Common Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms
Corn
 
 
Nitrogen Deficiencies:
 Nitrogen Deficiency
Nitrogen Deficiency
 Nitrogen Deficiency
Nitrogen Deficiency
Symptom: 
Yellow coloration in a ‘V’ shaped pattern  
  • progresses from leaf end to leaf collar
  • progresses from lower to upper leaves
Causes: 
  1. under-application of N fertilizer needs
  2. underestimation of N release in manure
  3. leaching of nitrate (rainfall/irrigation)
  4. loss of N as a gas after water ponding or  in compacted sites
  5. onset of dryer weather
Remedies: (Corresponds to numbers above) 
  1. appropriate fertilizer N application
  2. analyze manure for N content
  3. apply irrigation level appropriate for soil
  4. install drainage tiles in heavier soils and /or minimize field compaction
  5. irrigate if possible
     
 
 
 
 
Phosphorous Deficiencies:
Phosphorous Deficiency Symptom: 
Purple coloration of lower leaves 
 
Causes: 
  1. under-application of P fertilizer needs
  2. cooler/wetter weather (environmental)
  3. planted P inefficient hybrids
  4. inherited tendency of some hybrids
Remedies: (Corresponds to numbers above) 
  1. apply fertilizer P as a ‘starter’ application
  2. avoid earliest planting dates (warmer weather can correct symptoms)
  3. plant P efficient hybrids
 
 

Potassium Deficiencies: 
Potassium Deficiency
Symptom: 
Yellow and brown coloration of leaf margins 
  • occurs first on lower leaves
  • may progress to upper leaves
Causes: 
  1. under-application of K fertilizer needs
  2. cooler/wetter weather (environmental)
  3. planted K inefficient hybrids
Remedies: (Corresponds to numbers above) 
  1. apply appropriate fertilizer K rate
  2. avoid earliest planting dates (warmer weather can correct symptoms)
  3. plant K efficient hybrids
 
 
 

Zinc Deficiencies: 
Zinc Deficiency
Symptom:  
Yellow coloration in broad bands 
  • occurs in upper leaves
  • occurs in leaf middle, may progressing outward
Causes: 
  1. under-application of Zn fertilizer needs
  2. soil has high pH (>7.5)
Remedies: (Corresponds to numbers above) 
  1. apply appropriate fertilizer Zn needs as  starter fertilizer (Zn-Chelates are not recommended due to high cost)
  2. avoid planting in very high pH soils
 
Other nutrient deficiency symptoms are not very obvious.  Testing the soil for nutrient levels is the only sound approach to determine whether fertilizer applications are necessary.
We appreciate the use of those photographs which were contributed by the Potash and Phosphate Institute and Farmland Industries.

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