Nutrient Deficiencies of Legume Vegetables
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Nutrient deficiencies produce characteristic symptoms depending on the nutrient(s) deficiencies in the plant. In addition to a lack of certain nutrients, nutritional problems can develop due to an imbalance in soil nutrients, improper soil pH, high soluble salts, or fluctuations in soil moisture.
Iron deficiency, also known as iron chlorosis, can be due to an insufficient supply of iron, but it also can be caused by an imbalance of soil nutrients. For example, high levels of phosphorus can change iron to an insoluble form that plants cannot take up, resulting in iron deficiency. Improper soil pH can also result in iron chlorosis. Symptoms appear as interveinal yellowing of varying severity.
Iron deficiency symptom range.
(Photo: Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)
Iron chlorosis due to over irrigation.
(Photo: Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)
Nutrient imbalance due to high soluble salts and high soil pH.
(Photo: Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)
Management:
- Obtain a soil test annually and amend soil accordingly.
- Maintain proper soil pH.