phosphorous deficiency
Phosphorous is an essential element for the healthy growth of plants. Plants that are deficient in phosphorous show burnt leaf tips followed by lower leaves changing colour.
HOW TO CONTROL PHOSPHOROUS DEFICIENCY
Check for the tips of leaves looking burnt and for lower leaves darkening and becoming red or purple. These symptoms suggest the plant/s are not absorbing sufficient phosphorous.
If the symptoms suggest phosphorous deficiency apply an appropriate organic fertiliser. Kiwicare's NOURISH ORGANIC FERTILISER range include formulations for all the plants in your garden; ALL PURPOSE, CITRUS, FLOWER and VEGETABLE fertilisers. Each has an ideal balance of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N:P:K) plus trace nutrients and humics for each plant type.
Because phosphorous absorption can be strongly influenced by the pH (acidity - alkalinity) of the soil, check the pH. To make phosphorous most available to the plants adjust the pH to neutral or slightly acidic, pH6.0 - 7.0.
The phosphorous in the NOURISH ORGANIC FERTILISER range is in the natural forms of seaweed, fishmeal and natural salts. BioGro have certified all the NOURISH range for use in organic gardening.
About
The typical symptoms of phosphorous deficiency include leaf tips looking burnt and then lower (older) leaves darken and may turn reddish or purple.
Plants absorb phosphorous in the form of phosphates. Phosphates are not easily dissolved in water so are only slowly leached from soils. However, the pH (acidity - alkalinity) of soil can significantly affect the ability of plants to absorb phosphorous. For optimum absorption of phosphates soil should be neutral to slightly acid, in the range pH6.0-7.0.
Phosphorous is is involved in many aspects of plant growth and encourages flowering and root growth.
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