Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium deficiency
Tom Zabadal , MSU Horticulture

A deficiency of magnesium appears first on the basal leaves of shoots as a yellowing between the veins. Some of the affected leaves will maintain a halo of green on their margins, which confirms this nutritional deficiency. Symptoms progress to dead blotches on the leaves, which may be a rusty-red. These symptoms are often associated with high levels of potassium (possibly from fertilization) in acid soils. Applying dolomitic lime and/or magnesium foliar sprays may be a remedy. Leaf petiole analysis can confirm this deficiency.


Early symptoms: green leaf margins with yellow between the veins. Photos: T. Zabadal	Advanced stage: yellow between the veins interspersed with brown or often rust-colored areas. Photos: T. Zabadal

Additional information

Sampling information from MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory

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Updated 11/27/07 Contact: J.N. Landis.