Nitrogen deficiency
N deficiency
CLASSIFICATION
Abiotic, nutrient-related issue, nutrient deficiency
ABOUT
Nitrogen deficiency is an abiotic disorder causing growth inhibition. Deficient plants are shorter and have thinner stems and smaller leaves. The whole plant often becomes pale green or yellow-green due to inhibited chlorophyll synthesis. Leaf stalks of smaller leaves can also turn purple and leaves can eventually wither and fall off. There can also be vertical purple stripes on the stem.
How to treat?
- Biological
Replant the plant into fresh soil rich in nutrients.
Add manure or compost to the soil. For quick help poultry manure is suitable.
- Chemical
Apply missing nutrients to the plant foliage (suitable for quick help). Follow the instructions on the chosen product to prevent excessive fertilizer usage. Apply nitrogen-containing fertilizer as a foliar spray (e.g. urea).
Apply missing nutrients to the soil (suitable for long-term help). Follow the instructions on the chosen product to prevent excessive fertilizer usage. Apply nitrogen-containing fertilizer to the soil (e.g. ammonium nitrate, urea).
- Disease prevention
Apply fertilizer regularly. Fertilizing is especially important during spring and summer.
Avoid overwatering. Nitrates are very water-soluble and heavy rains or overwatering can easily leach them out of the soil.
Change the soil regularly. Plants should be repotted when the soil is compacted, depleted of nutrients, and no longer retains water.
Choose suitable neighboring plants. Plants with similar nutrient requirements should not be planted close to each other.
Grow nitrogen-fixing plants (often from legume family - Fabaceae) on nitrogen-poor soils.