POTASSIUM

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: Mottles

Chlorosis, necrosis (especially at tips and margins between veins). Older leaves most affected. In cereals, weak stalks, roots more susceptible to disease

ROLE IN PLANT NUTRITIONEnzyme

activator and coenzyme functions. Protein synthesis. Stomata function, turgor potential

Potassium deficiency

SULPHUR
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS : General
yellowing of young leaves. Usually no necrosis of leaves. Reduced or stunted growth Constituent of proteins, amino acids (thiamine), coenzymes A and vitamins (biotin). Necessary for synthesis of oils in plants

ROLE IN PLANT NUTRITION

Sulphur deficiency

CALCIUM
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: Bitter pit in
fruit. Loss of fruit firmness. Corky fruits. Senescent breakdown of fruit. Low storage potential of fruit. Blossom end rot of tomatoes. Cavity spot in carrots

ROLE IN PLANT NUTRITIONCell

division and elongation. Proper working and permeability of cell membranes

Calcium deficiency

 Calcium deficiency in strawberries

MAGNESIUM
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS Inter-veinal
Chlorosis. Symptoms appear first on older leaves. Reduced crop growth

ROLE IN PLANT NUTRITION Part of

the chlorophyll molecule. Involved in phosphate and nitrogen metabolism Involved in protein synthesis. Involved in water uptake by the plant

Magnesium deficiency

MANGANESE
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: Inter-veinal
Chlorosis (marbling) of younger leaves. Pale stiping and brown spots on cereals. Floppy plants (cereals). Upright growth habit and triangular leaves on sugar beet

ROLE IN PLANT NUTRITIONActivator

of many enzyme processes. Involved in nitrate reduction. Necessary for photosynthesis. Protein synthesis

Manganese deficiency

 Manganese Deficient Beans

MOLYBDENUM
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS Reduced
plant growth (symptoms of N deficiency) Reduced leaf area (whiptail in cauliflowers)

ROLE IN PLANT NUTRITIONNecessary

for nitrogen metabolism. Necessary for chlorophyll. Involved in iron and phosphate metabolism

Molybdenum deficiency

BORON
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS Leaf
distortion and leaf texture changes. Death of growing points. Cracking and rotting. Poor fertilization and fruit set

ROLE IN PLANT NUTRITIONMeristem

growth. Carbohydrate metabolism. Synthesis of nucleic acids. Pollen germination

Boron deficiency

IRON
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMSYellowing
(Chlorosis) of youngest leaves MADE WORSE BYHigh pH soils. Calcareous soils. High levels of copper. Poorly drained crops ROLE IN PLANT NUTRITIONNecessary for the formation of chlorophyll. Necessary for photosynthesis. Necessary for the formation of proteins

Iron deficiency

ZINC
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMSStunted
plants. Pale stripes to the leaf mid rib (maize). Formation of rosettes (fruit trees)Formation of small leaves. Chlorosis of young leaves for the correct functioning of many enzyme systems. Necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids. Necessary for auxcin (plant hormone) metabolism

ROLE IN PLANT NUTRITIONNecessary

Zinc deficiency

COPPER
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: Spiralling of
leaves, especially the flag leaf of cereals. Chlorosis of lead tips. Stunted plants. Poorly filled ears (cereals) MADE WORSE BYOrganic, chalky or sandy soils. Reclaimed health land. High nitrogen application ROLE IN PLANT NUTRITIONInvolved in may enzyme processes. Necessary for proper photosynthesis. Involved in the manufacture of lignin (cell walls). Involved in grain production

Copper deficiency