Deformed terminal buds, usually coupled with failure of the terminal bud to grow. Reduced root growth. Some plants turn black, or show dead spots in leaf midribs. Becomes fixed as an unavailable form in acid, peaty soils. Can be easily confused with N deficiency.
Leaves get thick, curl, become brittle.
Terminal buds die, leaves chlorotic, stunted growth. Youngest leaves die. Yellowing or light green leaves, and interveinal chlorosis. Grass leaves develop alternate stripes of green and yellow. Iron is unavailable in alkaline soils.