Deficiency symptoms will be first noticed in older leaves.
Leaves becomes yellowish-green
Death and / or dropping of the older leaves.
Stunted plant growth
Reduced number and size of leaves
Roots because thin, stiff and fibrous
Yellowing of the older leaves with red tints and later necrosis
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
Deficiency symptoms will be first noticed in older leaves.
Purple discoloration on leaves
Early death of leaves
Distorted leaves
Delayed formation of shortage root
Stunted growth of plants.
Reduced root growth
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 6.2-7.0, 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
Deficiency symptoms will be first noticed in older leaves
Marginal scorching of leaves followed by general browning and necrosis
Leaf margins are cupped backward
Reddish foliage discoloration
Violet streaks appear on roots
Stunted growth of plants
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
Deficiency symptoms will be first noticed in younger leaves
Browning and necrosis of the growing tips of roots and leaves
Scorching of young leaves
Reduced internodal length and rosetting of leaves
Stunted growth of plants
Withering of leaves
Ragged and often brittle leaf margins
Severely stunted plants
Root size is severely reduced
Affected Plants may be more prone to pest and diseases
Management
Do the soil analysis
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
Boron is needed for calcium utilization.
So, a boron deficiency can also lead to calcium deficiency.
Magnesium (Mg)
Symptoms
Symptoms first appear on those leaves just reaching their full size
interveinal chlorosis with green veining on older leaves.
Stunted growth of plants
Reduced root growth
Chlorosis and spotted necrosis of leaves
Management
Do the soil analysis and confirm the deficiency.
Addition of Magnesium sulphate (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 first appear in younger leaves.
Chlorosis followed by general yellowing
Entire plant turn yellow
Stunted growth of plants
Management
Application of sulphur-containing fertilisers, such as Factamfos, Ammonium sulphate, Single superphosphate, etc., reduces the deficiency.
In sulphur deficient soils, apply sulphur dust (10 kg/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
Deficiency is seen mainly in younger leaves
Crinkling of leaves
Reduction of germination and seedling growth
Death of growing points
Rosetting of leaves
Older leaves show orange tint discolouration
Reduced fruit size
Management
Analysis of soil to confirm the deficiency.
Application of borax (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.
