Diagnosis and Management of Nutritional Deficiencies in Plants

 Diagnosis and Management of Nutritional Deficiencies in Plants

The #diagnosis and management of nutritional deficiencies in plants is essential for optimising agricultural growth and productivity. Nutrient deficiencies can be identified by visible symptoms in plants, such as changes in leaf colour, reduced growth and changes in the shape of leaves and fruit. Essential nutrients for plants include #macronutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, #calcium, magnesium and sulphur) and #micronutrients (such as iron, #manganese, #zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum and chlorine). Each deficiency has characteristic symptoms, such as chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves) due to a lack of nitrogen, or necrosis of the leaf edges in the case of a #potassium deficiency.

Nutrient deficiencies can be diagnosed visually, by analysing the symptoms, or through laboratory techniques such as leaf analysis or soil analysis. Foliar analysis is one of the most accurate, as it allows us to assess the concentration of nutrients in the leaves, which are direct indicators of the plant's nutrition.

Managing deficiencies involves the appropriate application of fertilisers, both via soil and foliar, adjusting the doses according to the specific needs of each plant. In addition, correcting the soil's pH, which can interfere with nutrient availability, is also an important practice. The use of organic fertilisers, such as compost and manure, can be an important way of improving the #soil.