Want Healthy Crops? The Key is in the Nutrients!

 Nitrogen is a macronutrient and is a major component of a plant’s chlorophyll. Plants require chlorophyll in order to absorb the sun’s radiation in the form of lightwaves. This light is used in the production of essential sugars through the water absorbed by the plant and carbon dioxide. Nitrogen is also an essential ingredient of amino acids also known as the building blocks of proteins. Nitrogen is a key ingredient in commercial fertilizers alongside potassium and  phosphorous.

When a plant is lacking nitrogen there are key signs of the issue. When a plant grows poorly and exhibits chlorotic leaves (yellowed) starting on the lower (older) leaves and gradually progressing through the younger leaves the plant is most likely lacking nitrogen. Due to nitrogen being essential to chlorophyll, the plant loses the pigmentation as chloroplasts are destroyed. Older leaves exhibit the symptoms first due to the plant sacrificing the nitrogen stored in these for the health of younger more lively leaves. Essentially the plant cuts losses on older leaves for the future leaves to develop for the long haul.

 Phosphorus is one of the most important nutrients a plant needs to be healthy. It is a macronutrient and is not only essential to plants, but all living things. A plant requires phosphorus for normal growth and proper yields that are on time. This nutrient has its hand in every plant process from photosynthesis, respiration, cell division, and more.This nutrient can be found in most fertilizers and is applied alongside the other macronutrients nitrogen and potassium.

 Symptoms of a phosphorus deficiency is one of the hardest to readily diagnose as it typically shows very little signs or symptoms. Overall a plant will exhibit stunting in early stages of the growth cycle with these plants exhibiting usually bluish leaves and purple stems. Many growers will not only go on the signs of the plant, but also soil analysis. A soil analysis will show the phosphorus levels in a soil, but the grower must be aware that a plant will not be able to extract and use all nutrients in the soil. If the test results show a reading below 40, your crops could be lacking in phosphorus. Typical normal ranges for healthy crops are over 40.  

Calcium is a secondary nutrient and is found in plants as calcium pectate. This mineral is essential for the structure of cell walls and provides the plant with strong walls for proper growth. This is similar to the need of calcium in our bodies for strong bones. The cell walls in plants are essentially the “bones” of the cell. When calcium levels are low or deficient, this can lead to distorted growth from improper formation of cell walls within the plant.

When a plant has a deficiency the first sign of the issue is a localized necrosis of tissue in the edges or margins of younger leaves. The leaves may also curl and eventually lead to the death of terminal buds and root tips. Younger or newer tissues on a plant are the first affected due to excess storage of calcium in older plant tissues. By performing a soil test, a grower can evaluate levels in the soil. Even if a soil has high levels of calcium, the available calcium for the plant may be low. An application of limestone or gypsum can resolve calcium. Limestone should be used in soils that are acidic as it will increase the alkalinity in a soil aiding in most vegetable crops’ growth.

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Carbon is found in all life and is around us in all materials and atmosphere. Due to the importance of carbon on life, soils play a key role in the carbon cycle on Earth. During photosynthesis, a plant will bring in Carbon dioxide through the stomata. Carbon is then separated from the oxygen to be used in the process of energy and food production by the plant. The oxygen is then released as a by-product of photosynthesis. Overall, carbon is essential for plant growth.
 

When a plant has low carbon-dioxide levels, the growth of the plant is stunted or slowed. The plant will absorb less nutrients and water. This is due to decreased productivity levels of ATP (energy) with lacking photosynthetic action in the plant. When a plant is unable to produce the energy and sugars needed to survive, growth slows as the plant makes up for the decrease in nutrients and essential water for growth.

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 Hydrogen is classified as a secondary nutrient and is gathered through photosynthesis and the natural uptake of water by the plant. Most Hydrogen is gathered through water absorption through the liquid state by roots or in a gaseous state through the leaves. The plant breaks down the water into the individual elements of Hydrogen and Oxygen. This hydrogen is then used in combination with carbon in the process of photosynthesis with the oxygen as a by-product.

When a plant is deficient in hydrogen, it is typically an issue with water uptake or the opening of stomata. Plants will have a decrease in the efficiency of photosynthesis leading to decreased growth and smaller plant sizes. Symptoms follow similar lines to Carbon deficiency. By increasing aeration of the soil, water will have more space to enter the soil. This should increase your hydrogen to solve the deficiency. Be sure to water a few days before aeration as damp soil increases the efficiency of the practice.  

Magnesium is also classified as a secondary nutrient and is a solid mineral unlike many of the other secondary nutrients that are atmospheric based. Magnesium is a major nutrient in many of the plant’s processes, mainly photosynthesis. If a plant is deficient in this nutrient, the crop yields and production will be severely limited. In photosynthesis, Magnesium provides a role in the building of chlorophyll. This chlorophyll is located in the chloroplasts and acts as a solar panel in the cell of plants to absorb the sun’s light for the production of ATP (energy). Magnesium is directly in the soil and is absorbed by the plant’s roots.

If a soil is low in pH (acidic), lower in temperature, low moisture content, and high levels of other elements that compete with Magnesium, then a deficiency in the plant may occur. By conducting as soil test, a grower can diagnose these conditions to help in the diagnosis of the plant’s issues. In a plant with a Magnesium deficiency, the leaves will become choleric (yellowed) along the veins and inter-vein tissues eventually overtaking the whole leaf. The leaf margins may also appear burnt.

Overall, a plant’s growth will be greatly slowed as the energy production in the plant has essentially been halted. The severity of the symptoms of a Magnesium deficiency is dependent on the amount and intensity of the plant’s exposure to sunlight.

Some growers do not think about Oxygen as a needed nutrient or element in a plant’s life cycle. However, oxygen is important to many plant processes. Oxygen is classified as a secondary nutrient and is taken in by the plant through the atmosphere and stomata, as well as the roots in the form of water. All plant cells need oxygen to live just as a human’s cells need it. This is because without oxygen plants can not perform aerobic respiration to break down foods for energy. Root cells get their oxygen through pockets of air trapped in the soil. If a soil is highly compacted, then roots can not get the oxygen they need. The same is for overwatering of the plant. In other words the plant can suffocate or drown.

A key indicator that a plant is having oxygen issues, is the sign of mushy or brown roots. This leads to a condition in plants called root rot. Roots should be white and firm. The leaves of a plant will droop and go from green to a yellow. Plants will also show a decrease in growth and productivity as the energy they produce in photosynthesis can not be broken down. Aeration of the soil can help solve the issue of decreased oxygen levels in plants. Aeration increases the pockets in soil to trap oxygen. This stores oxygen for use by the roots.

Boron is a micronutrient meaning it is needed in small amounts. However, Boron plays a vital role in the development and strength of a plant’s cell walls within the cells. It is important to note that different crops need differing levels of Boron so there is no typical average across the board. It is essential for the grower to look up the exact requirements of their specific crop and variety to ensure levels are maintained. Boron is rather difficult for a plant to transport within its system, however, it is still needed by the plant.

When a plant is deficient in Boron, this can lead to tell-tale signs in the crop being grown. Branches and new growth of the plant typically become distorted, brittle, and thick. The tissue is easy to break and damage. Upper portions of growth in a plant will also have scattered yellowing or chlorosis in the leaves leaving a mosaic of greens and yellows. Treatment of Boron deficiency can be done through application of a liquid solution of Boron and water. Care must be taken in ensuring correct application of the solution as too much Boron is highly toxic to plants.

 
Chlorine is not only essential in water treatment for people, but also in plants. This element is key in the growth and development of a plant through regulation, key plant processes such as photosynthesis, and disease resistance and tolerance. In other words, chlorine acts as a sort of immunity booster for the plant allowing a plant to fight off diseases easier. When referencing Chlorine in the use of plants it is referred to as Chloride.

A lack of Chloride can cause a range of signs in a plant. Wilting can be a sign of a deficiency as it is caused by a decrease in efficiency of the plants internal highway system throughout all parts of the plant. It becomes restricted due to high branching in the root system leading to stubby root tips. Leaf mottling can be seen in plants with a chloride deficiency through chlorosis or yellowing of the leaves. A grower needs to be aware that chloride is essential to a plant, but it is needed in small amounts. Applying too much chloride can lead to toxicity in plants. A grower should research the specific needs of their crop and variety to ensure proper application. Chlorine can be added through water treatments and integrated into the water supply.

Copper is a micronutrient and is needed in smaller amounts. Although it is needed in small quantities, it serves important roles in the plant’s health and overall growth. Copper is needed in the activation of lignin synthesis enzymes and enzyme systems. Just like many of the other key nutrients and minerals needed by plants, this mineral is essential for the processes of respiration and photosynthesis. It also helps in metabolic processes in regulation of carbohydrates and proteins.

When plants are lacking in copper, the leaves have a chlorosis of the entire leaf or in between the leaf veins. As chlorosis is a common symptom of a nutrient deficiency, a soil test will help in diagnosis of the specific lack of nutrient.

Iron is a metal element and is needed in small amounts as it is a micronutrient. Some soils around the US and world have higher amounts of iron naturally due to high metal content in the soil. However, if your soil does not have naturally higher amounts of iron, your plant may become deficient. Iron is essential for the plant in enzymes and some pigments. The iron assists a plant in nitrate and sulfate reductions as well as energy production inside of a plant and the cells. A plant will use iron as a method of green pigment production, however, it is not the ingredient.

When a plant is deficient in iron the most common symptom is chlorosis of the leaves. The tissues of the plant leaves turn a yellow, but the veins in the leaf will stay green. This yellowing will start at the leaf tips and work its way through the leaf eventually turning the whole leaf and veins yellow. Other signs of an iron deficiency are slowed or poor growth and leaf loss. There are rare instances where iron is actually low in the soil.

The problem lies in other soil conditions. A soil’s pH may be too basic or high or have high amounts of phosphorous. The soil type also plays into the ability of a plant to get the iron from the soil. A soil that is high in clay will show plants with iron deficiencies. This is due to clay’s compaction and slow drainage of water. A pH test as well as a soil texture test can give you the answers to whether or not iron is the issue of a plant’s health problems.

If the soil is too low in drainage, a grower can add soil amendments to increase drainage of the soil. pH can also be lowered by using additives in the soil.

Manganese is a micronutrient and is needed in smaller amounts. This mineral is essential in the development of chloroplasts, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolic processes and synthesis. All of these processes are crucial to the survival of a plant as it aids in growth.

When a plant is deficient in Manganese, the plant will mimic signs of an Iron deficiency. This is due to the interveinal chlorosis (inner vein yellowing) of the plant on young leaves. The leaves will also have sunken spots that appear in the yellowed parts of leaves. A plant’s growth may also appear stunted and slowed. Treatment of a manganese deficiency can be done through a  water soluble fertilizer that has the low levels required for manganese. Caution should be taken in the application as manganese can be toxic to plants in high levels.

Sulfur is regarded as a micronutrient meaning it is needed in small amounts. Even though it is a mineral needed in small amounts it is essential to the health of a plant. Sulfur assists the plant in the formation of essential enzymes and proteins. A lack of Sulfur leads to serious health problems and a loss of overall vitality. Typically plants only need around 10-30 pounds of sulfur per acre. It acts as a conditioner in the soil and helps reduce sodium levels.

When a plant is deficient in sulfur, the overall growth is stunted in development and growth. A plant will show the signs of the deficiency in the leaves through chlorosis (yellowing) and necrotic leaf tips. The plant as a whole will have a pale green color with yellowing. Sulfur amendments to the soil can be added in small amounts to accommodate the plants and their needs.

Zinc is classified as a micronutrient meaning it is needed in small amounts. This metal is essential in plant growth and development as it plays key roles in enzymes and proteins within the plant cells. Additionally, Zinc is involved in growth hormone production and internode elongation. Zinc is one of the most common deficiencies in plants across the world. A deficiency in this element plays a role in crop yield loss, and the overall human health crisis around the world. When a plant lacks nutrients, the person eating the plant will not get the nutrients as they should. This leads to deficiencies for people as well regardless of how much they eat of the crop. If it is missing in the plant’s system, it will be missing in the person’s diet.

When a plant is deficient in Zinc it will show visible signs. Chlorosis of the leaves and plant tissues will appear and in some species of plants, this chlorosis will be intervenial. Additionally, the plant will show signs of necrosis (burning of the leaves) in areas of the yellowing. A sign that there is a zinc deficiency that sets it apart from another mineral issue is the possibility of the bronzing of chlorotic tissue. Zinc can be worked into the soil in the form of chelated zinc. A grower can also apply compost or other organic matter to the soil. A reduction of fertilizers high in phosphorus will help in the retention of zinc for plant use.