processes of respiratory metabolism, photosynthesis, and in addition, it also affects “procreation”, since it is part of nucleic acids - carriers of heredity.
Since nitrogen is an integral part of chlorophyll, signs of a deficiency of this element can be easily seen. If the plant's older leaves turn light green, there is a nitrogen deficiency. Later they will begin to turn yellow and die. Young shoots also do not feel the best - they are weak and thin, and grow poorly. It is worth noting that signs of nitrogen starvation are acceptable during the development of flowers, because the reserves of nitrogen and carbohydrates are not unlimited and are simply exhausted.
If nitrogen is in excess, then this is also easy to notice - the foliage becomes dark green. This “bell” also forces us to take action. In this state, the plant is acutely sensitive to dry air and can “catch” some disease.
Sulfur (S)
The plant also cannot do without sulfur. It is part of proteins and amino acids, and also plays an important role in the process of photosynthesis. This is explained by the fact that the element is an integral component of enzymes that ensure the absorption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide.
There is also sulfur in cell sap - in the form of sulfate ion. And here she can make trouble. With a lack of oxygen, all sulfur-containing compounds disintegrate, releasing hydrogen sulfide, which is harmful to the root.
If there is too much sulfur, the plant’s leaves will quickly fall off.
Potassium (K)
The bulk of potassium is present in cell sap. This element thins the plasma and also promotes the synthesis of starch, sucrose, proteins and fats.
As is the case with others important elements, potassium deficiency first affects old leaves. They turn yellow, become scorched at the edges, and in some places dead areas appear, which gradually grow. In addition, the stems become brittle, the tops of the leaves turn white, and older leaves turn red and curl. Plants grow slowly and large sizes don't reach. It is believed that the main reason for small harvests is precisely the lack of potassium.
Phosphorus (P)
The importance of phosphorus for plants is also difficult to overestimate. This element is part of nucleoproteins - components of the plasma and nucleus. It also plays an important role in the origin of surface cell membranes, a number of enzymes and many physiologically active compounds cannot do without it. Phosphorus takes active participation in the processes of glycolysis, aerobic respiration and photosynthesis.
Dull dark green or even blue-green spots on the leaves, dark green veins are signs of phosphorus starvation. If the situation is not corrected in time, the cuttings and old leaves will become violet shade, dead areas will appear on the edges. Phosphorus deficiency occurs most often when the pH level is above 7 or below 5.5.
In turn, if there is excess phosphorus, this will negatively affect other elements. Oversaturation will lead to iron and zinc deficiency.
Calcium (Ca)
Not only human body cannot do without calcium. This element is extremely necessary for the plant. Calcium is contained in cell sap, neutralizing excess organic acids formed. Calcium is also found in plasma, where it is a kind of opponent of potassium. Being part of the nuclear substance, this substance plays an important role in the process of cell division, and in addition, in the formation of the cell membrane.
Young plants are more susceptible to calcium deficiency. The following symptoms will tell you about this problem: the leaves wither, the edges and new shoots become rooted and die. In addition, deformation of the roots and leaves and white stripes on them are possible.
Excess calcium in young plants slows down growth and makes it difficult to absorb potassium and magnesium.
Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium is part of chlorophyll, plays an important role in respiratory metabolism, and provides various synthetic processes.
If magnesium is deficient, it will show up on older and lower leaves. The edges will be affected first, then the central area. The edges turn white (or yellow), while the main and secondary veins remain green. Sometimes the tips of the leaves curl upward, and chlorotic mottling also affects young leaves. The yellow spots turn into dead areas, and sometimes the leaves even fall off. In addition, magnesium deficiency will also affect plant buds. They are formed in insufficient quantities and develop defectively.
If magnesium is in excess, then this does not have the best effect on the absorption of potassium and calcium.
Iron (Fe)
Iron deficiency is most pronounced in plants grown indoors. At the beginning, chlorosis of young leaves is observed. In this case, the affected leaves become smaller in size than healthy ones. If the case is severe, then the plant experiences a lack of chlorophyll. As a result, dead zones appear on young leaves, forming a yellow stripe across the entire leaf.
Microelements
Boron (B)
Helps cells produce amino acids, seeds, pollen, synthesize carbohydrates, participating in the transfer of sugar, and also plays an important role in the process of respiration and growth. Its deficiency in appearance resembles a calcium deficiency and is reflected in young leaves - they turn yellow and then die. Small brown dots may also form and grow rapidly. The stems are hollow, brittle, and cracked.
Copper (Cu)
Activates enzymes important for the process of photosynthesis and participates in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates. With a lack of this microelement, young shoots die, growth slows down, the leaves become pale green, withered along the edges. The upper leaves weaken, undergo chlorosis, and shrink. Excess copper is even more dangerous than its deficiency, since it is fatal to cells. In this case, it may develop iron chlorosis, the growth of the root system will stop.
Zinc (Zn)
Necessary for plant development, as it controls the consumption of carbohydrates and is important in the production of chlorophyll. In addition, it is involved in the process of ensuring hormonal balance and electron transport. Zinc deficiency is similar to iron and manganese deficiency and appears suddenly. Gray-brown spots appear on the leaves of the middle shoots, which soon spread everywhere. Excess zinc is toxic to the plant and can lead to its death.
Molybdenum (Mo)
Another important participant in the full development of the plant. Its lack of early stage appears on old leaves and is characterized by signs of chlorosis. The edges of the leaves fade, curl, inside yellow spots appear.
Manganese (Mn)
Participates in photosynthesis, is part of the plant structure, increases the efficiency of respiration, and oxidizes iron. If there is not enough manganese, this leads to the accumulation of iron in the ferrous form, and this is poison for plant tissue. To avoid this, you need to give four times more iron than manganese, which is beneficial for the plant.
Ready-made fertilizers for hydroponics
But you will not need to think about the deficiency or excess of certain elements, look for symptoms and changes in appearance plants if you use ready-made fertilizers for hydroponics. This is an excellent option for those who do not have special knowledge; they may confuse the signs, incorrectly calculate the formula, and thereby aggravate the situation.
When buying ready-made fertilizer, read the label carefully - all the information on the composition will be there. In almost all fertilizers you can see the formula NPK - an English abbreviation for the elements Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, which are the main macroelements. For example, in the Flora series fertilizer called Flora Micro, the NPK formula is as follows: “5-0-1”. The numbers are the percentage of the named substances in the fertilizer.
If you feed your plants in moderation, your efforts will certainly be rewarded in the form of an excellent harvest!
