Nutrient Deficiency Identification Guide - Fertiliser Services · PDF fileNutrient Deficiency Identification Guide Diagnosing symptoms in n i t r major arable crops o g e n p h

Nutrient DeficiencyIdentification Guide

Diagnosing symptoms in

major arable cropsnitrogen

phosphorus

potassium

magnesium

boron

zincsulphur

copper

For over sixty years Billericay Fertiliser Services hasbeen one of the UK’s leading manufacturers ofsuspension, clear solution, liquid fertilisers andtrace elements.

BFS has built its business on product quality,innovation and customer service and this has

been recognised with the companybeing awarded the FertiliserAssurance Scheme (FIAS)accreditation.

The company’s nutritional specialists andagronomist work with customers to plan specificfertiliser programmes for both conventional andorganic crops.

This pocket booklet has been designed toprovide a quick reference to the most commonnutrients affecting plant growth and a visualidentification guide to those deficiency symptomsthat commonly occur on the major arable crops.

1

Section 1 Introduction Nutrient deficiency in crops 3 A question of balance 4 Understanding pH 5 Prevention 7 How to use this guide 8

Section 2 The Nutrients Nitrogen 10 Phosphorus 11 Potassium 12 Magnesium 14 Sulphur 15 Manganese 16 Boron 17 Zinc 18 Copper 19 Symptom Deficiency Conditions 20

Section 3 Nutrient Deficiency Identification Cereals 22 Oilseed Rape 38 Potatoes 50 Sugar Beet 56 Peas & Beans 68 Maize 72 Quick guide to symptoms 80 LiquiTec Liquid Fertilisers 82

2

Section 1All plants need essential nutrients to live andgrow healthily. Just as the human body needsvitamins and minerals, plants needmacronutrients and micronutrients.

Reliable nutrient recommendations aredependent upon accurate soil tests and cropnutrient calibrations based on extensive fieldresearch. Soil fertility is one of several factors,including light, moisture, weeds, insects anddiseases that affect crop yield.

An important part of crop production is beingable to identify and prevent plant nutrientdeficiencies and toxicities. This publication is aguide to identifying crop nutrient problemsthrough observable symptoms on crop plants.

3

Nutrient deficiency in cropsCrop success (yield/quality) is controlled not bythe total amount of nutrients available to theplant, but by the nutrient in limited supply. Asimple ‘law of the minimum’ is illustrated hereby Liebigs Barrel.

Just as thecapacity of abarrel with stavesof unequal lengthis limited by theshortest stave (inthis examplePhosphate is thelimiting factor),so a plant'sgrowth is limitedby the nutrient inshortest supply.

Understanding how to recognize nutrientdeficiencies will allow corrective action to betaken to lessen the effect and prevent a similarsituation arising in the future.

4

A question of balanceWhen plants suffer from lack of nutrients, theyshow symptoms of being unhealthy.

To allow plant roots to obtain thesenutrients from the soil firstly it must besufficiently moist to allow root uptake.

Second, the pH of the soil must be within acertain range for nutrients to be released (seechart on page 6).

Third, the soil temperature must be withina certain range for nutrient uptake to occur.The optimum balance of temperature, pH andmoisture will differ from one species of plantsto another so nutrients may be physicallypresent in the soil, but will not be available toplants.

5

Understanding pHSoil pH* is measured on a scale of 0-14 with7.0 representing ‘neutral’. A measurementbelow 7 is considered to be acidic while above7 is alkaline.

Incorrect soil pH can cause many problems.One of the more important problems is theblocking of essential nutrients. In alkaline soils,Iron (Fe) becomes bound up in a form thatroots cannot take up. Other nutrients such asManganese, Copper and Zinc can be hinderedas well.

In low pH soils, Phosphorus (P) andMagnesium (Mg) will be bound up.Magnesium is essential for chlorophyllproduction and photosynthesis that isnecessary for carbohydrate production (seechart on page 6).

* The letters pH stand for ‘potential hydrogen’ andrepresents the measure of hydrogen ions in the soil.

6

The influence of pH on nutrient availability

7

PreventionSoil fertility is just one of several factors –including sunlight, moisture, weeds, diseasesand insects – that affect crop yield. Some ofthese are controllable, others are out of yourhands. What is manageable and a vital part ofcrop management is to be able to identify andprevent nutrient deficiencies and toxicities.

The following pages provide backgroundinformation on a number of importantnutrients and an illustrated guide to identifyingdeficiencies through observable symptoms ona range of arable crop plants.

Technical HelpBillericay Fertiliser Services will be pleased toanswer questions relating to nutrientdeficiencies and disorders and provideinformation on the use of any products fromour range of clear liquid solutions, suspensionsand foliar fertilisers.

Tel: 01268 710237 or visit our website: www.bfs.uk.com

8

How to use this guide1. In the Index select the crop that you areconcerned about from Section 3.

2. Study the nutrient deficiency informationapplicable to that crop in Section 3 tocheck if they have similarities with what youhave observed in the field.

3. If you are satisfied you have correctlyidentified a deficiency, turn to Section 2where advice will be found on what productis recommended to help improve the effectsof the that particular deficiency in the crop.

It is important to note that this handbook canonly provide a guide to a visual indication todeficiencies as individual crop symptoms canvary significantly. Also a number of deficiencysymptoms can look very similar. If in doubt,always get a deficiency verified by soil and/orfoliar analysis.

9

Section 2THE NUTRIENTS

N Nitrogen

P PhosphorusK Potassium

Mg MagnesiumS Sulphur

Mn Manganese

B BoronZn ZincCu Copper

10

The availability and supply of Nitrogen plays a keyrole in the production of chlorophyll and thestimulus for photosynthesis. Its presence in the soilis often required in the greatest quantity by crops,primarily for vigour and yield.

High risk situationsLight, sandy soils � Low organic matter � High winter rainfall � Milling wheat.

Prevention � Accurate assessment of soil N supply� Implementation of a well timed fertiliser

programme before the onset of the main growthperiod.

� Provision of a sufficient supply of all othernutrients, particularly S, K and Mg is crucial

DeficiencyVisual symptoms seen first on older leaves as ayellowing from the leaf tip and, along the midribwhilst the edges remain green. The growthbecomes stunted with spindly stalks. (Note: On younger leaves this could be confused withSulphur deficiency).

TreatmentApply a BFS liquid N product to treat acutedeficiency (e.g. 28N or 30N).

N Nitrogen

11

P PhosphorusThe supply of Phosphorus is also crucial formanaging the energy processes within the plant.Plants do not react to this element as they do withnitrogen but its presence is particularly important atthe early growth stages to ensure strong rootingand a good establishment.

High risk situationsHeavier soils � Acid soils � High pH soils � Early growth stages with poor root mass.

Prevention� Maintenance of soil target index 2 for arable and

3 for horticultural crops� Soil should be tested every 3-4 years to monitor

phosphate levels

DeficiencySymptoms seen as reddening of stems, stuntedgrowth and poor rooting.

TreatmentPrevention, by ensuring adequate supplies of soil Pis essential as a of deficiency is difficult to treat oncurative basis. A number of foliar fertiliserscontaining P may help e.g. potassium phosphite.

12

K PotassiumPotash is required by most crops, in greaterquantities than either N or P. The main function ofthis nutrient is to impart additional plant strengthand provide plants with the ability to regulate itswater content and provide greater resistance tostress.

Soil analysis evaluation is important, however careshould be taken to also check for excessive Ca orMg, which can disguise the availability of K.

High risk situationsLight, sandy soil � Organic soils � Excessive levelsof Mg or Ca � K fixing soils.

Prevention� Maintenance of soil index 2- for arable and 2+

for potatoes and horticultural crops

� Soils should be tested every 3-4 years to monitorlevels of K

DeficiencySymptoms, first seen on older leaves as a drying ofleaf tips and along the leaf margins (older leavesfirst). An increase in the plants susceptibility todrought, lodging and plant pathogens is also seen.Sufficient K in the soil is essential for the efficientplant use of N.

13

TreatmentApplication of K as foliar treatments, are effectiveat providing nutrient supply during peak demandand to offset temporary deficiency. Foliarapplications by themselves however are not asubstitute for ensuring adequate soil K for fieldgrown crops.

14

Mg MagnesiumThis important nutrient is present in chlorophyll and a prime mover in stimulating photosynthesis.Magnesium is responsible for activating a greateramount of plant enzymes than any other plantnutrient. Soil analysis should check for excessive K or Ca which can disguise the availability of Mg.

High risk situationsHigh or low pH � High potash or calcium soil levels� Sandy soils � Poor root development.

Prevention� Ensure adequate Mg levels in soils by replacing

nutrient off-take � Avoid over-liming� Use readily available Mg sources

DeficiencyNormally seen as a yellowing of the tissue betweenthe leaf veins. This shows up as a marbled effect inbroad-leaved crops and a speckling in cereals.Deficiency always appears first on older leaves and this eventually leads to a shedding of leaves.

TreatmentApplication of a foliar Magnesium is highly effective atproviding the nutrient during peak demands, and toalleviate a temporary deficiency. Foliar treatments arenot a substitute for adequate soil Mg. Products toconsider are Bittersalz, eg. BFS LiquiTec Magnesium.

15

S SulphurAn essential component of many amino acids andplant proteins. Sulphur is particularly importantfor such protein crops as milling wheat and oilseeds. Soil analysis important but malate/sulphatefoliage test evaluation is steadily becoming theindustry standard.

High risk situationsSandy soils � Low organic matter � High winterrainfall � Milling wheat.

Prevention� Ensure full S demand is met through timely

applications of water-soluble sulphur infertilisers and/or manures

DeficiencySymptoms usually observed first on youngerleaves as a yellowing.

(Note: Not to be confused with N deficiencyappearing first on older leaves and thenspreading to the whole plant).

TreatmentFoliar applications of BFS LiquiTec Sulphol has theeffect of boosting sulphur content in the cropwhich can help to alleviate a temporarydemand/deficiency.

16

Mn ManganeseAn important trace element for stimulating enzymeactivity, the uptake of N and also promoting theenergy cycle. A deficiency of Manganese is wide -spread throughout the UK and leaf analysis providesa reliable means of diagnosis of Manganesedeficiency but soil analysis is of little value.

High risk situationsLoose, puffy seedbeds � Organic soils � High pH.

Prevention� Rolling of seedbeds

� Regular applications of foliar Mn on high riskfields

� Avoidance of over-liming

DeficiencySymptoms typically appear as a speckling andmottled appearance, usually seen on the younger(upper) leaves, which then develop into necrosis.

TreatmentFoliar sprays containing Mn are the only effectiveway of remedying the deficiency and the elementcan be applied after the symptoms appear.

The foliar treatment of BFS LiquiTec Manganese willrapidly correct an Mn deficiency.

17

B BoronA vital trace element for the development of rootsand shoots and is essential during flowering/fruitingstage. Oilseeds and root crops in particular have ahigh requirement. Soil analysis prior to sowing canbe used to predict the risk of Boron deficiency. Leafanalysis is also a useful diagnostic guide.

High risk situationsSandy soils � High pH � Dry conditions.

Prevention� Use fertilisers containing Boron to boost soil

content� Preventative treatment with BFS LiquiTec Boron

applied regularly to the crop� Soil analysis prior to sowing to predict risk

DeficiencySymptoms are seen as death of the growing points,a rotting and hollowing of roots, and misshapenleaves.

TreatmentIf treatment is suggested as a result of soil analysis,apply a boronated compound or a foliar spray suchas BFS LiquiTec Boron spray in the early stages ofgrowth.

Foliar application of BFS LiquiTec Boron.

18

Zn ZincZinc is an important element for the production ofimportant plant hormones, seed production androot growth. It also assists the plants ability to resistdisease and has become of increasing importancein the UK.

High risk situationsHigh pH � Sandy and shale soils � High soil levelsof Mg, K and Ca.

Prevention� Preventative treatments of Zinc Sulphate or Zinc

Oxide applied regularly to the crop

DeficiencySymptoms seen as stunted plants showing ableaching that can spread to the veins but the midrib and leaf edges remain green. Symptoms appearon older leaves first .

(Note: Not to be confused with symptoms ofSulphur deficiency on younger leaves).

TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTec Zinc.

19

Cu CopperA Copper deficiency can result in early ageing orlowered levels of chlorophyll, which leads to yieldreductions that go unnoticed if the deficiency is nottoo severe. Early visual symptoms should be verifiedby a tissue test. Even small amounts of copperapplied at this stage can have a huge influence onyields.

High risk situationsDeep, sandy & light soils � High organic soils� Livestock manure residues � High pH� High N levels.

Prevention� Soil dressing of copper oxychloride or copper

sulphate. prior to sowing. deficiency alreadyidentified

� Foliar treatments with LiquiTec Copper at mid-late tillering stage

� Soil and plant tissue analysis may be used topredict a deficiency

DeficiencyCereals show whitening of young leaf tip with theleaves twisting in spirals and bent over at rightangles to the stem. Ears may be malformed andunderdeveloped and appear white at harvest;sometimes trapped within the leaf sheath.

Conditions Nutrients likely to be deficient

Cold Soils

Saturated Soils

High pH

Low pH

Compacted Soils

Dry Soils

High OM*

Sandy Soils

High Calcium

Low OM*

High Magnesium

Low Magnesium

20

N

N

P

P

P

P

P

P

S

S

S

S

S

B

B

B

Ca

Ca

Ca

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mg

Mo

Fe

Fe

Fe

Fe

Zn

Zn

Zn

Zn

K

K

K

K

K

K

Cu

Cu

Mn

Mn

Mn

*OM = Organic Matter

Conditions affecting nutrient deficiency

21

Section 3NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY

IDENTIFICATION

Oilseed Rape

Potatoes

Sugar Beet

Peas & Beans

Maize

Cereals

22

CerealsCe

real

s

23

Nitrogen deficiency

Symptoms are a universal palegreen/yellow tinting of entire leaves (notto be confused with Sulphur deficiency).

Indicators include reduced plant heightand fewer tiller compared to healthyplants.

Plants quickly become severely stuntedwith drastic affects on yield.

TreatmentFoliar application of BFS liquid N fertilisers(e.g: 28N or 30N).

Note: Where milling wheat may bedeficient in protein N, apply BFS Profol atmilky white.

Nitrogen

24

CerealsCe

real

s

25

Phosphorus deficiencyPhosphorus

Symptoms appear as hues of red orpurple colours at the base of cereals,together with thin leaves.

Symptoms tend to show up at a very earlystage of the plants development andthose with poor root structures are themost severely effected.

Mild Phosphorus deficiency in wheat canonly be characterised by stunted growthwith no obvious leaf symptoms.

TreatmentAs a P deficiency is difficult to treatcuratively, importance should be placedon ensuring adequate soil P is available.

Foliar application of Potassium Phosphitemay help to alleviate temporary demand.

26

CerealsCe

real

s

27

Potassium deficiencyPotassium

Specific Potassium deficiency symptomsalways appear in the oldest leaves ofwheat, although growth of the wholeplant can be affected prior to symptomswith all leaves having a spindlyappearance.

Symptoms are seen as yellow or brownleaves that spread to the tips that appearscorched.

Plants appear to have dried prematurelyand are at a more significant risk oflodging.

TreatmentPotassium deficiency can be difficult todiagnose and yield losses can occur longbefore visual symptoms appear.

Emphasis should be placed prevention –ensure adequate soil K is always available.

There are some foliar applied K productsthat can help temporarily to ease a spikein demand and/or a soil deficiency.

28

CerealsCe

real

s

29

Magnesium deficiencyM

agnesium

Symptoms seen on new leaves that arepale in contrast to the older leaves.

The new leaves soon become chloroticand remain unopened, resulting in atwisted appearance that give theimpression of drought stress.

If Magnesium deficiency is severe enough,the entire length of the leaf will remainfolded or rolled.

The symptoms of Magnesium (Mg)deficiency resemble those of Potassium(K). However, unlike K deficiency, the newleaves of Mg-deficient wheat plants arepale in contrast to the old leaves.

TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTecMagnesium – see Section 2, page 14 fordetails.

30

CerealsCe

real

s

31

Sulphur deficiencySulphur

Plants deficient in Sulphur will have palegreen leaves that fail to ‘green-up’ whenmore N is applied.

In wheat, Sulphur usually occurs on sandysoil low in organic matter.

(Note: Not to be confused with an Ndeficiency starting on older leaves).

TreatmentFoliar application of BFS Nitrogen andSulphur formulations, or LiquiTec Sulphol.– see Section 2, page 15 for details.

For improved spraying accuracy, fitBillericay Air Bubble Jets.

32

CerealsCe

real

s

33

Manganese deficiency

Symptoms appear first in new leaves,which become pale and limp in contrastto the old leaves.

Light grey flecking and striping thenappear at the base of the youngest fullyopened leaf.

Under severe deficiency, new growth mayemerge with this flecking and stripingover the entire length of the leaf.

A further sign to watch out for are the‘wheelings’, which often remain greendue to soil compaction.

TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTecManganese – see Section 2, page 16 fordetails.

Manganese

34

CerealsCe

real

s

35

Zinc deficiencyZinc

In a mild deficiency, symptoms firstappear as pale green stripes on either sideof the leaf’s mid-rib whilst margins oftenremain green.

On older leaves, these stripes becomenecrotic and the colour of the leaf centrechanges to a muddy grey/green.

In severe cases, leaves turn yellow, ‘cup’upwards and plants become stunted.

Zinc deficiency is usually very irregular infields.

TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTec Zinc –see Section 2, page 18 for details.

36

CerealsCe

real

s

37

Copper deficiencyCopper

Visual symptoms of Copper deficiency arecommonly when tip whitening is observed onyoung leaves, together with typical spiraltwisting and bending over at right angles tothe stem.

Ears may be malformed and underdevelopedand sometimes trapped within the leafsheath. Crop maturity can also be delayed by7-14 days.

Herbicides are commonly blamed for yieldlosses because Cu deficiency symptomsusually show up about the same time thatpost-emergent herbicides are applied.

TreatmentFoliar applications of LiquiTec Copper – seeSection 2, page 19 for details.

38

Oilseed RapeO

ilsee

dRa

pe

39

Nitrogen deficiencyN

itrogen

Symptoms are a universal yellow/orangetinting of entire leaves beginning on olderleaves, showing up first in the earlyspring.

Leaf number is reduced and plantsbecome stunted.

Further later signs show us a small pods.

TreatmentFoliar applications of BFS clear liquid 28Nor 30N solution fertilisers.

40

Oilseed RapeO

ilsee

dRa

pe

41


Classic signs of Phosphorus deficiency areseen as shades of red or purple on the olderleaves and at the base of plants.

Symptoms tend to show very early on. Plantsaffected have thin stems with few branchesand small narrow leaves.

Plants with poor root structures, resultingfrom min-till techniques or soil consolidation,are most severely affected.

TreatmentEarly detection is important. Once symptomsare recognised and an early diagnosis made,water-soluble P fertilisers can be applied post-emergence.

It is more practical however to maintainadequate soil reserves.

42

Oilseed RapeO

ilsee

dRa

pe

43


Symptoms are first seen as a purpling andlater necrosis of leaf margins in particular.

Plants are more susceptible to lodgingand tend to senesce earlier.

TreatmentThe deficiency is difficult to treatcuratively and the emphasis should be onachieving and maintaining an adequatesupply of Potassium from the soil.

Note: The amount for K removed is quitemodest at around 40-50kg K2O/ha,however, the crop itself takes up over200kg/ha and this must be accounted for.

44

Oilseed RapeO

ilsee

dRa

pe

45


agnesium

Symptoms show up as interveinalchlorosis on older leaves with a marblingeffect.

In the early stages the leaf veins remaingreen but as the deficiency progresses atotal whitening of leaves occurs, followedby leaf fall. It is currently seen thatmodern, high yielding cultivars appear tohave an increasing Magnesiumrequirement.

TreatmentFoliar application of Bitterzaltz or BFSLiquiTec Magnesium – see Section 2, page14 for details.

46

Oilseed RapeO

ilsee

dRa

pe

47

Sulphur deficiency

Symptoms first show as a diffuseyellowing on the youngest leaves andsometimes this becomes marbled.

The affected leaves form spoon shapesand then curl upwards and may becomebrittle.

Further signs show up as reduced numberof flowers, which are markedly pale.

Autumn sown crops are more susceptiblethan spring sown crops.

TreatmentFoliar application of BFS Nitrogen andSulphur formulations or LiquiTec Sulphol – see Section 2, page 15 for details.


Sulphur

48

Oilseed RapeO

ilsee

dRa

pe

49

Boron deficiencyBoron

Symptoms are seen as the death ofgrowing points and leaf axils (where leafstalk meets main stem).

Lower stems in particular may blackenand become hollow (rarely seen). Later,pods can be pale or white.

Boron deficiency symptoms are rarelyseen in oilseed rape even when the cropis grown in soils with low Boron levels.

TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTec Boron – see Section 2, page 17 for details.

50

PotatoesPo

tato

es

51


Symptoms include a bronzing of theleaves and necrosis of leaf margins andtips.

Other indicators include stunted bushyplants with small leaves and verypremature senescence before adequatetuber bulking.

A further indicator of Potassiumdeficiency is increased black spot in thetubers.

TreatmentMajor emphasis should be placed onproviding adequate reserves of K in thesoil (index 2+).

Foliar applications of potassium sulphateare also effective in boosting K levels, andtreatments are particularly useful for cropsgrown in very light soils.

52

PotatoesPo

tato

es

53

Magnesium deficiency

Symptoms include interveinal chlorosis onthe older lower leaves, together with amarbling effect where the leaf veinsremain green.

As chlorophyll breaks down in the leaf,various shades of red/purple can appearwhich lead eventually to leaf necrosis.

On determinate cultivars the effect onyield may be severe.

TreatmentFoliar applications of BFS LiquiTecMagnesium – see Section 2, page 14 fordetails.

Magnesium

54

PotatoesPo

tato

es

55

Manganese deficiencyM

anganese

Symptoms include an initial paleness in theyounger, upper leaves, followed by theappearance of blackish/brown spots along theveins; these are best seen on the underside ofthe leaves.

Manganese deficiency usually occurs in high-pH soils and those with a high organiccontent.

The effect on yield may be severe if leftuntreated.

Over-liming can induce the problem.

TreatmentFoliar applications of BFS LiquiTec Manganese– see Section 2, page 16 for details.

56

Sugar BeetSu

garB

eet

57

Nitrogen deficiencyN

itrogen

Symptoms are seen when the older leavesfirst turn pale yellow and die, and newleaves become thinner and longer.

Plants often display erect growth habitand fail to achieve adequate yield.

TreatmentIn a semi-mature crop applications ofNitrogen are not recommended forreason of quality. The crops total Nrequirement should be applied at theestablished seedling stage.

58

Sugar BeetSu

garB

eet

59


Symptoms indicating Phosphorusdeficiency are recognised from a veryearly stage with the plants displayingstunted dark leaves with a purple/redtinge.

TreatmentEarly detection is important as a water-soluble P fertiliser can be appliedpost-emergence.

Emphasis however should be on achievingand maintaining adequate soil P.

60

Sugar BeetSu

garB

eet

61


Symptoms show up as lacklustre leaveswith a mild chlorosis on leaf margins.

If deficiency is not corrected, distortion ofleaves takes place with spreading necrosisfrom the leaf margins inwards. Oldermore mature foliage is affected first.

TreatmentTo maximise yield, emphasis here shouldbe on providing and maintainingadequate levels of Potassium in the soil(index 2).

62

Sugar BeetSu

garB

eet

63


agnesium

Symptoms are seen first on the olderleaves as interveinal chlorosis.

This is followed by the reddening ofleaves and leaf death occurs from themargins inwards.



64

Sugar BeetSu

garB

eet

65


anganese

Symptoms show up as patchy, chloroticareas that first appear early in spring andlater become speckled – hence the term‘speckled yellows’.

Leaves may curl inwards and display anupright habit.

Leaf spots may become translucent and insevere cases holes in the leaves arecommonly formed .

TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTecManganese – see Section 2, page 16 fordetails.

66

Sugar BeetSu

garB

eet

67

Boron deficiencyBoron

Symptoms on the foliage are seen as thedeath of the growing points in the centreof the plant together with brown fibrouspatches on leaf stems.

A severe, diffuse leaf yellowing is seenwhich is often very patchy in the field.

The roots are often brown/black at thetop with a corky growth.

TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTec Boron – see Section 2, page 17 for details.

68

Peas & BeansPe

as&

Bean

s

69


Symptoms show up as a yellowing orscorching of leaf margins, the inwardcurling of leaves and, in beans, shorteningof internodes.

The Nitrogen fixing ability of legumes,deficient in Potassium, is alsocompromised and therefore N deficiencysymptoms may also be indicative of Kdeficiency.

TreatmentEmphasis should be on achieving andmaintaining adequate soil K.

70

Peas & BeansPe

as&

Bean

s

71


anganese

Symptoms develop during the early stages ofcrop growth and show up during theflowering, vegetative stage.

Where a deficiency occurs early on, seed candevelop a necrotic spot in the centre of thecotyledons.

In peas, this spot is known as Marsh Spot andcan affect the germination and give rise toabnormal seedlings.

The main effect of Marsh Spot is reducing itsharvested value.

TreatmentFoliar applications of BFS LiquiTec Manganeseduring flowering and pod development stages– see Section 2, page 16 for details.

72

MaizeM

aize

73


Slow early growth, stunted withpurplish/reddish stems and leaf tips arecharacteristic indicators.

Symptoms tend to show up at a very earlystage of the plants development,followed by shallow root systems andretarded maturity.

TreatmentIf Phosphorus deficiency is identified at anearly stage, a liquid foliar P fertiliser canbe applied post emergence.

74

MaizeM

aize

75


Symptoms are seen as drying along theleaf margins that become ragged. Olderleaves are the first to be affected.

Other symptoms include stunted weakstalks, excessive lodging and shortinternodes.

TreatmentA deficiency of Potassiumis difficult totreat curatively and therefore emphasisshould be placed on ensuring adequatesoil K is always available.

There are some foliar applied K productsthat can help temporarily to ease a spikein demand and/or a soil deficiency.

76

MaizeM

aize

77


agnesium

Symptoms seen as white or yellowishstreaking between leaf veins, mainly onthe lower leaves (not to be confused withZinc deficiency where the stripping ismore defined).

Later symptoms will be seen as leafcurling and a severe necrosis starting atthe leaf tips.



78

MaizeM

aize

79

Zinc deficiencyZinc

Symptoms first appear as narrow yellowor white stripes on the upper leavesbetween the veins.

These stripes may join together to form ableached area between the midrib andleaf margins, which remain green.

In severe cases the plants become stunteddue to shortened internodes.

TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTec Zinc –see Section 2, page 18 for details.

80

Quick guide to symptoms of plant nutrient deficiency or excess

Nutrient Type Visual symptoms

Nitrogen Deficiency Light green to yellow appearance ofleaves, especially older leaves; stuntedgrowth; poor fruit development.

Excess Dark green foliage, which may besusceptible to lodging, drought, disease and insect invasion.

Phosphorous Deficiency Leaves may develop purple coloration;stunted plant growth and delay in plant development.

Excess Excess phosphorus may causemicronutrient deficiencies, especiallyiron or zinc.

Potassium Deficiency Older leaves turn yellow initially around margins and die; irregular fruitdevelopment.

Excess Excess may cause deficiencies inmagnesium and possibly calcium.

Calcium Deficiency Reduced growth or death of growingtips; blossom-end rot of tomato; poorfruit development and appearance.

Excess Excess calcium may cause eithermagnesium or potassium deficiency

Magnesium Deficiency Initial yellowing of older leaves betweenveins spreading to younger leaves; poorfruit development and production.

81

Nutrient Type Visual symptoms

Magnesium Excess High concentration tolerated; however,imbalance with calcium and potassiummay reduce growth.

Sulphur Deficiency Initial yellowing of young leavesspreading to whole plant; similarsymptoms to nitrogen deficiency butoccurs on new growth.

Excess Excess of sulfur may cause prematuredropping of leaves.

Iron Deficiency Initial distinct yellow or white areasbetween veins of young leaves leadingto spots of dead leaf tissue.

Excess Possible bronzing of leaves with tinybrown spots.

Manganese Deficiency Interveinal yellowing or mottling ofyoung leaves.

Excess Older leaves have brown spotssurrounded by a chlorotic area.

Zinc Deficiency Interveinal yellowing on young leaves;reduced leaf size.

Excess Excess zinc may cause iron deficiency in some plants.

Boron Deficiency Death of growing points anddeformation of leaves with areas ofdiscoloration.

Excess Leaf tips become yellow followed bynecrosis. Leaves get a scorchedappearance and later fall off.

82

LiquiTec Maintenance Deficiency Water Crops TimingProduct Dressing Dressing Rate

LiquiTec 2 4 100-200 Cereals Autumn/Manganese litres/ha litres/ha litres/ha Oilseed rape SpringContains: PeasMn 15% w/v VegetablesSO3 22% w/v Top fruit Root crops

LiquiTec 3 7 100-200 Cereals Spring/Magnesium litres/ha litres/ha litres/ha Potatoes SummerContains: Sugar beetMg 9% w/v GrasslandSO3 17% w/v Vegetables Top fruit

LiquiTec 2 4 100-200 Cereals SpringCopper litres/ha litres/ha litres/ha Sugar beetContains: OnionsCu 15% w/v LeeksSO3 9% w/v

LiquiTec 3 4 100-200 Oilseed rape Pre-sowing/Boron litres/ha litres/ha litres/ha Sugar beet SpringContains: CarrotsB 15% w/v ParsnipsN 6.5% w/v Brassicas Top Fruit

LiquiTec 2 3 100-200 Cereals Pre-sowing/Zinc litres/ha litres/ha litres/ha Maize SpringContains: Oilseed rapeZn 15% w/v Sugar beetSO3 19% w/v Carrots Brassicas Top Fruit

LiquiTec product application rates

The Solution SpecialistsLiquid fertilisers for better health

and bigger harvests

Billericay Fertiliser Services LtdDownham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1QU

Tel: 01268 710237Fax: 01268 711040

E.mail: [email protected]: www.bfs.uk.com

Documents

Nutrient Deficiency Identification Guide - Fertiliser Services · PDF fileNutrient Deficiency Identification Guide Diagnosing symptoms in n i t r major arable crops o g e n p h