A guide to Nutrient Deficiencies – Nitrogen

Nitrogen (N) deficiency is a common nutrient deficiency in horticulture that occurs when plants do not receive an adequate supply of nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development.

Nitrogen is a crucial component of amino acids, proteins, chlorophyll, and nucleic acids, all of which are necessary for various plant functions.

What are the symptoms of Nitrogen Deficiency?

• Yellowing of Older Leaves (Chlorosis): One of the most common symptoms is the yellowing of older leaves, typically starting with the lower leaves and progressing upwards. This yellowing usually begins at the leaf tips and margins, creating a V-shaped pattern. The leaf veins often remain green.
• Stunted Growth: Nitrogen-deficient plants often exhibit reduced overall growth, including shorter stems and smaller leaves. This can result in a bushy or stunted appearance.
• Delayed Flowering and Fruit Formation: Nitrogen deficiency can delay the flowering and fruiting of plants, reducing their yield and productivity.
• Thin, Spindly Stems: In severe cases, the stems of affected plants may become thin and weak, making them more susceptible to damage and breakage.
• General Yellowing of the Plant: As the deficiency worsens, the entire plant may become pale green or yellowish in color.

Nitrogen Deficiency in Philadelphus

What are the impacts of Nitrogen Deficiency?

• Reduced Photosynthesis: Nitrogen is a key component of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis. A deficiency in nitrogen can hinder the plant’s ability to produce energy through photosynthesis.
• Lower Yields: Nitrogen deficiency can significantly reduce crop yields in horticultural plants, resulting in smaller fruits, fewer flowers, and overall reduced productivity.
• Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: Weakened and nutrient-deficient plants are more vulnerable to pest infestations and diseases, as they may lack the resources needed to defend themselves effectively.

Nitrogen Deficiency in Doronicum

How should you manage Nitrogen Deficiency?

• Soil Testing: Conduct soil tests to determine the nitrogen content of the soil. This will help determine the extent of the deficiency and guide nutrient management decisions.
• Fertilisation: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilisers, such as ammonium nitrate, urea, or organic fertilisers like compost or manure, following recommended application rates. The choice of fertiliser and application method should be based on soil test results and plant requirements.
• Nitrogen-Specific Fertilisation: Consider side-dressing or foliar feeding with nitrogen-containing fertilisers to provide a quick supply of nitrogen to the plants, especially during critical growth stages.
• Crop Rotation: Practice crop rotation to reduce the risk of nitrogen depletion in the soil. Rotating nitrogen-demanding crops with nitrogen-fixing crops can help maintain soil fertility.
• Cover Cropping: Plant cover crops like legumes (e.g., clover, peas, beans) that can fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil nitrogen levels through nitrogen fixation.
• Organic Matter: Incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve its nitrogen-holding capacity and microbial activity.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce nutrient leaching, helping to make the available nitrogen in the soil more accessible to plants.
• pH Management: Ensure that soil pH is within the appropriate range for optimal nutrient uptake, as extreme pH levels can affect nutrient availability, including nitrogen.

Nitrogen Deficiency in Guzmania ‘Ostara’

By addressing nitrogen deficiency through appropriate fertilisation and soil management practices, horticulturalists can promote healthy plant growth, improve crop yields, and reduce the risk of nutrient-related issues.