Nutrient deficiency symptoms on plants

When there is a nutrient deficiency, plants can show various characteristic symptoms. These signs vary depending on whether non-mobile or mobile nutrients are involved.

Non-mobile nutrients

• Boron (B): A lack of boron manifests itself in dying leaflets at the shoot tip. The leaves may wither and turn brown.
• Copper (Cu): A copper deficiency is manifested by curling and wilting of the youngest leaves. The affected leaves may discolour and die.
• Sulphur (S): When sulphur is deficient, the youngest leaves show a characteristic yellowing.
• Manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe): When manganese or iron are lacking, the areas between the leaf veins turn yellow. The leaf veins themselves usually remain green.

Mobile nutrients

• Zinc (Zn): A zinc deficiency leads to small leaves, whereby the leaves can become smaller than usual.
• Magnesium (Mg): A magnesium deficiency is shown by yellowing of the areas between the leaf veins, while the veins themselves remain green.
• Nitrogen (N): In the case of a nitrogen deficiency, the entire leaf turns yellow. The plant draws nitrogen from older leaves to support the growth of young leaves.
• Potassium (K): A deficiency of potassium leads to the death of the leaf edges, causing them to turn brown and die.
• Phosphorus (P): A phosphorus deficiency is manifested by a red colouration of the leaves.

It is important to recognise nutrient deficiency symptoms early, as targeted fertilisation or soil amendments may be needed to ensure plant growth and health.

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