Back to the blog

Plant nutrition

Nutrient deficiencies: what to check before applying a corrective product

A yellow leaf is a signal, not a diagnosis. Organising observations before deciding on a nutrient application.

PFS · Agricultural knowledge

Colour changes, reduced growth or deformation can guide an investigation, but they do not automatically identify a fertiliser to use. The first question is whether nutrients are lacking or whether the crop has difficulty accessing them.

Observe where the problem starts. Record whether it affects young or old leaves, appears between veins or along margins, and occurs throughout the field or only in certain areas. Nutrient mobility within the plant influences the location of symptoms; these patterns are clues to interpret alongside the crop and its growth stage.

Also examine the root environment. pH, water and soil conditions influence nutrient availability. Comparing healthy and affected plants and reviewing management helps determine which analyses and observations are needed.

When plant tissue analysis is needed, ask the laboratory for sampling instructions for the specific crop. The organ, leaf age and sampling time matter; do not interpret an isolated value without the report criteria and field context.

Once the problem is identified, check the composition, application method and doses of the chosen formulation. The aim is not to apply more as a precaution, but to address a confirmed need and then review crop development.

General information. Product and dose selection requires crop diagnosis and documentation for the specific formulation.