Nitrogen Deficiency
 Nitrogen deficiency can be caused by several factors. Any soil can lack available nitrogen but the deficiency is most common in light soils low on organic matter when and where rainfall is heavy. Cold weather especially early in the season can cause a temporary shortage of nitrogen. Adding wood shaving or other woody material to the soil can cause “nitrogen robbery” where soil organisms are mopping up any available nitrogen to help them break down the woody material. Susceptible Plants - All vegetables except nitrogen fixing legumes, apples, plums, currants, and many other plants. Symptoms- Typical symptoms are yellowing of the foliage and restricted growth. Fruits are of poor quality, pale in color and constricted at the distal (blossom) end. Shoot growth is restricted. Plants grow poorly, leaves turn pale green and in some cases, such as brassicas with yellow, red, or purplish tints. Lower leaves show symptoms first. Flowering or fruiting may be reduced or delayed.
Prevention and Control - Test the soil components. Having your soil tested is important to confirm nitrogen and other nutrient deficiencies as well. Determine what type of plants have nitrogen deficiency because this will determine the course of treatment. Be sure to follow the treatment plan for the type of plants affected. Integrate organic nitrogen-rich fertilizer such as McGeary Organic Fertilizer 8-1-1
Build up organic levels in the soil. Grow a green manure such as winter rye, over winter to reduce leaching of nitrogen from the soil. Grow nitrogen fixing green manures such as common vetch. Apply composted green waste and animal manures Mulch plants with grass clippings. Soil Perfector From Espoma Improve Soil Structure- An important but often overlooked problem causing nitrogen and other mineral deficiencies is poor soil structure. Most soils today lack earthworms and microbes,which are key to building and maintaining soil structure. Earthworms are nature's soil aerators. Live Earthworms
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