In addition to sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, plants require certain elemental nutrients to survive and grow. Macronutrients are needed in relatively large amounts. These essential plant nutrients needed by plants are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (the NPK on fertilizer labels), and calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Micronutrients are no less important, but are needed in smaller amounts and are rarely deficient in most soils. The essential micronutrients are iron, manganese, molybdenum, boron, zinc, copper, chlorine, and nickel. Read on to learn more about how to fix nutrient deficiencies in plants.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen deficiency on young coconut palm brings yellowing of the leaves.If older leaves (near the bottom of the plant) are chlorotic (yellowish), smaller, and drop earlier than normal, suspect a nitrogen deficiency. There also may be a pinkish flush to the leaves, and overall stunted, slower growth. Symptoms are most prevalent in early spring. Prevent nitrogen deficiency by regular mulching with organic matter. Cure the deficiency in the short term by applying a high nitrogen fertilizer such as manure, blood meal, ammonium nitrate, or urea.
Phosphorus Phosphorous deficiency symptom: Purplish color of older leaves.If older leaves are purplish on the undersides but still dark green above, smaller than normal, and drop early, it could be a phosphorus deficiency. Leaf tips may die or look like they have been burned. Phosphorus deficiency is relatively uncommon, but may occur in areas with high rainfall and heavy clay soil, and especially in young plants during early spring when soils are still cold. Greensand and fertilizers with bone meal or superphosphate are used to remedy phosphate-poor soils.
Potassium
Potassium (and possibly nitrogen) deficiency symptoms in palms means yellowing and browning of the margins.If older leaves are wilting and have yellowing on the margins and/or between the veins, it could be a deficiency in potassium. Other symptoms of potassium deficiency include crinkling of the leaves, browning at the margins, and new shoots that die back prematurely. Plants will also show slower growth and reduced flowering and fruiting. Potassium shortages typically occur on light, sandy soils. Use a high potassium fertilizer such as muriate of potash, or a balanced fertilizer with a high K value to fix deficient soils.
Calcium
Calcium deficiency symptoms: Drooping, collapsed petioles and a whitish colored cigar leaf (the youngest leaf at the top of the plant).A calcium deficiency can cause new leaves (near the top of the plant) to be abnormally dark green, distorted, or irregularly shaped. Eventually, the leaf tips turn brown and brittle and the leaves wither and drop. New shoots tend to wither on the tips. Calcium deficiency causes blossom-end rot in certain fruits, especially tomatoes. Soil deficiencies are rare, but irregular watering can inhibit the uptake of calcium. Prevent calcium deficiency with regular watering, and treat affected plants with products containing gypsum or calcium. Crushed eggshells are a great solution too!
Iron
Iron deficiency symptoms: Interveinal chlorosis on youngest leavesIron deficiency is indicated by young leaves that have dark green veins but are lighter pale green than normal between the veins. The distinction is sharp. Acid loving plants will show browning on the leaf margins. Eventually, the whole leaf becomes pale yellow and dies. Iron is typically inadequate supply in most soils but some plants cannot take up enough if the soil pH is above 6.5. The best remedy is to increase the soil acidity by applying chelated iron or manganese sulfate to the soil. Use a foliar spray for immediate treatment, and organic non-alkaline compost to maintain healthy soil. You can also apply our very own Acidic Soil Mix to amend the native soil.
Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency symptoms: Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing) on older, lower leaves.If a plant has a magnesium deficiency, older leaves will appear thin and brittle and become yellowish on the margins and between the veins while the midrib remains green color. The result is a green “arrowhead” on a yellowish leaf. The difference between the green arrowhead and yellowish region between the veins is gradual, not distinct as it is with iron deficiency. Eventually, the leaves will wither and drop, even as shoot growth appears normal. Light, sandy soils are sometimes deficient in magnesium. To improve magnesium availability in the soil, apply dolomitic limestone or Epson salts(magnesium sulfate) as directed. For a short term fix, spray leaves with a nutrient solution of Epson salts.
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