Iron deficiency (plant disorder)

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chlorotic leaves

Iron deficiency in plants, also known as chlorosis, is a condition characterized by a lack of iron in the plant tissue, leading to a variety of growth problems and visible symptoms. Iron is a crucial micronutrient for plants, involved in the synthesis of chlorophyll, and thus is essential for photosynthesis. This article provides an overview of iron deficiency in plants, its causes, symptoms, and management strategies.

Causes

Iron deficiency in plants can be attributed to several factors, including:

• High pH levels: Soils with high pH levels (alkaline soils) can reduce iron availability because iron becomes insoluble and, therefore, inaccessible to plants.
• Poor drainage: Waterlogged soils can also lead to reduced iron uptake due to the lack of oxygen.
• High levels of competing elements: High concentrations of other minerals such as manganese, zinc, or phosphorus in the soil can compete with iron, hindering its absorption.
• Low soil iron levels: Naturally low levels of iron in the soil can lead to deficiency in plants.

Symptoms

Iron deficiency in plants is primarily manifested as chlorosis, which is the yellowing of leaf tissue due to a lack of chlorophyll. Symptoms include:

• Yellowing between the veins of young leaves while the veins themselves remain green, known as interveinal chlorosis.
• In severe cases, the affected leaves may become white or develop necrotic spots.
• Reduced growth and stunting of the plant.
• Poor yield and fruit production in fruit-bearing plants.

Management

Management and correction of iron deficiency involve addressing the underlying causes and providing iron in an accessible form to the affected plants:

• Soil pH adjustment: Lowering the soil pH can help make iron more soluble and available to plants. This can be achieved by adding sulfur or sulfates to the soil.
• Iron chelates application: Applying iron in the form of chelates can be an effective way to provide iron directly to the plants. Iron chelates are more soluble and can be absorbed by the plant even in higher pH soils.
• Foliar sprays: Applying iron directly to the leaves through foliar sprays can temporarily alleviate symptoms of deficiency.
• Improving drainage: Ensuring proper drainage can help prevent waterlogging and improve oxygen availability in the root zone, enhancing iron uptake.

Prevention

Preventive measures include regular soil testing to monitor pH and nutrient levels, applying appropriate fertilizers based on soil test results, and selecting plant varieties known to be less susceptible to iron deficiency.