Nitrogen deficiency occurs when plants cannot absorb enough nitrogen from the soil.
Nitrogen deficiency occurs when plants cannot absorb enough nitrogen from the soil. The causes may be too low a nitrogen (N) content due to leaching (abundant rain on light soils) or active nitrogen-loving bacteria from farmyard manure.
On clay soils, nitrogen leaches out less quickly than in sandy soils.
Nitrogen deficiency leads to discoloration (light green, light yellow) of the leaves because chlorophyll can no longer be produced. The chlorophyll in the oldest leaves is broken down first because the nitrogen present there is moved by the plant to the young leaves.
In cabbages, the leaves do not turn to light green or light yellow but purple.
Nitrogen deficiency does not occur in leguminous plants that fix nitrogen, such as clovers, broad beans and alfalfa.
Where to find
- Ornamental and vegetable garden on light soils
Control
Leaf damage is unfortunately irreversible. Correct the nitrogen deficiency by fertilizing the soil with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to prevent further damage.
A suitable fertilizer is nettle spray because it has a high nitrogen content.
Prevention
Provide adequate fertilization in the spring and give additional fertilization with a nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season in areas with light soils.
