Symptoms of phosphate deficiencies in crop growth are reflective of phosphate’s important role in the building blocks of nature. If phosphate is lacking, cell development will be hindered. While severe cases of deficiencies can be observed, mild deficiencies often go unnoticed, resulting in lost yield or quality.
The most common phosphate deficiency symptoms in all crops include:
- Slow stunted growth and a darker green coloration of leaves - which is the most significant symptom
- Delayed maturity
- Reddish-purple to pinkish color (not common symptomexcept in corn & in some grasses. Purple leaves can be an indication of Group two herbicide damage)
- Older leaves suffer first ( as P is mobile witin the plant)
- Reduced root development and tillering in cereals
Rarely do crops outgrow a phosphate deficiency. Usually symptoms persist, delaying maturity.
