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Nutrient DeficiencyIdentification Guide
Diagnosing
symptoms inmajor arable cropsnit
rogen
phosphor
us
pota
ssium
mag
nesiu
m
boron
zinc
sulph
ur
copp
er
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For over sixty years Billericay Fertiliser Services hasbeen one of the UKs leading manufacturers of
suspension, clear solution, liquid fertilisers andtrace elements.
BFS has built its business on product quality,innovation and customer service and this has
been recognised with the companybeing awarded the FertiliserAssurance Scheme (FIAS)accreditation.
The companys nutritional specialists andagronomist work with customers to plan specificfertiliser programmes for both conventional and
organic crops.This pocket booklet has been designed toprovide a quick reference to the most commonnutrients affecting plant growth and a visualidentification guide to those deficiency symptomsthat commonly occur on the major arable crops.
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Section 1 IntroductionNutrient deficiency in crops 3A question of balance 4
Understanding pH 5Prevention 7
How to use this guide 8
Section 2 The NutrientsNitrogen 10Phosphorus 11Potassium 12Magnesium 14Sulphur 15Manganese 16Boron 17Zinc 18
Copper 19Symptom Deficiency Conditions 20
Section 3 Nutrient Deficiency IdentificationCereals 22Oilseed Rape 38Potatoes 50Sugar Beet 56Peas & Beans 68Maize 72Quick guide to symptoms 80LiquiTec Liquid Fertilisers 82
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Section 1
All plants need essential nutrients to live andgrow healthily. Just as the human body needsvitamins and minerals, plants needmacronutrients and micronutrients.
Reliable nutrient recommendations are
dependent upon accurate soil tests and cropnutrient calibrations based on extensive fieldresearch. Soil fertility is one of several factors,including light, moisture, weeds, insects anddiseases that affect crop yield.
An important part of crop production is beingable to identify and prevent plant nutrientdeficiencies and toxicities. This publication is aguide to identifying crop nutrient problemsthrough observable symptoms on crop plants.
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3
Nutrient deficiency in cropsCrop success (yield/quality) is controlled not bythe total amount of nutrients available to theplant, but by the nutrient in limited supply. Asimple law of the minimumis illustrated hereby Liebigs Barrel.
Just as the
capacity of abarrel with stavesof unequal lengthis limited by theshortest stave (inthis examplePhosphate is thelimiting factor),so a plant'sgrowth is limitedby the nutrient in
shortest supply.Understanding how to recognize nutrientdeficiencies will allow corrective action to betaken to lessen the effect and prevent a similarsituation arising in the future.
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4
A question of balanceWhen plants suffer from lack of nutrients, theyshow symptoms of being unhealthy.
To allow plant roots to obtain thesenutrients from the soil firstly it must besufficiently moist to allow root uptake.
Second, the pH of the soil must be within acertain range for nutrients to be released (seechart on page 6).
Third, the soil temperature must be withina certain range for nutrient uptake to occur.The optimum balance of temperature, pH and
moisture will differ from one species of plantsto another so nutrients may be physicallypresent in the soil, but will not be available toplants.
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Understanding pHSoil pH* is measured on a scale of 0-14 with7.0 representing neutral. A measurementbelow 7 is considered to be acidic while above7 is alkaline.
Incorrect soil pH can cause many problems.One of the more important problems is the
blocking of essential nutrients. In alkaline soils,Iron (Fe) becomes bound up in a form thatroots cannot take up. Other nutrients such asManganese, Copper and Zinc can be hinderedas well.
In low pH soils, Phosphorus (P) andMagnesium (Mg) will be bound up.Magnesium is essential for chlorophyllproduction and photosynthesis that isnecessary for carbohydrate production (seechart on page 6).
* The letters pH stand for potential hydrogen andrepresents the measure of hydrogen ions in the soil.
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The influence of pHon nutrient availability
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PreventionSoil fertility is just one of several factors including sunlight, moisture, weeds, diseasesand insects that affect crop yield. Some ofthese are controllable, others are out of yourhands. What is manageable and a vital part ofcrop management is to be able to identify and
prevent nutrient deficiencies and toxicities.The following pages provide backgroundinformation on a number of importantnutrients and an illustrated guide to identifyingdeficiencies through observable symptoms ona range of arable crop plants.
Technical HelpBillericay Fertiliser Services will be pleased toanswer questions relating to nutrientdeficiencies and disorders and provide
information on the use of any products fromour range of clear liquid solutions, suspensionsand foliar fertilisers.
Tel: 01268 710237or visit our website: www.bfs.uk.com
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How to use this guide1. In the Index select the crop that you are
concerned about from Section 3.
2. Study the nutrient deficiency informationapplicable to that crop in Section 3 tocheck if they have similarities with what youhave observed in the field.
3. If you are satisfied you have correctlyidentified a deficiency, turn to Section 2where advice will be found on what productis recommended to help improve the effectsof the that particular deficiency in the crop.
It is important to note that this handbook canonly provide a guide to a visual indication todeficiencies as individual crop symptoms canvary significantly. Also a number of deficiency
symptoms can look very similar. If in doubt,always get a deficiency verified by soil and/orfoliar analysis.
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Section 2
THE NUTRIENTS
N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
SSulphur
Mn Manganese
B Boron
Zn Zinc
Cu Copper
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The availability and supply of Nitrogen plays a keyrole in the production of chlorophyll and thestimulus for photosynthesis. Its presence in the soilis often required in the greatest quantity by crops,primarily for vigour and yield.
High risk situations
Light, sandy soils
Low organic matter High winter rainfall Milling wheat.
Prevention Accurate assessment of soil N supply
Implementation of a well timed fertiliserprogramme before the onset of the main growth
period. Provision of a sufficient supply of all other
nutrients, particularly S, K and Mg is crucial
DeficiencyVisual symptoms seen first on older leaves as ayellowing from the leaf tip and, along the midrib
whilst the edges remain green. The growthbecomes stunted with spindly stalks.(Note: On younger leaves this could be confused withSulphur deficiency).
TreatmentApply a BFS liquid N product to treat acute
deficiency (e.g. 28N or 30N).
N Nitrogen
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P Phosphorus
The supply of Phosphorus is also crucial formanaging the energy processes within the plant.Plants do not react to this element as they do withnitrogen but its presence is particularly important atthe early growth stages to ensure strong rootingand a good establishment.
High risk situationsHeavier soils Acid soils High pH soils Early growth stages with poor root mass.
PreventionMaintenance of soil target index 2 for arable and
3 for horticultural crops
Soil should be tested every 3-4 years to monitorphosphate levels
DeficiencySymptoms seen as reddening of stems, stuntedgrowth and poor rooting.
TreatmentPrevention, by ensuring adequate supplies of soil Pis essential as a of deficiency is difficult to treat oncurative basis. A number of foliar fertiliserscontaining P may help e.g. potassium phosphite.
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K Potassium
Potash is required by most crops, in greaterquantities than either N or P. The main function ofthis nutrient is to impart additional plant strengthand provide plants with the ability to regulate itswater content and provide greater resistance tostress.
Soil analysis evaluation is important, however careshould be taken to also check for excessive Ca orMg, which can disguise the availability of K.
High risk situationsLight, sandy soil Organic soils Excessive levelsof Mg or Ca K fixing soils.
PreventionMaintenance of soil index 2- for arable and 2+
for potatoes and horticultural crops
Soils should be tested every 3-4 years to monitorlevels of K
DeficiencySymptoms, first seen on older leaves as a drying ofleaf tips and along the leaf margins (older leavesfirst). An increase in the plants susceptibility todrought, lodging and plant pathogens is also seen.Sufficient K in the soil is essential for the efficientplant use of N.
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Treatment
Application of K as foliar treatments, are effectiveat providing nutrient supply during peak demand
and to offset temporary deficiency. Foliarapplications by themselves however are not asubstitute for ensuring adequate soil K for fieldgrown crops.
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Mg Magnesium
This important nutrient is present in chlorophyll anda prime mover in stimulating photosynthesis.Magnesium is responsible for activating a greateramount of plant enzymes than any other plantnutrient. Soil analysis should check for excessive Kor Ca which can disguise the availability of Mg.
High risk situationsHigh or low pH High potash or calcium soil levels Sandy soils Poor root development.
Prevention Ensure adequate Mg levels in soils by replacing
nutrient off-take
Avoid over-liming Use readily available Mg sources
DeficiencyNormally seen as a yellowing of the tissue betweenthe leaf veins. This shows up as a marbled effect inbroad-leaved crops and a speckling in cereals.
Deficiency always appears first on older leaves andthis eventually leads to a shedding of leaves.
TreatmentApplication of a foliar Magnesium is highly effective atproviding the nutrient during peak demands, and toalleviate a temporary deficiency. Foliar treatments are
not a substitute for adequate soil Mg. Products toconsider are Bittersalz, eg. BFS LiquiTec Magnesium.
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S Sulphur
An essential component of many amino acids andplant proteins. Sulphur is particularly importantfor such protein crops as milling wheat and oilseeds. Soil analysis important but malate/sulphatefoliage test evaluation is steadily becoming theindustry standard.
High risk situationsSandy soils Low organic matter High winterrainfall Milling wheat.
Prevention Ensure full S demand is met through timely
applications of water-soluble sulphur in
fertilisers and/or manuresDeficiencySymptoms usually observed first on youngerleaves as a yellowing.
(Note: Not to be confused with N deficiencyappearing first on older leaves and then
spreading to the whole plant).
TreatmentFoliar applications of BFS LiquiTec Sulphol has theeffect of boosting sulphur content in the cropwhich can help to alleviate a temporarydemand/deficiency.
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Mn Manganese
An important trace element for stimulating enzymeactivity, the uptake of N and also promoting theenergy cycle. A deficiency of Manganese is wide-spread throughout the UK and leaf analysis providesa reliable means of diagnosis of Manganesedeficiency but soil analysis is of little value.
High risk situationsLoose, puffy seedbeds Organic soils High pH.
Prevention Rolling of seedbeds
Regular applications of foliar Mn on high risk
fields Avoidance of over-liming
DeficiencySymptoms typically appear as a speckling andmottled appearance, usually seen on the younger(upper) leaves, which then develop into necrosis.
TreatmentFoliar sprays containing Mn are the only effectiveway of remedying the deficiency and the elementcan be applied after the symptoms appear.
The foliar treatment of BFS LiquiTec Manganese will
rapidly correct an Mn deficiency.
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B Boron
A vital trace element for the development of rootsand shoots and is essential during flowering/fruitingstage. Oilseeds and root crops in particular have ahigh requirement. Soil analysis prior to sowing canbe used to predict the risk of Boron deficiency. Leafanalysis is also a useful diagnostic guide.
High risk situationsSandy soils High pH Dry conditions.
Prevention Use fertilisers containing Boron to boost soil
content
Preventative treatment with BFS LiquiTec Boron
applied regularly to the crop Soil analysis prior to sowing to predict risk
DeficiencySymptoms are seen as death of the growing points,a rotting and hollowing of roots, and misshapenleaves.
TreatmentIf treatment is suggested as a result of soil analysis,apply a boronated compound or a foliar spray suchas BFS LiquiTec Boron spray in the early stages ofgrowth.
Foliar application of BFS LiquiTec Boron.
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Zn Zinc
Zinc is an important element for the production ofimportant plant hormones, seed production androot growth. It also assists the plants ability to resistdisease and has become of increasing importancein the UK.
High risk situations
High pH
Sandy and shale soils
High soil levelsof Mg, K and Ca.
Prevention Preventative treatments of Zinc Sulphate or Zinc
Oxide applied regularly to the crop
Deficiency
Symptoms seen as stunted plants showing ableaching that can spread to the veins but the midrib and leaf edges remain green. Symptoms appearon older leaves first .
(Note: Not to be confused with symptoms ofSulphur deficiency on younger leaves).
TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTec Zinc.
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Cu Copper
A Copper deficiency can result in early ageing orlowered levels of chlorophyll, which leads to yieldreductions that go unnoticed if the deficiency is nottoo severe. Early visual symptoms should be verifiedby a tissue test. Even small amounts of copperapplied at this stage can have a huge influence onyields.
High risk situationsDeep, sandy & light soils High organic soils Livestock manure residues High pH High N levels.
Prevention
Soil dressing of copper oxychloride or coppersulphate. prior to sowing. deficiency alreadyidentified
Foliar treatments with LiquiTec Copper at mid-late tillering stage
Soil and plant tissue analysis may be used to
predict a deficiencyDeficiencyCereals show whitening of young leaf tip with theleaves twisting in spirals and bent over at rightangles to the stem. Ears may be malformed andunderdeveloped and appear white at harvest;
sometimes trapped within the leaf sheath.
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Conditions Nutrients likely to be deficient
Cold Soils
Saturated Soils
High pH
Low pH
Compacted Soils
Dry Soils
High OM*
Sandy Soils
High Calcium
Low OM*
High Magnesium
Low Magnesium
20
N
N
P
P
P
P
P
P
S
S
S
S
S
B
B
B
Ca
Ca
Ca
Mg
Mg
Mg
Mg
Mo
Fe
Fe
Fe
Fe
Zn
Zn
Zn
Zn
K
K
K
KK
K
Cu
Cu
Mn
MnMn
*OM = Organic Matter
Conditions affecting nutrient deficiency
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Section 3
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY
IDENTIFICATION
Oilseed Rape
Potatoes
Sugar Beet
Peas & Beans
Maize
Cereals
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Cereals
Cerea
ls
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Nitrogen deficiency
Symptoms are a universal palegreen/yellow tinting of entire leaves (notto be confused with Sulphur deficiency).
Indicators include reduced plant height
and fewer tiller compared to healthyplants.
Plants quickly become severely stuntedwith drastic affects on yield.
Treatment
Foliar application of BFS liquid N fertilisers(e.g: 28N or 30N).
Note: Where milling wheat may bedeficient in protein N, apply BFS Profol atmilky white.
N
itroge
n
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Cereals
Cerea
ls
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Phosphorus deficiency
Phosph
orus
Symptoms appear as hues of red orpurple colours at the base of cereals,together with thin leaves.
Symptoms tend to show up at a very early
stage of the plants development andthose with poor root structures are themost severely effected.
Mild Phosphorus deficiency in wheat canonly be characterised by stunted growth
with no obvious leaf symptoms.Treatment
As a P deficiency is difficult to treatcuratively, importance should be placedon ensuring adequate soil P is available.
Foliar application of Potassium Phosphitemay help to alleviate temporary demand.
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Cereals
Cerea
ls
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Potassium deficiency
P
otassium
Specific Potassium deficiency symptomsalways appear in the oldest leaves ofwheat, although growth of the wholeplant can be affected prior to symptoms
with all leaves having a spindlyappearance.
Symptoms are seen as yellow or brownleaves that spread to the tips that appearscorched.
Plants appear to have dried prematurelyand are at a more significant risk oflodging.
TreatmentPotassium deficiency can be difficult todiagnose and yield losses can occur long
before visual symptoms appear.
Emphasis should be placed prevention ensure adequate soil K is always available.
There are some foliar applied K productsthat can help temporarily to ease a spike
in demand and/or a soil deficiency.
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Cereals
Cerea
ls
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Magnesium deficiency
M
agne
sium
Symptoms seen on new leaves that arepale in contrast to the older leaves.
The new leaves soon become chloroticand remain unopened, resulting in a
twisted appearance that give theimpression of drought stress.
If Magnesium deficiency is severe enough,the entire length of the leaf will remainfolded or rolled.
The symptoms of Magnesium (Mg)deficiency resemble those of Potassium(K). However, unlike K deficiency, the newleaves of Mg-deficient wheat plants arepale in contrast to the old leaves.
TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTecMagnesium see Section 2, page 14 fordetails.
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Cereals
Cerea
ls
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Sulphur deficiency
Su
lphur
Plants deficient in Sulphur will have palegreen leaves that fail to green-up whenmore N is applied.
In wheat, Sulphur usually occurs on sandy
soil low in organic matter.(Note: Not to be confused with an N
deficiency starting on older leaves).
TreatmentFoliar application of BFS Nitrogen and
Sulphur formulations, or LiquiTec Sulphol. see Section 2, page 15 for details.
For improved spraying accuracy, fitBillericay Air Bubble Jets.
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Cereals
Cerea
ls
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Manganese deficiency
Symptoms appear first in new leaves,which become pale and limp in contrastto the old leaves.
Light grey flecking and striping then
appear at the base of the youngest fullyopened leaf.
Under severe deficiency, new growth mayemerge with this flecking and stripingover the entire length of the leaf.
A further sign to watch out for are thewheelings, which often remain greendue to soil compaction.
TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTec
Manganese see Section 2, page 16 fordetails.
M
anga
nese
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Cereals
Cerea
ls
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Cereals
Cerea
ls
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Copper deficiency
Copper
Visual symptoms of Copper deficiency arecommonly when tip whitening is observed onyoung leaves, together with typical spiraltwisting and bending over at right angles tothe stem.
Ears may be malformed and underdevelopedand sometimes trapped within the leafsheath. Crop maturity can also be delayed by7-14 days.
Herbicides are commonly blamed for yield
losses because Cu deficiency symptomsusually show up about the same time thatpost-emergent herbicides are applied.
TreatmentFoliar applications of LiquiTec Copper seeSection 2, page 19 for details.
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Oilseed Rape
Oilse
edRape
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Nitrogen deficiency
N
itroge
n
Symptoms are a universal yellow/orangetinting of entire leaves beginning on olderleaves, showing up first in the earlyspring.
Leaf number is reduced and plantsbecome stunted.
Further later signs show us a small pods.
TreatmentFoliar applications of BFS clear liquid 28N
or 30N solution fertilisers.
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Phosphorus deficiency
Phosph
orus
Classic signs of Phosphorus deficiency areseen as shades of red or purple on the olderleaves and at the base of plants.
Symptoms tend to show very early on. Plants
affected have thin stems with few branchesand small narrow leaves.
Plants with poor root structures, resultingfrom min-till techniques or soil consolidation,are most severely affected.
TreatmentEarly detection is important. Once symptomsare recognised and an early diagnosis made,water-soluble P fertilisers can be applied post-emergence.
It is more practical however to maintainadequate soil reserves.
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Oilseed Rape
Oilse
edRape
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Potassium deficiency
P
otassium
Symptoms are first seen as a purpling andlater necrosis of leaf margins in particular.
Plants are more susceptible to lodgingand tend to senesce earlier.
TreatmentThe deficiency is difficult to treatcuratively and the emphasis should be onachieving and maintaining an adequatesupply of Potassium from the soil.
Note: The amount for K removed is quitemodest at around 40-50kg K2O/ha,however, the crop itself takes up over200kg/ha and this must be accounted for.
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Oilseed Rape
Oilse
edRape
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Magnesium deficiency
M
agne
sium
Symptoms show up as interveinalchlorosis on older leaves with a marblingeffect.
In the early stages the leaf veins remain
green but as the deficiency progresses atotal whitening of leaves occurs, followedby leaf fall. It is currently seen thatmodern, high yielding cultivars appear tohave an increasing Magnesiumrequirement.
TreatmentFoliar application of Bitterzaltz or BFSLiquiTec Magnesium see Section 2, page14 for details.
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Oilseed Rape
Oilse
edRape
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Sulphur deficiency
Symptoms first show as a diffuseyellowing on the youngest leaves andsometimes this becomes marbled.
The affected leaves form spoon shapes
and then curl upwards and may becomebrittle.
Further signs show up as reduced numberof flowers, which are markedly pale.
Autumn sown crops are more susceptible
than spring sown crops.TreatmentFoliar application of BFS Nitrogen andSulphur formulations or LiquiTec Sulphol see Section 2, page 15 for details.
For improved spraying accuracy, fitBillericay Air Bubble Jets.
Su
lphur
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Oilseed Rape
Oilse
edRape
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Boron deficiency
Boron
Symptoms are seen as the death ofgrowing points and leaf axils (where leafstalk meets main stem).
Lower stems in particular may blacken
and become hollow (rarely seen). Later,pods can be pale or white.
Boron deficiency symptoms are rarelyseen in oilseed rape even when the cropis grown in soils with low Boron levels.
TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTec Boron see Section 2, page 17 for details.
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Potatoes
Potato
es
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Potassium deficiency
P
otassium
Symptoms include a bronzing of theleaves and necrosis of leaf margins andtips.
Other indicators include stunted bushy
plants with small leaves and verypremature senescence before adequatetuber bulking.
A further indicator of Potassiumdeficiency is increased black spot in the
tubers.TreatmentMajor emphasis should be placed onproviding adequate reserves of K in thesoil (index 2+).
Foliar applications of potassium sulphateare also effective in boosting K levels, andtreatments are particularly useful for cropsgrown in very light soils.
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Potatoes
Potato
es
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Magnesium deficiency
Symptoms include interveinal chlorosis onthe older lower leaves, together with amarbling effect where the leaf veinsremain green.
As chlorophyll breaks down in the leaf,various shades of red/purple can appearwhich lead eventually to leaf necrosis.
On determinate cultivars the effect onyield may be severe.
TreatmentFoliar applications of BFS LiquiTecMagnesium see Section 2, page 14 fordetails.
M
agne
sium
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Manganese deficiency
M
anga
nese
Symptoms include an initial paleness in theyounger, upper leaves, followed by theappearance of blackish/brown spots along theveins; these are best seen on the underside ofthe leaves.
Manganese deficiency usually occurs in high-pH soils and those with a high organiccontent.
The effect on yield may be severe if leftuntreated.
Over-liming can induce the problem.
TreatmentFoliar applications of BFS LiquiTec Manganese see Section 2, page 16 for details.
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Sugar Beet
Su
garBe
et
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Sugar Beet
Su
garBe
et
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Phosphorus deficiency
Phosph
orus
Symptoms indicating Phosphorusdeficiency are recognised from a veryearly stage with the plants displayingstunted dark leaves with a purple/red
tinge.TreatmentEarly detection is important as awater-soluble P fertiliser can be appliedpost-emergence.
Emphasis however should be on achievingand maintaining adequate soil P.
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Sugar Beet
Su
garBe
et
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Potassium deficiency
P
otassium
Symptoms show up as lacklustre leaveswith a mild chlorosis on leaf margins.
If deficiency is not corrected, distortion ofleaves takes place with spreading necrosis
from the leaf margins inwards. Oldermore mature foliage is affected first.
TreatmentTo maximise yield, emphasis here shouldbe on providing and maintaining
adequate levels of Potassium in the soil(index 2).
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Sugar Beet
Su
garBe
et
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Magnesium deficiency
M
agne
sium
Symptoms are seen first on the olderleaves as interveinal chlorosis.
This is followed by the reddening ofleaves and leaf death occurs from the
margins inwards.TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTecMagnesium see Section 2, page 14 fordetails.
For improved spraying accuracy, fitBillericay Air Bubble Jets.
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Sugar Beet
Su
garBe
et
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Manganese deficiency
M
anga
nese
Symptoms show up as patchy, chloroticareas that first appear early in spring andlater become speckled hence the termspeckled yellows.
Leaves may curl inwards and display anupright habit.
Leaf spots may become translucent and insevere cases holes in the leaves arecommonly formed .
TreatmentFoliar application of BFS LiquiTecManganese see Section 2, page 16 fordetails.
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Sugar Beet
Su
garBe
et
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Boron deficiency
Boron
Symptoms on the foliage are seen as thedeath of the growing points in the centreof the plant together with brown fibrouspatches on leaf stems.
A severe, diffuse leaf yellowing is seenwhich is often very patchy in the field.
The roots are often brown/black at thetop with a corky growth.
Treatment
Foliar application of BFS LiquiTec Boron see Section 2, page 17 for details.
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Peas & Beans
Peas&
Bea
ns
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Potassium deficiency
P
otassium
Symptoms show up as a yellowing orscorching of leaf margins, the inwardcurling of leaves and, in beans, shorteningof internodes.
The Nitrogen fixing ability of legumes,deficient in Potassium, is alsocompromised and therefore N deficiencysymptoms may also be indicative of Kdeficiency.
TreatmentEmphasis should be on achieving andmaintaining adequate soil K.
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Peas & Beans
Peas&
Bea
ns
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Manganese deficiency
M
anga
nese
Symptoms develop during the early stages ofcrop growth and show up during theflowering, vegetative stage.
Where a deficiency occurs early on, seed can
develop a necrotic spot in the centre of thecotyledons.
In peas, this spot is known as Marsh Spot andcan affect the germination and give rise toabnormal seedlings.
The main effect of Marsh Spot is reducing its
harvested value.
TreatmentFoliar applications of BFS LiquiTec Manganeseduring flowering and pod development stages see Section 2, page 16 for details.
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Maize
Maize
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Phosphorus deficiency
Phosph
orus
Slow early growth, stunted withpurplish/reddish stems and leaf tips arecharacteristic indicators.
Symptoms tend to show up at a very early
stage of the plants development,followed by shallow root systems andretarded maturity.
Treatment
If Phosphorus deficiency is identified at an
early stage, a liquid foliar P fertiliser canbe applied post emergence.
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Maize
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Potassium deficiency
P
otassium
Symptoms are seen as drying along theleaf margins that become ragged. Olderleaves are the first to be affected.
Other symptoms include stunted weak
stalks, excessive lodging and shortinternodes.
Treatment
A deficiency of Potassiumis difficult totreat curatively and therefore emphasis
should be placed on ensuring adequatesoil K is always available.
There are some foliar applied K productsthat can help temporarily to ease a spikein demand and/or a soil deficiency.
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Maize
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Magnesium deficiency
M
agne
sium
Symptoms seen as white or yellowishstreaking between leaf veins, mainly onthe lower leaves (not to be confused withZinc deficiency where the stripping is
more defined).Later symptoms will be seen as leafcurling and a severe necrosis starting atthe leaf tips.
Treatment
Foliar application of BFS LiquiTecMagnesium see Section 2, page 14 fordetails.
For improved spraying accuracy, fitBillericay Air Bubble Jets.
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Maize
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Zinc deficiency
Zinc
Symptoms first appear as narrow yellowor white stripes on the upper leavesbetween the veins.
These stripes may join together to form a
bleached area between the midrib andleaf margins, which remain green.
In severe cases the plants become stunteddue to shortened internodes.
Treatment
Foliar application of BFS LiquiTec Zinc see Section 2, page 18 for details.
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Quick guide to symptoms ofplant nutrient deficiency or excess
Nutrient Type Visual symptoms
Nitrogen Deficiency Light green to yellow appearance ofleaves, especially older leaves; stuntedgrowth; poor fruit development.
Excess Dark green foliage, which may besusceptible to lodging, drought,disease and insect invasion.
Phosphorous Deficiency Leaves may develop purple coloration;stunted plant growth and delay inplant development.
Excess Excess phosphorus may causemicronutrient deficiencies, especiallyiron or zinc.
Potassium Deficiency Older leaves turn yellow initiallyaround margins and die; irregular fruitdevelopment.
Excess Excess may cause deficiencies inmagnesium and possibly calcium.
Calcium Deficiency Reduced growth or death of growingtips; blossom-end rot of tomato; poorfruit development and appearance.
Excess Excess calcium may cause eithermagnesium or potassium deficiency
Magnesium Deficiency Initial yellowing of older leaves betweenveins spreading to younger leaves; poorfruit development and production.
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Nutrient Type Visual symptoms
Magnesium Excess High concentration tolerated; however,imbalance with calcium and potassiummay reduce growth.
Sulphur Deficiency Initial yellowing of young leavesspreading to whole plant; similarsymptoms to nitrogen deficiency butoccurs on new growth.
Excess Excess of sulfur may cause prematuredropping of leaves.
Iron Deficiency Initial distinct yellow or white areasbetween veins of young leaves leadingto spots of dead leaf tissue.
Excess Possible bronzing of leaves with tinybrown spots.
Manganese Deficiency Interveinal yellowing or mottling ofyoung leaves.
Excess Older leaves have brown spotssurrounded by a chlorotic area.
Zinc Deficiency Interveinal yellowing on young leaves;reduced leaf size.
Excess Excess zinc may cause iron deficiencyin some plants.
Boron Deficiency Death of growing points anddeformation of leaves with areas ofdiscoloration.
Excess Leaf tips become yellow followed by
necrosis. Leaves get a scorchedappearance and later fall off.
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LiquiTec Maintenance Deficiency Water Crops TimingProduct Dressing Dressing Rate
LiquiTec 2 4 100-200 Cereals Autumn/Manganese litres/ha litres/ha litres/ha Oilseed rape SpringContains: PeasMn 15% w/v VegetablesSO3 22% w/v Top fruit
Root crops
LiquiTec 3 7 100-200 Cereals Spring/
Magnesium litres/ha litres/ha litres/ha Potatoes SummerContains: Sugar beetMg 9% w/v GrasslandSO3 17% w/v Vegetables
Top fruit
LiquiTec 2 4 100-200 Cereals SpringCopper litres/ha litres/ha litres/ha Sugar beet
Contains: OnionsCu 15% w/v LeeksSO3 9% w/v
LiquiTec 3 4 100-200 Oilseed rape Pre-sowing/Boron litres/ha litres/ha litres/ha Sugar beet SpringContains: CarrotsB 15% w/v Parsnips
N 6.5% w/v BrassicasTop Fruit
LiquiTec 2 3 100-200 Cereals Pre-sowing/Zinc litres/ha litres/ha litres/ha Maize SpringContains: Oilseed rapeZn 15% w/v Sugar beetSO
319% w/v Carrots Brassicas Top Fruit
LiquiTec product application rates
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The Solution Specialists
Liquid fertilisers for better healthand bigger harvests
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Billericay Fertiliser Services Ltd
Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1QU
Tel: 01268 710237
Fax: 01268 711040
E.mail: [email protected]
Website: www.bfs.uk.com