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

Cereals - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Plants are stunted and show purple tints on their dark green leaves, veins and stems. The older leaves, affected first, often senesce prematurely.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Spring cereals may show reddening/purpling of older leaves in cold weather. Root and stem damage or poor soil consolidation can cause similar symptoms, too.

Cereals - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Plants are stunted and show purple tints on their stems.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency on young plants Spring cereals may show reddening/purpling of older leaves in cold weather. Root and stem damage or poor soil consolidation can cause similar symptoms, too.

Cereals - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Plants with P deficiency are smaller than normal and show purple tints on their dark green leaves, especially on the middle of the leaf blade. K deficient leaves are even more stunted and their tips are scorched.

Reasons
P and K deficiency vs. optimum supply Spring cereals may show reddening/purpling of older leaves in cold weather. Root and stem damage or poor soil consolidation can cause similar symptoms, too.

Cereals - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Plants are stunted and show purple tints, especially on the middle of older leaves. Leaf veins and stems are concerned, too. Leaf size is dimished.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Spring cereals may show reddening/purpling of older leaves in cold weather. Root and stem damage or poor soil consolidation can cause similar symptoms, too.

Cereals - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Ear size is severely stunted.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency (right)

Cereals - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Growth of deficient plants is severely stunted. Leaf color is a slightly paler than normal.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency in different levels (left) compared to healthy plant

Phosphorus deficiency made worse by

  • Acidic or very alkaline (calcareaus) soils
  • Low organic matter
  • Cold or wet conditions
  • Crops with a poorly developed root system
  • Soils with low P reserves
  • Soils with a high phosphate capacity
  • Iron rich soils

Phosphorus is important for

  • Better crop establishment
  • Improved early root development
  • Improved yield
  • Even crop maturation