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Nutrient deficiencies
I was checking out some books hydroponics (because I had problems with my
swords which rapidly developed dead leaves) and came across this reference.
You may find it useful as an extension to Neil Frank's list of nutrient
deficiencies:
Stewart Kenyon, Hydroponics for the Home Gardener, Key Porter Books, 1992.
Element Deficiency Sympton
Nitrogen Small stunted plants with very large root systems; leaves smaller
and lighter in
colour than normal; slow growth. Paleness will start at the tips of the
lower
leaves. If this deficiency continues, the foliage will continue to
develop, but
stems will be spindly, sappy and soft, flowering will be delayed,small
fruit will
grow and the plant will be more susceptible to disease.
Phosphorus Stunted plants with dark, dull, and sometimes discoloured
leaves, unusually
hard stems, poor root system and very little branching. Attacks lower,
more
mature leaves first. Occurs especially when nitrogen level is low.
Potassium In early stages, yellowing and curling of older leaves. Newer
leaves will begin
to droop. Older leaves then become blotchy and scorched. Flowers are
lackluster, and stems are soft. The plants will be more susceptible to
diseases...
Calcium Underdeveloped roots are the first to be affected. Younger leaves
will be
immobile and their edges will curl. Plants will be stunted and have dark,
crinkly
leaves.
Magnesium Symptoms do not appear until the deficiency is well established.
The plant will
be stunted. Leaf veins will stay green while the remainder of the leaf
turns yellow. Brow spots will appear and the the plant will dry out.
Flowers will be
slow to develop, if at all. Flowers that do grow will be lackluster.
Iron Tips of new leaves will become either pale of yellow, and this will
spread
inward. The leaf will likely turn blotchy from a lack of green pigment,
eventually
turning brown and drying out.
Manganese Poor blooming, weak growth. Leaves may turn yellow or blotchy.
Boron Brittle stems, and immobile new leaves with brown tips.
Zinc Growth will be stunted.
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Mike Eckardt