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| All plants
need essential nutrients to live and grow healthily.
Just as the human body needs vitamins and minerals,
plants need macronutrients and micronutrients. Absorbed
through the roots from the soil these nutrients mix with
water and carbon dioxide to make food. Macronutrients
such as nitrogen, calcium, sulphur, magnesium, potassium
and phosphorus are required in large amounts.
Micronutrients such as copper, zinc, iron and chlorine
are only required in small amounts but are also
essential. If your soil has an inability to produce
sufficient amounts of any of these nutrients you can add
fertilisers enriched in nutrients to give it a boost.
Use only as needed though as too much of any nutrient
can have an adverse effect on the plant, it is all about
finding the right balance. The most common deficiencies
found in soils are nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
As all of these are essential to achieving rapid growth,
good root systems and prominent flowering and fruiting,
a fertiliser containing these nutrients may need to be
added. Potassium and nitrogen deficiencies are the
causes of many plants not growing or having discoloured
leaves. When growing acid-loving plants in alkaline soil
and watering them with hard water, iron deficiencies may
occur and cause leaves to turn brown. |
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Nitrogen
deficiency is
indicated by poor, stunted growth with pale leaves and
weak stems. Leaves often turn orange, red or purplish
and may fall prematurely. Fruit trees and vegetables are
most commonly affected. |
| Remedy: Use a balanced fertilizer and
treat for alkalinity or acidity as needed. Tomato feed
is a good source of nitrogen |
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Potassium
deficiency is
indicated by brown or yellow scorching around the edges of leaves.
Flowers may be dull and sparse, and fruit yield may be
low and of poor quality. Tissues are soft and susceptible
to attack from pests. |
| Remedy:
Sulphate
of Potash |
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Magnesium
deficiency is
indicated by yellow patches between the leaf veins which
later turn brown. The affected leaves may wither. Roses
and tomatoes are often affected. |
| Remedy: Magnesium sulphate
(Epsom salts) spray is the best cure or apply
multipurpose fertiliser. |
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Manganese
- Iron
deficiency
is
indicated by yellowing between the veins of older
leaves. Leaf edges may become slightly in-curled and
brown. Many types of plant may be affected occasionally. |
| Remedy:
Apply a sequestrene plant tonic. |
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| Nutritional deficiencies
and inappropriate storage or growing conditions are the
main causes of many plant disorders. Temperature, food
and water supply, light and unsuitable climate can lead
to physiological disorders when not suited to your
plant. Salt deficiency in plants can affect healthy
growth. If your plant begins to wilt or discolour it is
a symptom of poor weather, soil or cultural conditions.
A plant lacking in vital nutrients such as food, water
or appropriate conditions will not only look unhealthy
but will be less resistant to pest attacks and diseases.
Plants that are unhealthy need diagnosing correctly in
order to find the correct treatment for the problem. Diseases
caused be fungi, viruses or bacteria and pest
problems such as spidermites or aphids
need correct treatment otherwise they can destroy the
plant. |
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