What fertilizer is causing the yellowing of leaves?

Yellowing of plant leaves is a common phenomenon, which is usually related to nutrient deficiency, and different nutrient deficiencies will cause different symptoms in plants. So, what kind of fertilizer is causing the leaves to turn yellow? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Nitrogen deficiency

Nitrogen deficiency will affect the synthesis of chlorophyll, causing leaves to turn yellow, age prematurely, or even dry up. Nitrogen fertilizer can be supplemented by using some nitrogen-containing fertilizers, such as urea or soybean meal fertilizer.

2. Phosphorus deficiency

Plants lacking phosphorus will turn dark green and dull, and the leaves will turn yellow. Generally, timely addition of superphosphate and other phosphorus fertilizers can help the leaves regain their gloss.

3. Potassium deficiency

If there is a lack of potassium fertilizer, the edges of the leaves will gradually turn yellow, become scorched and burnt, and gradually rot and fall over. If this symptom is found, potassium fertilizers such as wood ash, potassium sulfate or potassium chloride should be added in time.

4. Iron deficiency

If the flesh of the new leaves of the plant turns yellow while the veins are green, the entire leaf has an obvious grid-like structure, and the old leaves gradually turn yellow, it means that the plant has iron deficiency chlorosis. At this time, you can use a 1:1000 ferrous sulfate solution or a 1:20 white vinegar solution to irrigate the roots of the plants, which can effectively supplement iron fertilizer and effectively prevent yellowing of leaves.

5. Calcium deficiency

A lack of calcium can cause young leaves to turn yellow and begin to curl. At this time, it is necessary to apply calcium fertilizer in time for nutritional supplement. You can break unused egg shells and soak the broken shells in water for composting. After a week, dilute them with water and spray them to restore the seedlings to health.

6. Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium is the central element of the chlorophyll molecule and is essential for plant photosynthesis. When plants lack magnesium fertilizer, the leaves will show yellowing symptoms, especially the older leaves. The solution is to apply calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer and magnesium sulfate fertilizer in time.

7. Sulfur deficiency

Sulfur deficiency will cause the young leaves of the plant to lack green, and the new leaves will lose their green color evenly, turn yellow-white, and fall off easily. Attention should be paid to the application of sulfur-containing fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sulfur, etc. In addition, increasing the application of organic fertilizers and timely tillage of the soil can also improve the soil's sulfur supply capacity.

In general, in the actual operation process, it is necessary to determine the cause of the yellowing based on the specific situation of the plant and carry out targeted treatment. If you are unsure of the specific cause, you can consult a professional horticulturist or agricultural technician for diagnosis and advice.