Plant Problem Diagnosis Key / Nutrient problems
Nutrient
Nitrogen deficiency
N
Nitrogen is mobile, so the plant pulls it out of old leaves to feed new growth. The whole plant pales and slows, and the lowest leaves yellow first.
Signs
- Even pale green to yellow on older leaves, veins included.
- Light green new growth, thin stems, slow growth.
- Common in cool, wet soil, after heavy rain, and where fresh wood chips are mixed into the soil.
What favors it
Cool, wet soil, heavy rain or leaching, fresh wood chips mixed into soil, and hungry crops at fruiting.
Prevention
- Feed to the crop's need through the season, not all at planting.
- Use a soil test to set rates.
- Do not mix fresh wood chips or sawdust into the soil; use them on top.
Often confused with
Sources
- Nutrient Deficiency of Vegetable PlantsUniversity of Maryland Extension
- 4 key nutrient deficiencies to scout for early in the seasonUniversity of Minnesota Extension
- Wood chips for mulch?Oregon State University Extension
Treatment by crop
Cultural, biological and chemical options in the order to use them, and notes written for each crop.
Identification is free. Treatment is on the Home and Pro plans.
Questions in the key that lead here
- Look the plant over, leaf undersides included. Are insects, mites, slugs, eggs, webbing or droppings on it?
No, only damage or discoloration - Where is the problem?
Leaves - What does the leaf damage look like?
Color change without distinct spots - Where did the color change start?
Older, lower leaves - What do the older leaves look like?
Evenly pale green to yellow, veins included
Not a match? Start the key or describe what you see.
More photos
More from university Extension: search Extension pages on nitrogen deficiency, or find a plant diagnostic lab through your state's Extension.