The plant requires seventeen essential nutrients for their optimum growth and development. When a plant needs a certain nutrient element, it shows deficiency symptoms or hunger signs. These symptoms are nutrient specific and show different patterns in different crops for different essential nutrients. Secondary nutrients (sulfur, calcium and magnesium) are necessary as well. Micronutrients are required in small amounts for the proper functioning of plant metabolism. The absolute or relative absence of any of these nutrients can hamper plant growth; alternatively, too high a concentration can be toxic to the plant or to humans. Visual clues of plant nutrient deficient symptoms can alert farmers and other service providers on the type of nutrient deficiencies in soil. If identified early enough, corrective measures can be taken during the growing season to correct the negative impact of such deficiencies.
Shaon Kumar Das*
ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim - 737102, INDIA
R.K. Avasthe
Ashish Yadav
Das, S.K., Avasthe, R.K., Yadav, A., 2017. Secondary and micronutrients: Deficiency symptoms and management in organic farming. Innovative Farming 2(4), 209-211.
Dobermann, A. and T. Fairhurst. 2000. Rice. Nutrient disorders & nutrient management. Handbook series. Potash & Phosphate Institute (PPI), Potash & Phosphate Institute of Canada (PPIC) and International Rice Research Institute. p.191.
Das, S.K., R.K. Avasthe and R. Gopi. 2014. Vermiwash: use in organic agriculture for improved crop production. Popular Kheti, 2: 45–46.
Das, S.K. and R.K. Avasthe. 2015. Biochar as carbon negative in carbon credit under changing climate. Current Science, 109: 1223.
Rao, K.V. 2009. Site–Specific Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Rice Production and Growth. http://www.rkmp.co.in
Das, S.K. 2014. Role of Micronutrient in Rice Cultivation and Management Strategy in Organic Agriculture—A Reappraisal. Agricultural Sciences, 5: 765–769.
Das, S.K., R.K. Avasthe, R. Singh and S. Babu. 2014. Biochar as carbon negative in carbon credit under changing climate. Current Science, 107: 1090–1091.
Das, S.K. 2013. Integrated Nutrient Management Using Only Through Organic Sources of Nutrients. Popular Kheti, 1(4): 126.