Nitrogen deficiency

Constraint - Nitrogen 

Plant use

• Nitrogen is a macronutrient

• Nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids, which are essential building blocks of proteins, enzymes, and chlorophyll

• As such, it is needed for all growth processes and is integral to the correct functioning of all cells

Symptoms 

• Stunted growth

• Yellowing of leaves, with older leaves affected first

• In severe cases, most or all leaf growth is affected

•  Low protein content of crop

Damage

• Yield penalty can be severe

• In extreme cases without treatment, the plant may die

Management

A soil test or a plant tissue test should be used to confirm nitrogen deficiency. Nitrogenous fertilisers, as well as the use of leguminous green/brown manure crops and animal excreta can increase soil nitrogen content. Maintaining soil pH above 5.5 will increase the amount of soil N available for plant use.

 

 

 

 

 

Links and Resources

DEPI VIC - A Nutrient Review of Nitrogen in Wheat 23 page PDF. Extensive literature review of Nitrogen. 'Nitrogen as a nutrient for wheat in the Southern Region'. Written 2013. File size: 691kb

DEPI VIC - What nutrients do plants require 6.3.1 Plant uses of N, as well as deficiency symptoms and the N cycle. Page last updated 2013. File size: 691kb

DPI NSW - Growing eight tonnes a hectare of irrigated wheat in southern NSW Page 4 of a 12 page PDF. Information on nitrogen pre sowing and at sowing. Published 2006. File size: 691kb

SARDI - Nutrition Management in Broadacre Cropping 5 page PDF. Information on macronutrients, micronutrients, and deficiency symptoms and management of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc, copper, and managanese. File size: 691kb