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Nutrient Deficiencies
Hydroponics Lab #1 Activity
(continued)
Nutrient Deficiency Index
*The deficiencies in this lab are either of the following:
Iron is an immobile nutrient. Iron can present unique problems, as certain plants are iron hungry or naturally iron deficient. Like
magnesium, iron deficiency creates interveinal chlorosis that keeps color in the leaf-veins while stealing color out of the leaf. Basil
and kale are particularly susceptible to iron deficiency.
Calcium deficiency is an incredibly common problem in hydroponics. Calcium is an immobile nutrient that commonly shows
necrosis (crispy leaf tissue) on the tips of new-growth leaves. Unfortunately, tip-burn is an unrelated but common problem that
occurs due to nutrient fluid overload/overfeeding and can easily disguise or be mistaken for calcium nutrient deficiency. The
difference is where tip-burn is consistent around the edges of a leaf, calcium deficiency is splotchy and inconsistent. Because
calcium is so immobile, plants rely upon air circulation and flow to properly move calcium around the plant.
Chlorine deficiency can result in a patchy-like chlorosis, portraying distinct boundaries between living and dead tissue. Chlorine
deficiencies also include leaf tip wilting and stunted growth. This deficiency will progress if the deficiency is not corrected,
exhibiting curling, bronzing, chlorosis and necrosis.
