Deficiency symptoms of various macro and micro nutrients |
Symptoms of nutrient deficiency are
common to fruit farmers. However, multiple nutrition disorders can occur
simultaneously which makes it complicated for farmers to diagnose production
problems. To determine the nutrients that are deficient in the soil, farmers should have their soil analysed by
experts. Protein is an important element required by living
organisms for growth and development. One of the elements present in proteins
is Nitrogen, which is a component of chlorophyll, DNA, RNA, amino acids,
alkaloids, and enzymes. In fruit farming, various nutrients play an important
role in enhancing the growth and quality of fruits. Commercial fruit farming is
being embraced in various parts of the country due to its high returns. Watermelon,
for instance, is a fruit with a short maturity period, high yields, high
demand, and ready market. The fruit is composed of 92% water, making watermelon
a suitable fruit when it is hot.
The goal of every fruit farmer is to
produce high-quality fruits that satisfy the consumers. For instance, melon
consumers look for quality fruits with firm flesh which means that quality and
firmness are paramount.
The quality of fruits is determined by
the availability of nutrients. During the establishment, vegetative growth,
flowering, and fruit development stage, balanced fertilizer and manure
application. The availability of all the nutrients helps in producing firm and
tasty fruits. These nutrients also boost the strength and elasticity of the
fruits and hence a longer shelf life.
Fruit Firmness
Some important nutrients that help in
improving fruit firmness include:
1. Calcium
During the early growth stage, a lot of
calcium is required to enhance leaf production. Although a small percentage of
calcium is found in the fruit, calcium should be maintained at 15% to minimize
fruit cracking and maintain quality firmness. High levels of calcium help in
thickening the cell walls and, therefore, a firm and high-quality fruit.
2. Magnesium
Magnesium is an important nutrient for
enhancing chlorophyll in plants. It stabilizes cell membranes and enables the
metabolism and movement of carbohydrates. Chlorosis is a common symptom of
magnesium deficiency whereby the leaves to turn from green to yellow. If the
magnesium deficiency prolongs, necrosis develops between the veins making the
leaves of the fruit trees to curl downwards. If the deficiency continues, the
leaves fall off, the plant weakens and eventually dies. This is common in
citrus trees. However, magnesium should be applied at a balanced rate with potassium,
ammonium, and calcium to enhance the firmness of the fruits.
Fruit Quality
1. Nitrogen
Nitrogen plays an important role in
enhancing the taste and sugar content of the fruits. However, excessive
application of nitrogen results in rots and rind blemishes.
2. Phosphorus
Phosphorus enhances flower formation,
root growth, and fruit setting. It provides energy to the plants required for
photosynthesis and respiration in form of ATP. Also, it helps the plants to
produce thicker skins.
3. Potassium
Potassium helps in increasing the sugar
content of the fruit at harvest. It enables the activation of enzymes for the
production of sugars and proteins. It also helps in maintaining the turgidity of
cells hence making photosynthesis efficient. In strawberry, potassium increases
the acid and sugar content, making the berries tastier. Potassium regulates
transpiration (the opening and closing of stomata) and enhances the
translocation of nitrates.
4. Manganese
Manganese promotes photosynthesis in
plants. It facilitates the formation of radicals during water splitting. The
biochemical process happens when manganese contributes to the necessary
electrons. Manganese deficiency can be facilitated by environmental factors
such as extremely hot weather, ozonated water used for irrigation, and
poisonous gases from motor vehicles.
5. Zinc
Zinc plays an essential role in
promoting protein synthesis, optimal fruit set, and fruit quality. It enhances
the growth of shoots and roots of plants. Deficiency of zinc results to reduced
fruit size, fruit number, and decreased yields. Also, it results to necrosis,
and venal chlorosis. The availability of zinc is reduced by bicarbonates and
high pH. Zinc foliar fertilizers are more effective compared to soil
fertilizers.
6. Boron
Boron is required in plants for auxin
activity, cell division, the formation of cell walls, xylem differentiation,
the formation of apical meristem, metabolism of nucleic acid, and inhibition of
callose formation. It also enhances reproduction and pollination and counters
the harmful effects of aluminium.
Since the nutrients play different
roles, proper fertilization should be ensured. For instance, farmers should
apply nitrogen-based fertilizers to enhance the leaf colour, fruit quality, and
to increase the nitrogen content in the soil. Farmers should also use
fertilizers rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, zinc, and boron to
maintain steady growth and high-quality fruits.
If you enjoyed this post about important soil nutrients every fruit farmer should know and would love to see more, join us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter!
Comments
Post a Comment