House & Garden Growers Journal 2017 May 2017 | Page 46

IDENTIFYING PLANT
DEFICIENCIES
HEALTHY PLANTS = HEALTHIER YIELDS
Horticultural crops can be grown with a variety of different nutritional sources but the quality, quantity and
residual contaminants of the end harvest will be drastically influenced. With the proper nutrient formula and the
right conditions crops can be cultivated to reach their true genetic potential.
Fruiting crops require the non-mineral nutrients Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen to manufacture energy and
develop. Carbon from the air is secured via photosynthesis and Hydrogen atoms are sourced almost totally from
water. The oxygen in the atmosphere is used in respiration and other plant processes. The rest of the elements
(mineral nutrients) are absorbed from the growing medium and nutrient solution. These supplemental nutrients
in the form of fertiliser fulfil the complete needs of the plant to ensure it develops naturally.
Nutrients are classified into 2 main categories: Macronutrients (primary nutrients) and Micronutrients (Trace
elements) depending on the ratio of how much of each compound the plant requires. Liebig’s ‘law of minimums’
states that there are 16 essential elements required for the complete plant growth. Organic additives and
biostimulants interact with bacterial life to influence the uptake and distribution of these elements.
Nutrients are also classified into mobile, semi-mobile or immobile depending on their ability to translocate from
one part of the plant to another as needed. Mobile nutrients show symptoms on older, lower leaves first as the
compound is drawn to the younger leaves.
Once you understand the way the plant interacts with it’s nutrient and the growing medium, it’s much easier to
diagnose and remedy any potential issues.
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