Nutrient Deficiencies Nutrient Deficiencies N utrient deficiency or toxicity stresses small grains and can appear similar to herbicide injury. Nutrient deficiency symptoms are similar for spring wheat and barley. Copper Copper deficiency in spring wheat and barley occurs in high organic soils. Although copper is required in minute quantities to activate plant enzymes, the lack of the element in relation to other metal ions can affect yields. Copper deficiency symptoms in small grains develop on the youngest leaves and generally appear on younger plants instead of more mature ones.
Leaves appear light green and become dry at the tips.
In addition to leaf tips dying, severe copper deficiencies lead to leaves that become shriveled, twisted, and broken and eventually to the death of the plant. Roots of affected plants are stunted and are excessively branched. Copper deficiency in mature small grain plants can cause bleached heads, poor fill, and occasional partial head emergence. See photo 37. 37 Copper deficiency in small grains is generally seen as a light green color in plants with leaf tips turning brown.