Vegetables are generally more economically efficient crops, which is why many farmers tend to apply excessive amounts of organic and chemical fertilizers in an effort to increase yields. However, this overuse often leads to an accumulation of nutrients in the soil, causing physiological disorders in vegetables—especially in greenhouse environments. These issues can significantly impact crop quality and productivity, prompting most farmers to adopt more scientific fertilization practices.
Here are some common physiological problems observed in various vegetables due to improper fertilizer application:
**1. Cucumber**
- **Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between veins):** Excessive phosphate fertilizer can cause zinc deficiency.
- **Yellowing and whitening between veins:** Too much potassium can lead to magnesium deficiency.
- **White veins with green leaf margins:** Over-application of phosphate fertilizer may result in magnesium deficiency.
- **Brown edges along the veins:** This is often caused by excessive phosphate leading to potassium deficiency.
**2. Tomato**
- **Striped grooves or cracks on the stem:** Excess nitrogen can reduce calcium and boron uptake.
- **Necrosis and darkening at the fruit base:** High temperatures, dry conditions, and overuse of nitrogen or potassium can interfere with calcium absorption.
- **Green area around the bract:** Excessive nitrogen and dry weather can lead to potassium deficiency.
- **Poor fruit coloration and dark brown spots:** Caused by nutrient imbalances and poor drainage.
**3. Eggplant**
- **Corky and split sepals:** Excess nitrogen can hinder calcium absorption.
- **Sunken and hardened top of the fruit:** Too much nitrogen affects water uptake.
- **Brown spots on lower leaves or branches:** Often due to manganese toxicity from poor drainage.
**4. Pepper**
- **Dark and soft areas at the flower base:** Excessive calcium or potassium combined with high temperatures can cause calcium deficiency.
**5. Cabbage**
- **Brown and rotting inside the head:** Excess nitrogen can lead to calcium deficiency.
- **Brown and rotted leaf margins:** Again, caused by excess nitrogen and high temperatures.
**6. Chinese Cabbage**
- **Brown and rotting parts of the plant:** Due to excessive nitrogen causing calcium deficiency.
- **Brown leaf margins during early growth:** Linked to nitrogen overload and high temperature.
- **Black spots on the main veins:** Caused by insufficient sunlight and nitrate toxicity.
- **Squid-like appearance on veins and petioles:** Result of excessive calcium and high soil pH, leading to boron deficiency.
**7. Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood)**
- **Brown and necrotic growing tip:** Often due to excess phosphate and dry conditions, leading to calcium deficiency.
**8. Celery**
- **Brown and rotting heart:** Caused by calcium deficiency due to excessive nitrogen or potassium.
**9. Spinach**
- **Dark green leaves turning brown:** Excess phosphorus can inhibit fertility.
- **Yellowing between veins:** High soil pH can cause manganese deficiency, especially after rain.
- **Yellowing of new leaf edges:** Excess manganese can lead to iron deficiency.
**10. Radish**
- **Dark purple middle leaves with brown veins:** Indicates phosphorus imbalance.
- **Dark brown center of the root turning pale yellow:** Caused by high soil pH and excess calcium, leading to boron deficiency.
**11. Watermelon**
- **Small dark spots on leaves near the fruit-setting area:** Excessive potassium can cause magnesium deficiency.
- **Long vines with thick upper stems:** Often a result of excessive nitrogen application.
These symptoms highlight the importance of balanced fertilization and proper soil management to ensure healthy vegetable growth and optimal yields. Farmers are increasingly adopting scientific methods to monitor soil nutrients and avoid over-fertilization, which not only improves crop health but also reduces environmental impact.
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