Nutrients

N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
Ca Calcium
S Sulphur
B Boron
Cu Copper
Fe Iron
Mn Manganese
Mo Molybdenum
Zn Zinc

Potatoes - Chlorosis

Symptoms
Plants (right) are stunted and leaves show a uniform chlorotic pale green / yellow colouration

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency Sulphur deficiency, root parasites (eg PCN), deep drilling of tubers, nightfrosts, water shortage or heavy metal toxicity can cause similar symptoms.

Potatoes - Chlorosis

Symptoms
Leaves (right) are stunted and leaves show a uniform chlorotic pale green/yellow colouration

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency Sulphur deficiency, root parasites (eg PCN), deep drilling of tubers, nightfrosts, water shortage or heavy metal toxicity can cause similar symptoms.

Potatoes - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Plants on the left side show uniform pale green leaves and stunted growth. Older leaves usually affected first and these then turn yellow and shed early.

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency. Sulphur deficiency, root parasites (eg PCN), deep drilling of tubers, nightfrosts, water shortage or heavy metal toxicity can cause similar symptoms. Often seen as patches due to poor fertiliser application or soil type

Nitrogen deficiency made worse by

  • Low or high pH soils
  • Sandy or light soils (leaching
  • ) Low organic matter
  • Drought conditions
  • High rainfall (leaching) or heavy irrigation
  • Addition or high levels of non-decomposed organic matter/manure (eg straw)
  • Fast growing crops

Nitrogen is important for

  • Better crop development
  • Improved yield