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What does the plant lack if the leaves are pale? How to determine from a leaf what a lemon or tangerine is missing? If you don't have enough magnesium

Wanting to give plants as much as possible, many people often thoughtlessly use mineral fertilizers. But “more” is not always synonymous with “better.” Most often, crops lack just one or two minerals, and we pamper them with everything at once. And often after this, excess manifests itself much worse than deficiency. Take a closer look at the plants, and they themselves will tell you what they are missing.
Athot- pale or yellowed leaves, small size and early necrosis of leaves, fragile stem. With an excess of nitrogen, the plant “fattens,” that is, it suffers from growth with a clear delay in flowering.
TOAliyah– flowers form poorly or do not form at all, leaves turn yellow or brown, often die, and also curl downward and wrinkle. With an excess of potassium, plant growth slows down.

Fosphorus – leaves are dark green, with a bluish tint, slow growth, early leaf fall, the plant is often affected by fungus. With an excess of phosphorus, iron and zinc are poorly absorbed.

ANDiron- the appearance of uniform chlorosis between the leaf veins, pale green and yellow coloring of the leaves without tissue death. Iron deficiency most often manifests itself on carbonate and heavily limed soils.
MAgny – light or yellow leaves, perhaps even red; chlorosis of leaf tissue between green veins, death of roots.
TOalcium- damage and death of apical buds and roots, death of the tip and edges of young leaves, some of which have a hook-shaped tip. Calcium deficiency is often observed in very acidic, especially sandy, soils.
WITHera- pale green color of leaves without tissue death. When a plant lacks sulfur, protein synthesis slows down and growth lags. If, on the contrary, there is an excess of sulfur in the plant, the leaves turn yellow and the edges curl inward.

Bop- death of apical buds, roots and leaves; lack of flowering, fall of the ovary. Boron deficiency most often occurs on soils with a neutral and alkaline reaction, as well as on limed soils, since calcium interferes with the entry of boron into the plant.
Mgo- chlorosis and whitening of leaf tips. With an excess of copper, root development is disrupted and the supply of iron and manganese to the plant is reduced.

Manganese- poor development of leaves, the appearance of spots on them. Interveinal chlorosis indicates an excess of manganese. Manganese deficiency most often occurs in alkaline soils.

WHAT A PLANT MISSS!!! Signs of deficiency or excess of nutrients. Fertilizers and stimulants. NITROGEN. flaw. The leaves lose their green color, young leaves are pale green, red dots appear on them, the leaves become narrow and fall off prematurely. It appears primarily on old leaves. Roses are especially sensitive to a lack of nitrogen in the spring, so they need to be fed with ammonium nitrate, urea or any complex fertilizer containing nitrogen (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water). For fertilizing, you can use any organic fertilizer in appropriate proportions. NITROGEN, excess: The foliage becomes dark green, the plants grow wildly, the stems are soft, few flowers are formed, they are easily affected by fungal diseases. In these cases, it is necessary to exclude nitrogen from the diet and feed the plants with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. PHOSPHORUS. Disadvantage: Leaves are dark green, with a red or purple tint. Purple-brown stripes and spots may appear on the edges of the leaves, the leaves become smaller, become narrow, and move away from the shoots under acute angle, fall off, the growth of shoots is delayed, they become distorted. Stems, petioles and leaf veins become purple in color. Flowering is delayed and the root system develops poorly. Plants lose their decorative properties. If there is a phosphorus deficiency, the plants must be fed with superphosphate or complex fertilizer (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water), the soil must be mulched with peat and then incorporated into the soil. PHOSPHORUS. and excess: Excess phosphorus leads to soil salinization and manganese deficiency. Metabolism is disrupted. The plant does not absorb iron and copper. POTASSIUM. disadvantage: With potassium deficiency, the edges of the leaves turn yellow, the veins remain green. Often the edges of the leaves dry out. Gradually, the leaves turn yellow completely and acquire a reddish-purple color. Yellowing begins at the top of the leaves. The flowers are small. Young leaves become reddish in color, with brown edges. Often observed in roses growing on sandy soils. The process of dying begins from the lower leaves and spreads to young leaves. They turn black and the stems of the roses also die. Usually there is not enough potassium in roses on sandy and peat soils. If there is a lack of potassium, roses must be fed with potassium fertilizers - potassium sulfate, potassium magnesia or complex fertilizer (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water). CALCIUM deficiency: Occurs when there is an excess of potassium. Calcium occurs in nature in the form of limestone, chalk and other compounds. It is necessary for plants for the normal development of the above-ground parts and root growth. With a lack of calcium, the stems and leaves are weakened, the tops of young leaves become sick or die, flower stalks die, and roots do not develop. Young leaves are bent with a hook. In this case, the plants need to be fed with superphosphate or calcium nitrate (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water). IRON. Not enough: Plants experience iron deficiency very often on neutral, alkaline and calcium-rich soils. The leaves turn yellow starting from the edges. Young leaves are especially affected. A narrow green stripe remains around the veins. If chlorosis progresses, small veins also become discolored. The leaves become almost white or white-cream in color, then the leaf tissues die and they fall off. If there is a lack of iron, it is necessary to add quickly decomposing organic fertilizers or any acidifying fertilizer to the soil, and apply foliar fertilizing with iron-containing preparations 2-3 times (Kemira Universal 2 complex fertilizer - 1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water). MAGNESIUM. disadvantage: Discolored spots appear on old leaves, and then on young ones in mid-summer. Dead dark red areas and dying zones of a reddish-yellow color form between the veins. The edges of the leaves remain green. Leaves fall prematurely. Magnesium deficiency is eliminated by applying fertilizers containing magnesium - magnesium sulfate and ash. Often occurs in roses growing on acidic soils. If the magnesium content in the soil is too high, plant roots do not absorb potassium well. SULFUR: ​Sulfur affects redox processes in plant tissues. It promotes the dissolution of mineral compounds in the soil. With a lack of sulfur, the leaves become light green, the veins on the leaves are even lighter, and red spots of dying tissue appear. Such plants need to be fed with organic fertilizers that contain a sufficient amount of sulfur. MANGANESIS: deficiency: In affected plants, the leaves turn yellow between the veins from the edge to the center, forming tongue-shaped areas. A green rim forms around the leaf veins. Yellow color appears on older leaves. In this case, the plants need to be fed or sprinkled with a solution of manganese sulfate and the lime content in the soil reduced, that is, physiologically acidic fertilizers must be added to the soil - peat, leaf or pine litter, potassium sulfate or ammonium sulfate, etc. BOR. Boron deficiency affects the growth point of young shoots: it dies, the leaves are deformed, their edges bend upward. Young leaves are light green. This occurs on calcareous soils. During the growing season, you need to apply ash in the form of extra-root fertilizers or sprinkle the soil around the bush with ash, followed by embedding. Ash is a source of boron. COPPER: The apical bud dies, the tips of the leaves turn white, young leaves lose turgor and wither. There is no yellowing. ZINC: Chlorotic spots spread along the entire leaf margin. The green color is retained only along the veins. Often dead areas appear on the leaf - along the edges and between the veins. ​ MOLYBDENUM: if there is a shortage of this element, buds and flowers fall off. Outside root feeding with microelements will help restore the lack of one or another NITROGEN component. Most industrially produced nitrogen fertilizers can be used for fruit and berry plants. Do not use ammonium chloride, which contains a lot of chlorine, which has a negative effect on plants. Mineral nitrogen fertilizers are applied in early spring or autumn. In the spring, give all nitrogen fertilizers (ammonia, nitrate and urea). In autumn on clay soils (but not on sandy ones) only ammonia fertilizers can be applied (they are not washed out). Both in spring and autumn, fertilizers are applied superficially, scattering them evenly over the area and then incorporating them into the soil. In summer, nitrate fertilizers (saltpeter) should be used primarily for fertilizing. If they are not available, you can use ammonia fertilizers or urea. When should potash fertilizers be applied? On clay and loamy soils, due to their low water permeability, all potash fertilizers are fixed at the place of their application and weakly penetrate with water into the deeper layers of the soil. On light sandy and sandy loam, as well as peaty soils, they are not fixed or are weakly fixed. Therefore, on clay and loamy soils, potassium fertilizers should be applied in the fall, and on sandy loam and peaty soils - in the spring. Which soils especially need potassium fertilizer? Light sandy, sandy loam and peaty. On gray soils, where potassium is relatively high, potassium fertilizers are applied in small doses or not at all. What types of phosphate fertilizers are there? Phosphorus fertilizers, according to the degree of solubility, are water-soluble (superphosphates, ammophos, diammophos), soluble in a weak acid (precipitate, thomasslag, defluorinated phosphate) and sparingly soluble (phosphorite and bone meal). Do phosphorus fertilizers need to be applied annually? Phosphorus fertilizers in higher doses can be applied once every 3-4 years. To do this, it is better to use sparingly soluble forms in combination with superphosphate. When to apply phosphorus fertilizers? Phosphorus fertilizers must be applied before deep tillage (digging) of the soil. If the soil is dug up in the fall and spring, then it is better to add phosphate rock in the fall, and superphosphate in the spring. How to use phosphate rock and bone meal? A distinctive property of these fertilizers is their long-lasting effect when applied in high doses (up to 100-200 g per 1 m2). Phosphorite and bone meal in pure form or mixed with superphosphate are used when filling the soil before planting, but they can also be applied to areas where plants are already growing. In all cases, these fertilizers must be mixed well with the soil. Fertilizers are applied in spring or autumn, scattering them evenly throughout the area. Then the soil is dug up. Phosphorite flour is added before liming the soil or 2-3 years after adding lime. The exception is very acidic soils, where lime can be added before fertilizing with phosphate rock, only in a small dose - no more than 100-200 g of ground limestone per 1 m2. What types of magnesium fertilizers are there? In most cases, magnesium is applied simultaneously with liming of the soil when using magnesium-containing lime materials or with other fertilizers. Dolomite flour contains about 20% magnesium oxide, and semi-burnt dolomite contains about 27%. Both fertilizers are used to liming the soil and at the same time enriching it with magnesium. On what soils is the application of magnesium fertilizers effective? On light sandy ones, especially acidic ones, since they contain little magnesium. In addition, on acidic soils, the supply of magnesium to plants is difficult. Magnesium fertilizers are effective on some peaty soils of raised bogs, as well as on saline soils and red soils. MICROFERTILIZERS. OFF-ROOT FEEDING. In what cases is it necessary to apply microfertilizers? If there is a lack of microelements in the soil, which can be determined by the appearance of the plants, it is necessary to apply microfertilizers. On peaty soils there is often a lack of copper, on acidic soddy-podzolic and gray forest soils - molybdenum, on red soils - boron and molybdenum, on carbonate and sandy loam soils- manganese, iron and zinc, on heavily limed soils - manganese. Application of high doses of nitrogen fertilizers increases the need for molybdenum, copper, boron and cobalt. Is it possible to do without microfertilizers? It is possible, especially in cases where, along with minerals, manure and ash, which contain trace elements, are added to the garden. In addition, the inclusion of a wide range of microelements in some complex fertilizers, as well as the addition of microelements to simple fertilizers, for example, superphosphate (boron, molybdenum, manganized superphosphate), make it possible to avoid the special application of microfertilizers. How to carry out foliar feeding? Spray the plant nutrient solution it is necessary either early in the morning or in the evening. During the day you can spray only in cloudy (but not rainy) weather so that the solution on the leaves does not dry out quickly. When spraying plants in the spring (on young leaves), weaker solutions should be used. COMPLEX FERTILIZERS. Complex fertilizers are produced with different ratios of two, three or more nutrients - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, magnesium, and individual microelements. They are divided into double (phosphorus-potassium, nitrogen-phosphorus, nitrogen-potassium) and triple (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium). Most complex fertilizers contain nitrogen. Therefore, to avoid washing it out, it is better to apply them in the spring. Solutions, or complex fertilizer for greenhouses, contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sometimes magnesium and some trace elements. Depending on the ratio of batteries, they are produced various brands These fertilizers. In small packaging, such fertilizers come with a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of 20:16:10, respectively. The solutions do not contain chlorine. The nutrients in them are in a form that is easily digestible for plants. Particularly effective for fertilizing. Composts are well-rotted organic fertilizer. When ready, the compost mass is homogeneous and has dark color and crumbles well. (see the topic “Compost is the gardener’s gold”;-). What types of organic fertilizers are there? Manure, slurry, humus, bird droppings, feces, various composts, “green” fertilizers, etc. are used as organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers contain all the nutrients necessary for plant life. The composition of manure depends on the animal feed, the bedding used, and the storage method. It is better to use semi-rotted or rotted manure, but not fresh. When applying fresh straw manure, plants often experience a lack of nitrogen in the first 2 months. When planting plants, it is better to add humus. Bird droppings are often used for liquid plant nutrition. Chicken manure in solid form is added at 1-1.5 kg per 1 m2, duck and goose manure at 2-4 kg. Dry manure is richer in nutritional content than fresh manure, so the application dose should be 3-4 times less. PEAT. Can peat be used in its pure form? High acidic peat in its pure form (without adding lime) should not be added to the soil. Lowland peat can be used in its pure form, but after aeration. It should be borne in mind that peat decomposes slowly, so the nutrients it contains cannot be quickly used by plants. Peat can be used to mulch the soil. How to prepare peat for use as fertilizer The best way to prepare peat for application to the soil is to compost it with slurry, manure, chicken manure, feces and plant waste. Eggshells are fertilizer. IN eggshells contains calcium carbonate, which can be used as lime fertilizer. Research by scientists has established that the average amount of calcium carbonate (lime) required to neutralize excess acidity is 0.5-0.6 kg per 1 m2, and on highly acidic soils of heavy mechanical composition - about 1 kg. It should be noted that the best lime fertilizer is pulverized dolomite flour: in addition to calcium carbonate, it also contains magnesium. Kemira Universal-2, produced in Finland, is one of the first complex fertilizers with microelements. Many gardeners and summer residents were able to appreciate this fertilizer. Perfectly suitable for many crops and gives a good effect: contains all the nutrients necessary for plants in an easily accessible form, the solubility of the fertilizer is at least 82%, - does not contain chlorine, which is harmful to many plants, contains selenium, - is used for growing all garden crops, - contains all nutrients in one granule, - does not acidify the soil. - provides quick effect, guarantees good growth plants. Applying chlorine-free complex fertilizer with microelements in recommended doses will make the soil healthier, more vibrant and fertile. How many drops of zircon are needed per 2 liters of water? usually 1 ml (1 ampoule) per 10 (or more) liters of water. Seeds vegetable crops soaked in Zircon solution (1-2 drops per 300 ml of water). Before planting, cuttings are soaked in Zircon solution (1 ml per 1 liter of water). Bulbs and corms flower crops soaked in Zircon solution (0.5-1 ml of Zircon per 1 liter of water) Tomatoes - signs of nutrient deficiency Lack of magnesium - leaves curl upward, become brittle, quickly fall off. The leaves also turn yellow and appear brown spots, veins are green. Lack of calcium - on the tops of the fruits formed dark spots, they are gradually growing. The lower leaves are green, the upper ones turn yellow. The flowers fall. Lack of phosphorus - the turgor of the leaves is weakened, the underside of the leaf is reddish. Stems are fibrous, thin, hard. The fruits are small. Lack of nitrogen - fruits are pale green, small, woody. The leaves grow poorly and turn bluish-red. Sulfur deficiency - lower leaves are yellowish-green, stems are woody and hard. Lack of manganese - leaves turn yellow, veins are green, necrotic spots form on the leaf blade. Lack of potassium - the stems are thin and woody. The fruits ripen unevenly. The edges of the leaves turn brown, curl upward, bend and become bronze. Lack of copper - roots develop poorly, flowers are weak, fruits are small. Growth slows down, leaves curl and turn bluish-green. Lack of zinc - leaves are asymmetrical, narrow, small, spirally twisted. Lack of iron - young leaves turn yellow, necrosis appears on them, and they die. Nitrogen is the main part of the amino acids from which proteins are built. The deficiency appears more strongly in high humidity, prolonged cold or dry weather. Plants are stunted in growth, the leaves are pale green with a yellow tint. There are few flowers and they are small. It is more pronounced on older leaves. Phosphorus - the energy of plants is associated with it. There is especially a lot of it in generative organs and seeds. Simply put, 10 flowers bloom and 3 start. Or during storage, vegetables turn black from the inside. The reasons for the shortage are “fixation” - transition to inaccessible compounds. Phosphorus increases the restorative properties of tissue, accelerates the development of the plant. Shortage in dry weather with rising soil temperatures. Signs of starvation - the growth of the stem is inhibited, the leaf has a purple tint, weak development of roots and fruit formation. Potassium is not part of organic compounds; it is an element of health when it is deficiency, the productivity of photosynthesis is reduced. Potassium provides root secretions of carbon and the formation of organic pulp. Deficiency is caused by waterlogging and is easily washed out of the soil. In dry weather, with excess application of calcium and magnesium. characteristic feature is a “marginal burn” - browning and drying of the tips and edges of the leaves. The shape of a cucumber changes (a light bulb) in tomatoes - burns and spots. Nightshades especially need potassium, with a large number of fruits. Excess will not harm the plant, moreover, they form fruits are of high taste quality. But excess in the soil interferes with the absorption of other elements. Calcium - We usually notice its lack on fruits when apical rot develops. It is necessary primarily for normal root growth. In stone fruits, for the formation of shells. Magnesium is at the center of every molecule of the green pigment chlorophyll. Without it, photosynthesis is not possible. It appears primarily on OLD LEAVES. They begin to curl and turn yellow in spots—the vein is green. If the deficiency is not eliminated, the plant will “eat” itself by pumping magnesium from old leaves to young ones. Nightshades are especially needed. Boron plays along with calcium important role in the life of not only plants but also in the human body. These elements in vegetables are in a natural combination and are better absorbed. a sign of a deficiency is deformation of the leaves near the growth point. Death of apical buds, dropping of flowers and ovaries. Damage to the integument - cracking, mesh, scars. Apical rot may also appear. Cabbage turns black and rots from the inside, leaves sprout between the inflorescences. The reason is drying out of the soil, irregular watering. Molybdenum is an element that protects us from nitrates. It digests nitrates, converting them into complex organic compounds. The level of nitrates drops, the content of protein, sugars, vitamin C increases. The first indicator of starvation is cauliflower. The leaves are narrow, curved “whips”, heads of cabbage do not set. A shortage leads to a loss of quality of vegetables. They become “overspent”. Plants can absorb it without harm to themselves. But excess is unnecessary. Iron promotes the process of photosynthesis. The formation of proteins and chlorophyll. With a deficiency, plants lose their normal green color (young leaves) - the veins remain green. Iron deficiency is a matter of availability and not availability; it is usually prevented from being absorbed by waterlogged soil, excess lime or phosphorus. Copper is an element that regulates water metabolism. Helps in the fight against infections. A sign of deficiency is some lethargy of young leaves that cannot be eliminated by watering. Excess is poisonous for garden crops. It appears in the form of small black dots on the skin of green and ripe fruits. Chlorine plants can exist without chlorine, but its deficiency causes disruption of water metabolism and wilting of individual leaves. If there is an excess, a brown border appears on the cotyledon leaves. ASH can be applied to any type of soil and under all vegetable crops. On heavier soils it is preferable to apply it during digging in the fall, and on sandy and peaty soils in the spring. About 10 kg of ash per hundred square meters of land is enough. Ash is scattered when digging up the soil, but it can also be applied locally into furrows, holes, etc. After application to the soil, the effect of ash lasts from 2 to 4 years. Adding ash to potatoes: increased yield, increased starchiness. Potassium from ash is absorbed by potatoes better than from any potash fertilizers. When applying for digging, 1 tbsp is enough. ash per square meter, but you can also add 2 tablespoons per tuber to the hole, mixing the ash with the soil in the hole. Ash protects cabbage from clubroot and blackleg. Cucumbers and zucchini are also responsive to its application. When planting seedlings of tomatoes, sweet peppers and eggplants, add 3 tablespoons l ash into the hole and mix with soil. Under digging 3st/sq meter. During the summer, you can alternate fertilizing with organic fertilizers and ash fertilizers. To do this, take up to 1.5 tbsp of ash per bucket of water, stir it and quickly pour it into the grooves until the insoluble sediment containing phosphorus settles. The furrows are immediately sealed with soil. Note: in 1 tbsp - 6 g of ash, in a tbsp - 100 g, in a 0.5 liter jar - 250 g, in a 1 liter jar - 500 g of ash WHY DO TOMATO LEAVES ROLL INTO A TUBE? Tomato leaf curl is a disease that is caused by unfavorable growing conditions, as well as a lack of phosphorus nutrition and moisture, and poor development of the root system. The leaves of diseased plants curl along the midrib and become brittle. If the upper leaves of a tomato are constantly curled, there is rapid growth, and the plant itself is powerful, the stems are thick, the leaves are dark green, large, but the bush does not produce a crop, most likely large doses of nitrogen and organic fertilizers were applied or abundant watering is to blame. The situation can be corrected. To do this, you need to: - temporarily exclude watering; - properly carry out pollination by hand (shaking the flower brushes); - during the flowering of the second and third flower clusters, spray the plants with a solution boric acid(1 tsp per 10 liters of water); - cut off excess leaves and shoots. To delay growth, apply root feeding with superphosphate (3 tablespoons per 10 liters of water) at the rate of 1 liter for each plant

As you know, in order for plants to grow and develop well, they need nutrition. And the diet should include not just anything, but certain substances. They are usually divided into several groups.

The first of them includes elements that make up about 98% of the weight of the entire plant. These are macroelements - oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron.

The second group is the so-called microelements. Their content is small - sometimes ten-thousandth of a percent. Among the trace elements, we can highlight, for example, boron, copper and zinc.

Nutrients and their effect on plants

Macronutrients

Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen is the most important element in the structure of a plant - not a single cell can do without it. It is involved in the processes of respiratory metabolism, photosynthesis, and in addition, it also affects “procreation”, since it is part of nucleic acids - carriers of heredity.

Since nitrogen is an integral part of chlorophyll, signs of a deficiency of this element can be easily seen. If the plant's older leaves turn light green, there is a nitrogen deficiency. Later they will begin to turn yellow and die. Young shoots also do not feel well in the best possible way- they are weak and thin, they grow poorly. It is worth noting that signs of nitrogen starvation are acceptable during the development of flowers, because the reserves of nitrogen and carbohydrates are not unlimited and are simply exhausted.

If nitrogen is in excess, then this is also easy to notice - the foliage becomes dark green. This “bell” also forces us to take action. In this state, the plant is acutely sensitive to dry air and can “catch” some disease.

Sulfur (S)

The plant also cannot do without sulfur. It is part of proteins and amino acids, and also plays an important role in the process of photosynthesis. This is explained by the fact that the element is an integral component of enzymes that ensure the absorption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide.

There is also sulfur in cell sap - in the form of sulfate ion. And here she can make trouble. With a lack of oxygen, all sulfur-containing compounds disintegrate, releasing hydrogen sulfide, which is harmful to the root.

If there is too much sulfur, the plant’s leaves will quickly fall off.

Potassium (K)

The bulk of potassium is present in cell sap. This element thins the plasma and also promotes the synthesis of starch, sucrose, proteins and fats.

As is the case with others important elements, potassium deficiency first affects old leaves. They turn yellow, become scorched at the edges, and in some places dead areas appear, which gradually grow. In addition, the stems become brittle, the tops of the leaves turn white, and the old leaves turn red and curl. Plants grow slowly and large sizes don't reach. It is believed that the main reason for small harvests is precisely the lack of potassium.

Phosphorus (P)

The importance of phosphorus for plants is also difficult to overestimate. This element is part of nucleoproteins - components of the plasma and nucleus. It also plays an important role in the origin of surface cell membranes; a number of enzymes and many physiologically active compounds cannot do without it. Phosphorus takes an active part in the processes of glycolysis, aerobic respiration and photosynthesis.

Dull dark green or even blue-green spots on the leaves, dark green veins are signs of phosphorus starvation. If the situation is not corrected in time, the cuttings and old leaves will become violet shade, dead areas will appear on the edges. Phosphorus deficiency occurs most often when the pH level is above 7 or below 5.5.

In turn, if there is excess phosphorus, this will negatively affect other elements. Oversaturation will lead to iron and zinc deficiency.

Calcium (Ca)

Not only the human body cannot do without calcium. This element is extremely necessary for the plant. Calcium is contained in cell sap, neutralizing excess organic acids formed. Calcium is also found in plasma, where it is a kind of opponent of potassium. Being part of the nuclear substance, this substance plays an important role in the process of cell division, and in addition, in the formation of the cell membrane.

Young plants are more susceptible to calcium deficiency. The following symptoms will tell you about this problem: the leaves wither, the edges and new shoots become rooted and die. In addition, deformation of the roots and leaves and white stripes on them are possible.

Excess calcium in young plants slows down growth and makes it difficult to absorb potassium and magnesium.

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium is part of chlorophyll, plays an important role in respiratory metabolism, and provides various synthetic processes.

If magnesium is deficient, it will show up on older and lower leaves. The edges will be affected first, then the central area. The edges turn white (or yellow), while the main and secondary veins remain green. Sometimes the tips of the leaves curl upward, and chlorotic mottling also affects young leaves. Yellow spots turn into dead areas, sometimes the leaves even fall off. In addition, magnesium deficiency will also affect plant buds. They are formed in insufficient quantities and develop defectively.

If magnesium is in excess, then this does not have the best effect on the absorption of potassium and calcium.

Iron (Fe)

Iron deficiency is most pronounced in plants grown indoors. At the beginning, chlorosis of young leaves is observed. In this case, the affected leaves become smaller in size than healthy ones. If the case is severe, then the plant experiences a lack of chlorophyll. As a result, dead zones appear on young leaves, forming a yellow stripe across the entire leaf.

Microelements

Boron (B)

Helps cells produce amino acids, seeds, pollen, synthesize carbohydrates, participating in the transfer of sugar, and also plays an important role in the process of respiration and growth. Its deficiency in appearance resembles a calcium deficiency and is reflected in young leaves - they turn yellow and then die. Small brown dots may also form and grow rapidly. The stems are hollow, brittle, and cracked.

Copper (Cu)

Activates enzymes important for the process of photosynthesis and participates in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates. With a lack of this microelement, young shoots die, growth slows down, the leaves become pale green, withered along the edges. Upper leaves weaken, undergo chlorosis, and shrink. Excess copper is even more dangerous than its deficiency, since it is fatal to cells. In this case, iron chlorosis may develop and the growth of the root system will stop.

Zinc (Zn)

Necessary for plant development, as it controls the consumption of carbohydrates and is important in the production of chlorophyll. In addition, it is involved in the process of ensuring hormonal balance and electron transport. Zinc deficiency is similar to iron and manganese deficiency and appears suddenly. Gray-brown spots appear on the leaves of the middle shoots, which soon spread everywhere. Excess zinc is toxic to the plant and can lead to its death.

Molybdenum (Mo)

Another important participant in the full development of the plant. Its deficiency at an early stage appears on older leaves and is characterized by signs of chlorosis. The edges of the leaves fade, curl, inside yellow spots appear.

Manganese (Mn)

Participates in photosynthesis, is part of the plant structure, increases the efficiency of respiration, and oxidizes iron. If there is not enough manganese, this leads to the accumulation of iron in the ferrous form, and this is poison for plant tissue. To avoid this, you need to give four times more iron than manganese, which is beneficial for the plant.

Ready-made fertilizers for hydroponics

But you will not need to think about the deficiency or excess of certain elements, look for symptoms and changes in appearance plants if you use ready-made fertilizers for hydroponics. This is an excellent option for those who do not have special knowledge; they may confuse the signs, incorrectly calculate the formula, and thereby aggravate the situation.

When buying ready-made fertilizer, read the label carefully - all the information on the composition will be there. In almost all fertilizers you can see the NPK formula - English abbreviation elements Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, which are the main macroelements. For example, in the Flora series fertilizer called Flora Micro, the NPK formula is as follows: “5-0-1”. The numbers are the percentage of the named substances in the fertilizer.

If you feed your plants in moderation, your efforts will certainly be rewarded in the form of an excellent harvest!

In this topic I will try to briefly list and describe
external signs of macro deficiency or overdose
and microelements when growing citrus fruits.

Nitrogen(N)

This is one of the main macroelements that the plant needs. It is necessary for the growth of all parts of the plant. There are two forms of Nitrogen: nitrate (oxidized) and ammonium (reduced). Nitrate nitrogen accumulates in the succulent organs of plants, helping them regulate water balance, stimulating plant growth, preventing it from going into a dormant state. Based on this, when preparing plants for wintering (August), they try to remove nitrogen from feeding mixtures.

With a lack of nitrogen nutrition, plants lag behind in growth, their development slows down. The main symptom is premature yellowing of the lower, older leaves. nitrate (potassium, calcium, sodium, ammonium) – nitrate nitrogen content.

urea (urea), ammonium sulfate, ammophos, ammonium nitrate. A lot of Nitrogen is present in organic fertilizers. You can use any complex fertilizers with a high nitrogen content - ammonium nitrogen content.

Phosphorus (P)

Necessary for the formation of inflorescences and fruits. It is necessary to apply it immediately before the plant goes “resting”, i.e. at the end of summer. Phosphorus promotes the growth of the root system. Lack of phosphorus reduces tree productivity. With a lack of phosphorus, the plant lags in growth, blooms poorly or does not bloom at all. The fruits develop slowly and have a rough, rough skin.

What to use to replenish nitrogen: potassium phosphate, ammophos, superphosphate, bone meal, phosphate meal, fertilizers based on bird droppings, any complex fertilizers with a high phosphorus content.

Potassium (K)

Potassium is fed to plants during the growth phase and before winter dormancy. With a lack of Potassium, brown spots appear on the edges of leaves, especially old ones, while the center of the leaf and veins remain green. The leaves become wavy.

What to use to replenish nitrogen: potassium nitrate, potassium magnesium, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, wood ash extract, various complex fertilizers with a high potassium content. Spraying with potassium permanganate. It should be remembered that potassium nitrate is very rich in nitrogen and should not be used at the end of the growing season!

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium has a good effect on the functioning of the root system of citrus fruits. With a deficiency of this element, the growth and formation of roots, especially root hairs, is delayed.

In case of deficiency Calcium causes curling of young leaves, their discoloration, as well as discoloration of the growth cone in the shoot. Young shoots begin to die off. In this case, the picture is very similar to nitrogen deficiency. It should be noted that when growing citrus fruits at home, calcium deficiency is observed very rarely, since in tap water There is always an excess of calcium salts. The exception is often young seedlings, which are watered with soft boiled water. Much more often there is an excess of Ca, the so-called alkalization of the soil.

In case of excess Sa. plants begin to experience difficulty in absorbing iron, zinc and manganese. Excess calcium is often main reason iron chlorosis in citrus fruits.

How to compensate for calcium deficiency: calcium nitrate, superphosphate, chalk extract, lime.

How to reduce the amount of Ca. in soil: regular watering with soft water, watering with acidified water, adding peat to the soil (very carefully!).

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium is extremely important for plant life, as it is part of chlorophyll, necessary for the process of photosynthesis. Chlorosis of the leaves begins - they begin to turn pale between the veins from the middle to the edges, while the edges gradually curl, and the leaves become variegated. Yellowing covers almost the entire leaf blade, only the tips of the leaves and the V-shaped areas at their bases remain green. After most the surface of each leaf will turn yellow, the leaves will favorable conditions(dry air, spraying with toxic substances, etc.) can fall off, and under favorable conditions sometimes remain on citrus fruits for a relatively long time. Magnesium chlorosis is usually observed in late summer and autumn, when citrus fruits develop, and extremely rarely at the beginning of the growing season. Root system plants develop poorly, the plants look exhausted. Characteristic of magnesium starvation is the fact that speckled yellowing affects both old and young leaves at the same time, which usually does not happen with a lack of iron, zinc or manganese (in their case, young leaves always suffer first). The cause of Mg deficiency may be not only its lack in the soil, but also increased acidity soil, as well as high potassium content in the soil.

How to compensate for Mg deficiency: magnesium sulfate, potassium magnesium, many complex fertilizers.

Iron (Fe)

Iron – participates in the process of plant respiration, as well as in the synthesis of chlorophyll. It occupies an intermediate position - it is needed less than macroelements, but much more than microelements. Most often, the plant’s problem is not that there is little iron in the soil, but how to extract it from there for its own benefit. The reason is that iron is easily oxidized by soil oxygen, turning into a form inaccessible to plants. With a lack of Fe. Plants develop leaf chlorosis, they become pale and crumble. Iron chlorosis always begins on young leaves, and only then gradually moves to older ones. In addition, unlike calcium or magnesium chlorosis, the leaves turn pale green entirely, rather than partially. In the initial stage of iron chlorosis, a network of dark green veins stands out on a pale yellow leaf. During acute starvation, the color of both young and old leaves becomes very pale, almost white, the veins also turn very pale and only the middle one retains a pale green color. At this stage of starvation, necrotic spots often appear on older leaves, the tops of the shoots begin to dry out, fall off, and the tree stops growing. It should be remembered that Fe deficiency. usually associated with increased soil alkalinity, but it can also be caused by extreme variations in soil moisture.

How to compensate for Fe deficiency: iron sulfate (iron sulfate) - spraying leaves, iron chelate, complex fertilizers with microelements (usually on the leaf).

Bor (B)

Boron is a microelement whose deficiency also often manifests itself in indoor citrus growing. With its deficiency, the development of the conduction system is primarily disrupted. All growth points, young buds, and flowers need boron. Boron has fungicidal and bactericidal properties and increases plant resistance to various viral diseases. With a deficiency of V., the tips of young citrus shoots turn yellow and stop growing first. The edges of the leaf blade become brown, and this is noticeable first on old leaves, then the process spreads to young ones. Often, with a lack of vitamins, citrus leaves have a fading appearance, as if dried out, but after watering the picture does not change. With a lack of boron, young citrus leaves lose their normal color at the curved base of the leaf and become curled. The top of the shoot may remain green for some time. The upper leaves are especially distinguished by an unhealthy light green color and curl from the top to the base. Watery spots appear on other young leaves, which gradually become translucent. Another characteristic symptom of boron deficiency is the expansion of the veins, accompanied by their further splitting and suberization (large veins, starting from the central one, are covered with a brownish layer resembling a cork). The fruits of trees experiencing boron starvation begin to fall prematurely. Unripe fruits have brown spots, and the fruits have a “dried” appearance.

How to compensate for the lack of V.: boric acid - on leaves and root dressings, complex fertilizers with microelements. It must be borne in mind that even a small overdose of boron can result in the death of the plant!

Copper (Cu)

Copper – participates in protein and carbohydrate metabolism in the plant and is important for the respiration process. With a lack of Cu. the growth of the root system of citrus fruits is disrupted, as a result of which the growth of the entire plant slows down. The first sign of mild copper deficiency is the appearance of unusually wide, dark green leaves on long, soft, geniculate shoots; the leaves usually have irregular shapes with an arched bend in the midrib (photo.) Soft shoots bend at the ends or take an S-shape. At this stage of fasting, the citrus tree appears powerfully developed to an inexperienced person. With more acute and prolonged starvation, the leaves of the tree become, on the contrary, very small and quickly fall off the dying shoots. Before falling, they have shapeless light yellow spots. In cases of very acute starvation, the leaves curl strongly, their edges take on an irregular shape, and a thin network of darker-colored veins stands out against the light green background of the leaf blade. Young shoots become thin and geniculate. Occasionally, deposits of resinous gum form between the bark and wood; Sometimes the bark breaks and the gum comes out. In cases of very severe starvation, large shoots with numerous buds develop a large number of young tender shoots with small leaves; the leaves die quickly, starting from the top. At this stage of starvation, reddish growths develop on the shoots over almost the entire surface of the bark. Many researchers note that copper deficiency is associated with excessive doses of nitrogen applied to citrus fruits. This should be taken into account! Also, a lack of copper is usually accompanied by a lack of magnesium.

How to compensate for Cu deficiency: copper sulfate, copper sulfate, Bordeaux mixture (per leaf), complex fertilizers with microelements.

Manganese (Mn)

Zinc (Zn)

Sulfur (S)