# Diagnosing Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms in Maize

Ajeet Kumar, C.K. Jha, Shiva Pujan Singh, Kumari Sunita

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Ajeet Kumar, C.K. Jha, Shiva Pujan Singh, Kumari Sunita. Diagnosing Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms in Maize. 2021, pp.466-468. hal-04935029

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Submitted on 7 Feb 2025

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# Diagnosing Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms in Maize

Article ID: 11161

Ajeet Kumar<fnref n="1" />, C. K. Jha<fnref n="1" />, Shiva Pujan Singh<fnref n="2" />, Kumari Sunita<fnref n="3" />

## Abstract

Nutrient has an important effect on crop nutrition. It is important to find a correct balance between macronutrients and micronutrients for maize crop. Nutrients in the soil are taken up by the roots of the plant after which they are translocated within the plant reaching the stems and leaves. Decreased water availability in the soil reduces the movement of the nutrients and when this is the case, plant growth is hampered.

## Nitrogen (N)

Plants suffering from nitrogen tend to show stunted growth. The leaves turn a pale green. The oldest leaves show yellow discolouration and necrosis starting at the tip of the leaf. Low or high pH soils make the problem worsen. N is important for lush green growth. It contributes towards yield & grain quality. Maize plant requires nitrogen and phosphorous soon after germination to stimulate the growth of stems, leaves and ear. The majority of nitrogen is needed during the growth.

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Nitrogen is important for lush green growth of the maize which significantly contributes towards yields and better grain quality. A maize plant requires both nitrogen and phosphorous soon after germination to stimulate the overall growth of plant structures. The majority of nitrogen is needed during the period of maximum growth which is the month prior to tasselling and silking.

## Phosphorous (P)

Young plants suffering from a deficiency in phosphorous are stunted and thin with dark green leaves. Leaf margins, veins and stems show tinges of purple which may even spread across the whole blade of the leaf. This reddish discolouration is usually visible mainly in the juvenile stage of the plant's life.

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Acidic and very alkaline soils worsen the plants as do cold and wet conditions. Crops with poorly developed root systems struggle without enough phosphorous so it is very important to get the levels right to ensure good early plant development which will contribute towards even maturing and reduced grain losses at harvest.

<footnote n="1">¹Assistant Professor-cum- Scientist; Department of Soil Science, Sugarcane Research Institute, DRPCAU, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar, India.</footnote>

<footnote n="2">²Department of Agricultural Economics, SRI, DRPCAU, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar.</footnote>

<footnote n="3">³SMS (Home Science), KVK, Madhopur, West Champaran, Bihar.</footnote>
## Potassium (K)

The cobs of plants which have been deficient in potassium are noticeably narrowed or peaks and the grain on the tips of the cobs will have been poorly filled. The problem is worsened by acidic soils and sandy and light soils which leach very easily and quickly. Drought conditions and high rainfall or heavy irrigation are equally problematic when the balances of potassium are not correct. Potassium is important for healthy green foliage and ensures optimal root growth thus contributing towards increased yields.

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## Magnesium (Mg)

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency are seen in the leaf which shows red and purple tints and have a streaky appearance. It often occurs after extended periods of cold and wet and in soils which are too acidic or sandy. Magnesium contributes towards healthy plant development and improves yield. It can also help with the maturation process of the plant and thus bring forward the date of harvest.

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## Calcium (Ca)

Calcium shortages become evident early on in the growing season and are seen on young leaves which exhibit a light green colour or even whitish spots or streaky lesions and can even be hooked back. Calcium is important for healthy foliage and contributes to improved quality of grain and increased yields.

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## Sulphur (S)

The maize plant seems stunted with quite a straight up, erect appearance when sulphur is deficient. It is worsening in acidic soils as well as sandy soils. It is also exacerbated by soils with low levels of organic matter or if the soils are poorly aerated or waterlogged. S contributes to green foliage and healthy growth of the maize plant and contributes to an effective uptake of nitrogen by the crop.

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## Boron (B)

B deficient plants become stunted and either yellow or white spots develop on leaves with brown waxy raised streaks as the extent of deficiency develops. It is worsening in sandy and alkaline soils and also in soils with low organic matter. This will happen under high levels of nitrogen or calcium. Periods of drought also worsen the problem. B is particularly important for cob and kernel development.
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## Zinc (Zn)

Zinc deficiencies seen in the leaves of the maize which has pale yellow zones, start at the base of the leaves and run up the sides of the midrib while the leaf margin, tip and the midrib stay green. Symptoms generally show on older leaves, growth of internode is reduced and the plants stunted. Zinc is important for plant development and improves yield as well as speeds up the maturation of the plant to bring the harvest forward. Micro-nutrients play an important role in the life cycle of maize. Therefore, apply the fertilisers according to the recommendations.

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## Conclusion

Symptoms of nutrient deficiency include stunted growth, death of plant tissue, or yellowing of the leaves caused by a reduced production of chlorophyll, a pigment needed for photosynthesis. Nutrient deficiency has a significant impact on production potential of maize, resulting in reduced crop yield. It is advantageous to diagnose deficiency symptoms. The correct diagnosis of nutritional deficiencies is an important aspect in maintaining optimum plant growth. The recognition of these symptoms allows growers to “fine tune” their nutritional regime as well as minimizes stress conditions within plants.