dcyans
Aerojunkie
We must all realize that many times if not most of the time what seems like an obvious deficiency is a combination of contributing factors. By simply addressing the symptom we can actually make matters worse, for instance an obvious calcium deficiency many times is the result of high humidity inhibiting transpiration which is needed for calcium to be utilized. Other times symptoms are caused by other interactions not actual deficiencies as there is plenty of the element present!
"Induced Nutrient Deficiencies
Not all nutrient deficiencies are caused by a lack of one of the essential elements in the nutrient solution. Some may be induced by other factors even though the nutrient is well balanced and contains sufficient amounts of all elements. These induced deficiencies are one of the most confusing aspects of plant nutrition for newer growers, as the solution is not as simple as replacing the nutrient and boosting up the missing element.
Just having sufficient levels of each of the minerals required for plant growth is sometimes not enough to prevent some deficiencies. Certain factors can prevent the plant from taking up some elements and/or transporting them up to the foliage, even when they are plentiful in the solution. Common examples are calcium and iron. If the root system has been damaged in some way, through root rot or suffocation caused by overwatering and lack of aeration, pathogen attack, physical damage after transplanting or other reasons, it becomes less able to take up certain nutrients of this iron is the one that causes the most problems. Also under cool growing conditions, of if the pH becomes higher than ideal, the plant also has difficulty taking up minerals such as iron and manganese and this is why these deficiencies are some of the most common that hydroponic growers see. Adding more iron and manganese to the nutrient under these conditions won't help the root system is just unable to make use of them. For this reason when plant coloring in the tops of the plant is seen indicating an iron and/or manganese deficiency, other factors should be looked at, most notably the conditions of the root system, temperatures and solution pH.
In the early stages deficiencies can be quickly and easily dealt with so that little harm comes to the plant. Under rapid growing conditions, however, a deficiency can accelerate quickly, so in most cases a quick solution change will work as the best quick fix, while the original cause is investigated.
In well run systems using high-quality nutrient products, deficiencies are rare in most cases, but it pays to be prepared and keep a close eye on those plants."
:taken from "The Growing Edge" magazine:
Here are some good links:
Plant Abuse Chart and Photos~NEW
Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms
Nutrient Deficiencies And Toxicities
Conditions Contributing to Various Plant Nutrient Deficiencies An important part of everyones nutrient management!
Plant Nutrient Deficiency Decision Key This may or may not be helpful.
"Induced Nutrient Deficiencies
Not all nutrient deficiencies are caused by a lack of one of the essential elements in the nutrient solution. Some may be induced by other factors even though the nutrient is well balanced and contains sufficient amounts of all elements. These induced deficiencies are one of the most confusing aspects of plant nutrition for newer growers, as the solution is not as simple as replacing the nutrient and boosting up the missing element.
Just having sufficient levels of each of the minerals required for plant growth is sometimes not enough to prevent some deficiencies. Certain factors can prevent the plant from taking up some elements and/or transporting them up to the foliage, even when they are plentiful in the solution. Common examples are calcium and iron. If the root system has been damaged in some way, through root rot or suffocation caused by overwatering and lack of aeration, pathogen attack, physical damage after transplanting or other reasons, it becomes less able to take up certain nutrients of this iron is the one that causes the most problems. Also under cool growing conditions, of if the pH becomes higher than ideal, the plant also has difficulty taking up minerals such as iron and manganese and this is why these deficiencies are some of the most common that hydroponic growers see. Adding more iron and manganese to the nutrient under these conditions won't help the root system is just unable to make use of them. For this reason when plant coloring in the tops of the plant is seen indicating an iron and/or manganese deficiency, other factors should be looked at, most notably the conditions of the root system, temperatures and solution pH.
In the early stages deficiencies can be quickly and easily dealt with so that little harm comes to the plant. Under rapid growing conditions, however, a deficiency can accelerate quickly, so in most cases a quick solution change will work as the best quick fix, while the original cause is investigated.
In well run systems using high-quality nutrient products, deficiencies are rare in most cases, but it pays to be prepared and keep a close eye on those plants."
:taken from "The Growing Edge" magazine:
Here are some good links:
Plant Abuse Chart and Photos~NEW
Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms
Nutrient Deficiencies And Toxicities
Conditions Contributing to Various Plant Nutrient Deficiencies An important part of everyones nutrient management!
Plant Nutrient Deficiency Decision Key This may or may not be helpful.
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