Nitrogen deficiency vs. healthy plant made worse by

  • Low or high pH soils
  • Sandy or light soils (leaching
  • ) Low organic matter
  • Drought conditions
  • High rainfall (leaching) or heavy irrigation
  • Addition or high levels of non-decomposed organic matter/manure (eg straw)
  • Fast growing crops

Nitrogen is important for

  • Component of enzymes, vitamins, chlorophyll and other cell constituents
  • Essential for crop growth, development and high yields
  • Necessary for carotene synthesis and therefore also for root colour