Plants with iron deficiency
Plants with iron deficiency
iron deficiency - an invisible enemy who often makes its secret features in gardens and fields. Many plants suffer without us recognizing it immediately. But what exactly causes this deficiency? In the first section we shed light on the background and consequences of iron deficiency in plants. Symptomatic signs are often creeping and difficult to grasp for the inexperienced eye. But don't worry! We show you how you can see these symptoms. And if you think that the problem is insoluble, you will be surprised in our third section: there are effective strategies to improve the iron absorption of your green favorites. Immerse yourself in the world of plant care and be inspired - so that your plants will soon shine in full shine again!
causes and consequences of iron deficiency in plants
iron deficiency is a common problem in plant breeding and can have a serious effect on the growth and health of plants. The deficiency often arises from several factors, including:
- bad soil nutrition
- excessive irrigation
- High pH values in the soil
- increased content of organic substances
- Interference by other nutrients
plants need iron for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis. An iron deficiency leads to chlorosis, especially in the younger leaves. This manifests itself in a yellowish discoloration, while the leaf veins remain green, which makes this defect easily recognizable.
The consequences of an untreated iron deficiency are serious. In addition to reduced photosynthesis capacity, plants can become weaker and more susceptible to diseases. In extreme cases there may be a growth level and even death of the plant. One example is the cultivation of citrus trees, in which iron deficiency can lead to considerable harvest losses.
The effects are not only limited to individual plants. In agricultural companies, a general iron deficiency can affect soil fertility and thus influence the earnings over several harvest cycles. Farmers must therefore take suitable measures to identify and remedy iron deficiency.
A deeper analysis of the floor composition can be crucial to identify potential iron defects at an early stage. Laboratory tests allow an exact determination of iron status in the soil, which is of great importance for planning fertilization and the use of iron preparations.
symptoms of poor iron supply and their detection
iron is an essential trace element for plant growth. A lack of iron leads to various symptoms that are easy to see. The most common abnormalities are:
- chlorosis: leaves show yellowing, especially between the leaf veins, while the veins remain green.
- growth delay: plants grow more slowly than normal, especially young shoots and leaves.
- curvature: The leaf shape can change, which leads to deformed and smaller leaves.
- white coloring: In severe cases, leaves can fade completely, which is a sign of progressive malnutrition.
- Dying the leaves: In extreme situations, leaf tissue can die.
The diagnosis of an iron deficiency is often carried out by visual inspection. Chlorosis, the most prominent sign, is often the first hint. In order to evaluate the severity of the defect, soil analyzes can be used that determine the iron content. These analyzes are crucial to determine the specific needs of the plants.
Another diagnostic tool is the leaf analysis. This method provides direct information about the nutrient composition of the plant and helps to locate defects more precisely. The rehearsal is usually carried out in the early stage of growth in order to be able to react to the deficiency symptoms as quickly as possible.
| symptom
| |
|---|---|
| chlorose | yellowing between the veins, veins remain green |
| growth delay | slowly growing plant material |
| curvature | changed leaf shape, smaller leaves |
| white color | leaves fade in severe cases |
| die of the leaves | Die of leaf fabrics in extreme cases |
plant growth affected by iron deficiency can also become more susceptible to diseases and pests. The recognized imbalance in the nutrient balance weakens the cell structure. This makes the plant less resistant to stress factors from the environment, which endangers its health and harvest. The timely evidence and diagnosis of iron supply are crucial for plant management and earnings optimization.
strategies to improve iron absorption in plant care
Iron absorption in plants plays a crucial role in growth and health. To ensure that plants receive sufficient iron, several strategies must be implemented:
- floor analysis: A detailed analysis of the soil helps to determine the current iron content and to check the pH values that can influence the availability of iron.
- Optimization of the pH value: iron is better available for a pH below 7.0. The reduction of the pH value can be achieved by adding organic materials such as compost or peat.
- ironchelate: The use of iron chiselates is a common method to increase the availability of iron. These connections help to loosen iron in the ground, which means that plants can efficiently absorb it.
- crop rotation and mixed cultures: The cultivation of plants that absorb iron can improve soil quality. Mixed cultures promote biodiversity and can optimize nutrient absorption.
- irrigation management: regular and adequate irrigation is crucial. Experience or sub-irrigation can have a negative impact on iron absorption.
Another important point is the selection of the plant species. Some plants are more genetically suitable to absorb iron.
| tomato | high |
| spinach | medium |
| carrot | low |
Another means of improving iron absorption is the use of micronutrients as a fertilizer. These fertilizers often contain additional trace elements that can support plant growth and counteract defects.
In addition, attention should be paid to the correct planting time. Spring and autumn are cheap for many plants because the temperatures and the soil moisture are optimal.
Active measures to promote the microbes in the soil can also increase the iron availability. A diverse floor microbiota helps to provide and transport nutrients more efficiently.
In summary, it can be said that iron deficiency in plants is a widespread problem that can be caused by different environmental factors and specific properties of the plants. The symptoms are often subtle, but their timely detection is crucial for the health of the plants. The strategies to improve iron absorption in the article offer effective approaches to prevent and treat iron deficiency. A holistic plant maintenance based on scientific knowledge can not only promote the vitality of the plants, but also increase their resistance to stress factors.sources and further literature
references
- Schmidt, H. (2019). iron deficiency in plants . Agricultural issues, 45 (2), 123-135.
- Müller, R. & Schneider, U. (2020). plant physiology and nutrient absorption . Springer Verlag.
Studies
- Huber, D. M., & Graham, R. D. (2007). Importance of Iron in Plant Nutrition . Journal of Plant Nutrition, 30 (3-6), 919-931.
- Tamás, L. (2017). Iron Deficience in Plants and Its Management . Acta Biologica Szegediensis, 61 (1), 157-165.
further literature
- Wagner, H. (2018). plant diseases and their control: iron deficiency . Upl Verlag.
- Fischer, H. (2021). The role of nutrients in agriculture . German agricultural publisher.