Symptoms first appear on mature leaves at the base of plants.
Leaves appear pale/light green.
The petiole and tip of the leaf are scorched.
Stems appear shorter and thinner.
Stunted plant growth.
Management
For determining the severity of the deficiency, soil analysis has to be done
Application of quick releasing nitrogen fertilizer like urea, according to the results of the soil test.
Apply urea as a foliar spray (10 gram per litre of water) once every 15 days .
Frequent application of organic growth boosters is also beneficial.
Phosphorus (P)
Symptoms
Symptoms first appear on mature leaves.
Purple spots are seen on deficient leaves.
Affects root growth.
Root tip drying under severe deficiency conditions.
Decrease in leaf area.
Management
Ensure that recommended amount of fertilizer is applied on regular time.
For determining the severity of the deficiency, soil analysis is to be done
Use fertilizers such as single superphosphate for quick correction or bone meal or rock phosphate for long-term correction.
In the pH range of 6.5-7.5, phosphorus is readily absorbed by the roots.
Addition of biofertilizers including phosphorus solubilizing bacteria along with organic manure helps to increase the availability of phosphorus
Potassium (K)
Symptoms
Symptoms first appear on mature leaves at the base of plants.
Yellow and orange spots appear on the leaves.
Leaves are fan-shaped or bunched top like appearance
Management
In the pH range of above 6, Potassium is readily available.
Maintain pH by addition of lime/dolomite
Improve the soil fertility by adding organic matter and wood ash.
For determining the severity of the deficiency, soil analysis is to be done
Use Muriate of Potash (MOP) according to the results of the soil test. Split application is preferable.
Apply foliar sprays of sulphate of potash (SOP) (10 g/litre of water) and wetting agents in the morning as an immediate remedy
Calcium (Ca)
Symptoms
Symptoms first appear on young shoots and developing pods
Yellow spots and yellowing are seen on the leaves.
The leaves are thickened and rot easily.
The distance between the internode decreases.
Management
Check the pH of the soil. If the soil is extremely acidic (pH between 3.5 and 4.5), apply lime (3.4 kg/cent in two split doses). And in areas of moderate acidity (pH between 5.5 and 6), apply lime (1 kg/cent).
High phosphorus levels lead to calcium deficiency
In alkaline soil application of Gypsum is preferable
Magnesium (Mg)
Symptoms
Symptoms appear on mature leaves
Rust-like spots appear on the leaves followed by leaf drop.
Brown spots are seen inside the stems
Management
Do the soil analysis and confirm the deficiency.
Addition of Magnesium sulphate (320 gram /cent or 32 kg/ acre) in bands near plants.
Long-term usage of dolomite will reduce magnesium deficiency
Magnesium and potassium fertilizers should not be applied together.
Sulphur(S)
Symptoms
Deficiency symptoms are seen in the upper shoots of the plant.
Leaves turn yellow.
Margins of leaves appear purple.
Leaves lose their shape and stems become shorter.
Management
Application of sulphur-containing fertilisers, such as Factamfos, Ammonium sulphate, Single superphosphate, etc., reduces the deficiency.
In sulphur deficient soils, apply sulphur dust (100 gram per cent or 10 kilogrammes per acre).
Deficiency in alkaline soil can be reduced by application of gypsum
Addition of organic material improves sulphur availability in the soil.
Burning of organic waste leads to sulphur deficiency
Boron (B)
Symptoms
Symptoms first appear on young shoots and developing pods.
Leaves lose their natural shape.
When the deficiency is severe, transparent spots appear on the leaf.
Management
Analysis of soil to confirm the deficiency.
Application of borax (40 gram /cent or 4 kg/ acre) into the soil
Addition of borax (1 gram / litre of water) as foliar spray.
Avoid the combined application of Boron and calcium.
Application of borax with ammonium fertilizers should be avoided
Copper (Cu)
Symptoms
Deficiency symptoms are seen in young shoots.
Green spots appear on the leaves. Then the color of the leaves fades.
Plant vigor and number of tillers are reduced
Management
Apply copper sulphate ( 8 gram /cent or 800 gram/acre) in the soil
Iron (Fe)
Symptoms
Deficiency symptoms are seen in young shoots.
Yellowing of leaves except veins
Leaves appear completely white in color
Decreased root growth
Management
Iron content in Kerala soils is often high. So, get a soil test to determine the reason for the problem
Low potassium levels leads to iron deficiency
Addition of Ferrous Sulphate (60 gram /cent or 6 kg/ acre) into the deficient soils.
Manganese (Mn)
Symptoms
Deficiency symptoms are seen in young shoots.
Yellowing of leaves except veins.
Leaves turn white.
Management
Soil Analysis
Application of Manganese Sulphate (5 gram per litre of water) as foliar spray
Zinc (Zn)
Symptoms
Deficiency symptoms are seen in young shoots.
Yellow streaks appear on leaves, but leaf sides and midrib appear green.
Red spots appear on deficient leaves.
The distance between the internodes decreases.
Overall plant growth appears stunted
Management
The optimal pH range for zinc availability is 5 to 7.5.
Confirm deficiencies by doing soil testing.
Apply zinc sulphate to deficient soils (8 gm /palm or 8 kg/ acre)
Avoid the application of Zinc and phosphate fertilizers at the same time
In severe cases, foliar spraying of Zinc sulphate (2 gram/litre of water) with Calcium carbonate (2.5 gram/litre of water) can be advocated in morning hours.
