Nutrients

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

Maize - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Affected plants show stunted, sparse growth. The leaves turn uniformly pale green. The oldest leaves on the bottom show yellow discoloration and subsequent necrosis proceeding from the leaf tip.

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency. Sulfur deficiency can cause similar symptoms but starts on the younger leaves, whereas paling due to N deficiency is detectable on older leaves first.

Maize - Size reduced

Symptoms
Reduced cob size and uncomplete cob fill due to N deficiency.

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency on cob (right)

Maize - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Affected plants show spindly, sparse growth. On the older leaves, V-shaped yellowing on the leaf tips progresses towards the base, so that leaves finally turn uniformly pale green/yellow. Stalks get a reddish discoloration. The oldest leaves on the bottom become necrotic.

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency. Sulfur deficiency can cause similar chloroses but starts on the younger leaves, whereas paling due to N deficiency is detectable on older leaves first.

Maize - Deformation

Symptoms
Leaves turn pale green/yellow beginning along main vein and then from leaf tip (V-shape). Necrosis develops from leaf tip as deficiency continues.

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency. Sulfur deficiency can cause similar symptoms but starts on the younger leaves, whereas paling due to N deficiency is detectable on older leaves first.

Maize - Chlorosis

Symptoms
Leaves turn pale green/yellow beginning along main vein and then from leaf tip (V-shape). Necrosis develops from leaf tip as deficiency continues.

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency. Sulfur deficiency can cause similar symptoms but starts on the younger leaves, whereas paling due to N deficiency is detectable on older leaves first.

Maize - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Affected plants show stunted, sparse growth. The leaves turn uniformly pale green.

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency. Sulfur deficiency can cause similar chloroses but starts on the younger leaves, whereas paling due to N deficiency is detectable on older leaves first

Maize - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Growth of the complete plant is stunted, leaves and stem show an overall chlorosis. Older leaves are affected most; they turn yellow and die off prematurely. The stem base shows a reddish discoloration. Cob development is inhibited.

Reasons
Different levels of nitrogen deficiency vs control (from left to right).

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

  • Lusher, greener growth
  • Increased yields and grain quality
  • Better cob formation and production