Nitrogen deficiency-Potatoes

Change crop

Nutrients

Potatoes - Chlorosis

Symptoms
Plants (right) are stunted and leaves show a uniform chlorotic pale green / yellow coloration

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency. Sulfur deficiency, root parasites (eg PCN), deep drilling of tubers, nightfrosts, water shortage or heavy metal toxicity can cause similar symptoms.

Potatoes - Chlorosis

Symptoms
Leaves (right) are stunted and leaves show a uniform chlorotic pale green/yellow colouration

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency. Sulfur deficiency, root parasites (eg PCN), deep drilling of tubers, nightfrosts, water shortage or heavy metal toxicity can cause similar symptoms.

Potatoes - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Plants on the left side show uniform pale green leaves and stunted growth. Older leaves usually affected first and these then turn yellow and shed early.

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency. Sulfur deficiency, root parasites (eg PCN), deep drilling of tubers, nightfrosts, water shortage or heavy metal toxicity can cause similar symptoms. Often seen as patches due to poor fertiliser application or soil type

Potatoes - Growth retardation

Symptoms
When nitrogen is deficient, potato leaves are a pale yellowgreen, small in size and drop prematurely. The plant is stunted in growth with only a few thin stems. Yields are low as few tubers are formed.

Reasons
Nitrogen deficiency (right). N is largely needed during leaf formation and then for tuber growth and yield. The right rate and timing of N is important in managing potato yields, tuber size and desired quality characteristics. Sulfur deficiency, root parasites (e.g. PCN), deep drilling of tubers, nightfrosts, water shortage or heavy metal toxicity can cause similar symptoms.