NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS（营养缺乏症状）.pdfVIP

NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS Barbara J. Bromley, Mercer County Horticulturist 10 Of all of the symptoms and signs of trouble in plants, possibly the most overlooked are nutrient deficiencies. The interrelationship between a nutrients availability and soil pH, air and soil temperature, available moisture, excesses of other nutrients, soil organic matter and soil mineral content are complex. Sometimes, though, visual symptoms can be used to identify possible problems. Ideally, deficiencies are determined by soil testing and/or plant tissue analysis. Soil testing is the best way to accurately determine whether primary nutrient levels are optimum for plant survival and growth. Nitrogen is often a special test, but is generally applied to most crops by standardized rates. A rule of thumb for gardeners is that if plant matter (leaves, branches, grass clippings, weeds, etc.) are removed from a site, something needs to be put back to replace those lost nutrients. MACRONUTRIENTS: Primary NITROGEN (N) Nitrogen is mobile in plants. The mobility in soil is dependent on the chemical form of the element used. Organic N is not available to plants until it has been converted to an inorganic form by soil bacteria. Uptake inhibited by high phosphorus levels. N/K ratio is important: high N/low K favors vegetative growth; low N/high K promotes flowering and fruiting. Nitrogen is needed for vigorous vegetative leaf and stem growth and dark green leaf color (chlorophyll production). It feeds soil microorganisms as they decompose organic matter. It is part of proteins, enzymes, chlorophyll, and growth regulators. Deficiency Symptoms General: Stunted growth and shorter internodes, small pale yellow leaves. Plant may be a lig