Nutrients

N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
B Boron
Cu Copper
Fe Iron
Mn Manganese

Oil Palm - Deformation

Symptoms
Phosphorus deficiency often does not produce leaf symptoms in oil palm. The trunks of affected palms are narrow and tapered (pyramid shape).

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Unlike nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg), there are often no easily recognizable leaf P deficiency symptoms in oil palm.

Oil Palm - Deformation

Symptoms
Phosphorus deficiency often does not produce leaf symptoms in oil palm. The trunks of affected palms are narrow and tapered (pyramid shape).

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Unlike nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg), there are often no easily recognizable leaf P deficiency symptoms in oil palm.

Oil Palm - Size reduced

Symptoms
Flower initiation and bunch size are reduced and lead to decreased yields.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Unlike nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg), there are often no easily recognizable leaf P deficiency symptoms in oil palm.

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

  • Essential for root development, especially in early growing stages
  • Involved in growth processes and plant development like leaf formation and expansion, shoot growth, flower initiation and bunch size
  • Sustained optimum yield