Nutrient Deficiencies In The Wild

There are many variables to growing out of doors that will take their toll. Ensure success by the brute force planting of many plants in many locations or you can safely grow just what is needed and use a little brainpower. In monitoring the operation, eventually the most common of nutrient deficiencies will be encountered during the green foliage growth period. Lack of nitrogen is the most common deficiency. A large green leafy plant requires a very high level of nitrogen to achieve its full glory. The first sign is a gradual creep of yellow among the lowest and therefore oldest leaves of the plant. If this happens, be sure to add a full ration of nitrogen to the next watering session. The yellow creep can be cured in only a few days only if it hasn't progressed to a point at which the tips of the leaves are curling and black or brown. Some other symptoms of a nitrogen deficiency include red stems, smaller new leaves, slow growth, and will be a generally small and feeble specimen. A phosphorus deficiency rears its head by slow and stunted growth. The newer leaves of the plant will be smaller and a darker green than is usual. As with nitrogen deficiency, a red color appears on the stems. The leaves may also develop a nasty red or purple color in the veins on the underside of the leaf. If phosphorous isn’t added the older leaves will start to die. The affected leaves won't be healed, but the progression of the damage will be stopped. The leaves will lighten in color to the beautiful green we're all acquainted with and the growth rate will pick up. A potassium deficiency is often a tricky one to diagnose. A phototropic plant is one who expends all its energy to reach a feeble light source, thus the tall spindly look they have. Recovery from a potassium deficiency is usually slow and is measured in weeks. The leaves that have been browned already usually die off. The leaves will have brown spots on them, particularly along the prominent center vein. As with most deficiencies of a serious nature, the stems and underside veins have a reddish or purple hue to them. The most common source of potassium is wood ash; so if last year the crop had a potassium deficiency, add a cup of wood ash this year to the nutrient or growing medium. There are also deficiencies to be had with the elements iron, manganese, boron, molybdenum, zinc, and copper. Because most outdoor growing mediums tend to be natural in source, nature has already included the other trace elements the splashes of green require for most of their life. However, adding trace elements two or three times in the life of the plant is always a good idea. If the plants don't require them, they simply won’t take them up. This is a good no brainer to think about before planting, and doesn't require a lot of effort.