Nutrients

N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
Ca Calcium
S Sulphur
B Boron
Cu Copper
Fe Iron
Mn Manganese
Zn Zinc

Maize - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Young plants are dwarfed and thin with dark green leaves. Leaf margins, veins and stems show purple tints which may spread over the whole leaf blade. Older leaves of the young plants are affected first. The reddish discoloration is usually visible in the juvenile stage only.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Some maize hybrids show reddish leaves in younger development stages although P supply is sufficient.

Maize - Size reduced

Symptoms
Cob size is severely reduced.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency on cob (right)

Maize - Discolouration

Symptoms
Leaf blades are dark green, while margins, veins and stems show a dull, purple tint which may spread over the whole leaf blade. Older leaves are affected first. The reddish discoloration is usually visible in the juvenile stage only.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Some maize hybrids show reddish leaves in younger development stages although P supply is sufficient.

Maize - Discolouration

Symptoms
Tissue on the leaf base and along the main vein is dark green, while the marginal, interveinal area towards the leaf tip shows a distinct purple tint. By the time, the discoloration spreads over the entire leaf blade. Older leaves are affected first. The reddish discoloration is usually visible in the juvenile stage only.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Some maize hybrids show reddish leaves in younger development stages although P supply is sufficient.

Maize - Discolouration

Symptoms
Leaf blades are dark green, while margins and veins show a dull, purple tint which may spread over the whole leaf blade. Older leaves are affected first. The reddish discoloration is usually visible in the juvenile stage only.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Some maize hybrids show reddish leaves in younger development stages although P supply is sufficient.

Maize - Discolouration

Symptoms
Tissue on the leaf base and along the main vein is dark green, while the marginal, interveinal area towards the leaf tip shows a distinct purple tint. By the time, the discoloration spreads over the entire leaf blade. Older leaves are affected first. The reddish discoloration is usually visible in the juvenile stage only.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Some maize hybrids show reddish leaves in younger development stages although P supply is sufficient.

Maize - Discolouration

Symptoms
Tissue on the leaf base and along the main vein is dark green, while the marginal, interveinal area towards the leaf tip shows a distinct purple tint. By the time, the discoloration spreads over the entire leaf blade. Older leaves are affected first. The reddish discoloration is usually visible in the juvenile stage only.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Some maize hybrids show reddish leaves in younger development stages although P supply is sufficient.

Phosphorus deficiency made worse by

  • Acidic or very alkaline (calcareaus) soils
  • Low organic matter
  • Cold or wet conditions
  • Crops with a poorly developed root system
  • Soils with low P reserves
  • Soils with a high phosphate capacity
  • Iron rich soils

Phosphorus is important for

  • Better crop establishment
  • Good plant development early in the season
  • More even maturity reducing grain losses at harvest
  • Improves yield
  • Brings forward harvest date