| Nutrient |
Function |
Deficiency
Signs |
Toxicity
Signs |
| Macronutrients
|
| Nitrogen |
Root
absorbed, converted to ammonium and combines with carbohydrates
to form proteins. This produces healthy leaves, stems and root
systems. Most notable effect is vibrant green color that is
produced in plant. |
Stunting
of shoot growth, decreased leaf size, pale green to yellow in
color, copper color in leaf tips if problem continues |
Deep
blue green leaves, soft texture, delayed maturity, possible
scorching of leaves |
| Phosphorus |
Root
absorbed, plays a role in cell division, helps develop growing
point of plant (meristematic tissue), involved in sugar development,
found in photosynthesis, involved in flower and seed development. |
Slow
growth, delayed maturity, older leaves begin to show dark green
discoloring turning to dull blue green, dwarf growth habits
but not to degree of nitrogen deficiency |
Toxicity
is rare |
| Potassium |
Root
absorbed, helps regulate osmotic pressure and turgidity of plant,
considered a catalyst because it influences cell division, enzyme
activity, & translocation of sugars |
Weak
stalks, small fruit or seed, drooping leaves, chlorosis of the
leaves, younger leaves will show signs of starvation |
Toxicity
is rare |
| |
| Secondary
Nutrients
|
| Calcium |
Root
absorbed, aids in regulating osmotic pressure similar to that
of phosphorus |
Death
of growing points, abnormal dark green appearance, weakened
stems, fruit disorders |
Toxicity
is rare |
| Sulfur |
Involved
in protein development similar to that of nitrogen |
Paling
of older leaves similar to nitrogen, scorching effect along
edges of leaves until it withers up |
Toxicity
is rare |
| Magnesium |
Root
absorbed and aids in movement of phosphorus throughout plant,
it is found in the chlorophyll molecule |
Interveinal
chlorosis in older leaves, curling of leaves upward, marginal
yellowing along mid-rib of leaf |
Toxicity
is rare |
| |
| Micronutrients
|
| Zinc |
Essential
to enzyme systems, acts as growth regulator |
Stunting
growth, thinning, shriveling, & drying up of leaves |
Toxicity
is rare |
| Iron |
Required
for chlorophyll production, activator for respiration, photosynthesis
& nitrogen fixation |
Young
actively growing leaves show yellowing, and eventually blades
become white or ivory |
Brown
leaf spotting at low point of plant |
| Manganese |
Activator
for enzymes in growth processes, assist in chlorophyll production |
Similar
to iron deficiency, leaves droop but remain green, localized
tissue death |
Yellowing,
upward cupping of leaves |
| Copper |
Bluish
discoloration of young leaf tips, death of leaf tips and progression
toward stem |
|
Very
rare, chlorosis |
| Molybdenum |
Helps to transform nitrates into amino acids |
Older,
lower leaves begin paling, stunting will develop, localized
tissue death along with withering |
Root
depression, yellowing, browning of leaves |
| Boron |
Involved
in meristematic cells as a differentiator |
Delayed
symptoms, shoots are discolored, stubby leaf appearance, growth
point stunting |
Localized
spotty death in veins |
| Chlorine |
Involved
in photosynthesis |
Not
often noticed |
Burning
of leaf tips. premature yellowing |
NC DOT
NC DOH
NC GOV
