Many plant nutrient deficiencies are caused by the lack of sufficient numbers of appropriate soil microbes. These microbes perform vital and irreplaceable functions in nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization and phosphorus assimilation, potassium solubilization, calcium transport, zinc transport, manganese transport, the sulfur cycle, and more.
This guide is intended to be a roadmap that connects specific plant nutrient deficiencies with soil microbe function deficiencies.
To begin the process of improving soil microbe function, soil microbial testing is recommended. Please contact Custom Biologicals for specific recommendation.
To use this guide simply click on the crop of interest and investigate each plant nutrient deficiencies
There are 5 major plant nutrient Deficiencies in Corn that can be improved by the use of beneficial microbes.
Nitrogen. Nitrogen is a vital macronutrient for corn that helps plants reach their genetic yield potential:
What it does – N is a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It’s also essential for chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that’s necessary for photosynthesis.
Key Process performed by microbes. Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric Nitrogen (N2) into a more bioavailable form of nitrogen like ammonia. Microbes are integral to the nitrogen cycle.
2. Phosphorus. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for corn.
What it does. Phosphorus is needed for cell division, energy conversion (ADP to ATP), and DNA and RNA.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize phosphorus and can assimilate phosphorus making it available to the plant.
3. Potassium. Potassium is absorbed in large quantities by corn plants.
What it does. Potassium helps increase disease resistance and water stress tolerance.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize potassium and make it available to the plant.
4. Sulfur – is one of 18 essential nutrients that are required for plant growth.
What it does. Sulfur plays a key role in protein synthesis, photosynthesis, chlorophyll formation, and nitrogen fixation.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes convert various forms of sulfur into sulfate, the readily usable form of sulfur for plants.
5. Zinc. Zinc is essential for corn growth and yield.
What it does. Zinc plays a key role in chlorophyll production, cell elongation, and carbohydrate metabolism, which affects early ear development.
Key Process performed by microbes – Microbes convert insoluble forms of zinc in the soil into soluble forms that the plant can readily absorb.
There are 6 major nutrient deficiencies in soybeans that can be improved by the use of beneficial microbes.
1.Phosphorus. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for soybeans. Phosphorus deficiencies in soy beans leads to growth retardation and sparse foliage.
What it does. Phosphorus is needed for cell division, energy conversion (ADP to ATP), and DNA and RNA.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize phosphorus and can assimilate phosphorus making it available to the plant.
2.Nitrogen. Nitrogen is a vital macronutrient for soybeans that helps plants reach their genetic yield potential. Nitrogen deficient soybeans will be shorter and have reduced pods compared to healthier plants.
What it does – Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It’s also essential for chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that’s necessary for photosynthesis.
Key Process performed by microbes. Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric Nitrogen (N2) into a more bioavailable form of nitrogen like ammonia. Microbes are integral to the nitrogen cycle.
3.Zinc. Zinc is essential for soybean growth and yield. Zinc deficient soybeans show chlorotic interveinal areas on younger leaves.
What it does. Zinc plays a key role in chlorophyll production, cell elongation, and carbohydrate metabolism, which affects early ear development.
Key Process performed by microbes – Microbes convert insoluble forms of zinc in the soil into soluble forms that the plant can readily absorb.
4.Potassium. Potassium is absorbed in large quantities by soybean plants. Yellowing of leaf margins can occur when soybean plants cannot extract enough potassium from the surface soil.
What it does. Potassium helps increase disease resistance and water stress tolerance.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize potassium and make it available to the plant.
5.Magnesium. Magnesium is essential for soybeans. Soybeans that are deficient in magnesium show light green to yellow chlorosis of interveinal tissues.
What it does. Magnesium is a central component of chlorophyll. Magnesium acts as a phosphorus carrier in plants.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes are essential in the magnesium transport cycle that makes magnesium available to the plant.
6.Iron. Iron is essential in soybeans. Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (CDC) of soybeans can result in substantial yield loss.
What it does. Iron is a component of photosynthesis, utilized in enzymes and proteins, DNA synthesis, and chloroplast structure.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes are essential mobilize iron in the soil making iron available to the plant.
There are 4 major nutrient Deficiencies in Wheat that can be improved by the use of beneficial microbes.
1.Nitrogen. Nitrogen is the most common nutrient deficiency for wheat and can cause reduced grain yield.
What it does – Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It’s also essential for chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that’s necessary for photosynthesis.
Key Process performed by microbes. Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric Nitrogen (N2) into a more bioavailable form of nitrogen like ammonia. Microbes are integral to the nitrogen cycle.
2. Potassium. Potassium is absorbed in large quantities by wheat plants. Potassium deficiency in wheat causes bright yellow chlorosis and brown margins
What it does. Potassium helps increase disease resistance and water stress tolerance.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize potassium and make it available to the plant.
3. Sulfur – is one of 18 essential nutrients that are required for plant growth. Sulphur deficiency in wheat causes yellow plants and uniformly yellow leaves.
What it does. Sulfur plays a key role in protein synthesis, photosynthesis, chlorophyll formation, and nitrogen fixation.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes convert various forms of sulfur into sulfate, the readily usable form of sulfur for plants.
4. Iron. Iron is essential in wheat. Wheat can be iron deficient in alkaline soils.
What it does. Iron is a component of photosynthesis, utilized in enzymes and proteins, DNA synthesis, and chloroplast structure.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes are essential mobilize iron in the soil making iron available to the plant.
There are 7 major nutrient deficiencies in Tree Fruit that can be improved using beneficial soil microbials.
1.Iron. Iron is essential in fruit trees. Leaves of iron deficient are yellow with a fine network of green veins.
What it does. Iron is a component of photosynthesis, utilized in enzymes and proteins, DNA synthesis, and chloroplast structure.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes are essential to mobilize iron in the soil making iron available to the tree fruit plant.
2.Manganese. Manganese is essential in tree fruit production. Manganese deficiency occurs in alkaline soils.
What it does. Manganese is involved in many plant processes including photosynthesis, enzyme activation and lignin synthesis.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes are involved in the manganese transport system that makes manganese available to the plant.
3.Zinc. Zinc is essential for tree fruit. Zinc deficiency can stunt growth, reduce yields, and minimize reproductive sites.
What it does. Zinc plays a key role in chlorophyll production, cell elongation, and carbohydrate metabolism, which affects early ear development.
Key Process performed by microbes – Microbes convert insoluble forms of zinc in the soil into soluble forms that the plant can readily absorb.
4.Potassium. Potassium is an essential nutrient for fruit trees and plays a vital role in the health of the tree and the quality of its fruit.
What it does. Potassium helps increase disease resistance and water stress tolerance.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize potassium and make it available to the plant.
5.Magnesium. Magnesium is essential for tree fruit. Magnesium deficiency in tree fruit can cause small fruit, premature fruit drop, and early ripening.
What it does. Magnesium is a central component of chlorophyll. Magnesium acts as a phosphorus carrier in plants.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes are essential in the magnesium transport cycle that makes magnesium available to the plant.
6.Nitrogen. Nitrogen deficiency in tree fruit can cause smaller leaves, shorter shoots, and restrict growth.
What it does – Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It’s also essential for chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that’s necessary for photosynthesis.
Key Process performed by microbes. Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric Nitrogen (N2) into a more bioavailable form of nitrogen like ammonia. Microbes are integral to the nitrogen cycle.
7. Sulfur – is one of 18 essential nutrients that are required for plant growth. Sulphur deficiency in tree fruit causes reduced crop yield, lower quality produce, and increased susceptibility to pests and disease.
What it does. Sulfur plays a key role in protein synthesis, photosynthesis, chlorophyll formation, and nitrogen fixation.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes convert various forms of sulfur into sulfate, the readily usable form of sulfur for plants.
There are 4 major nutrient deficiencies in Alfalfa that can be improved with the use of microbials.
1.Phosphorus. Phosphorus is one of the most common plant nutrient deficiencies in Alfalfa. Affected plants will have reduce growth with small yields.
What it does. Phosphorus is needed for cell division, energy conversion (ADP to ATP), and DNA and RNA.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize phosphorus and can assimilate phosphorus making it available to the plant.
2.Nitrogen. Nitrogen deficiency in alfalfa can result in small, yellow plants mixed with normal green plants.
What it does – Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It’s also essential for chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that’s necessary for photosynthesis.
Key Process performed by microbes. Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric Nitrogen (N2) into a more bioavailable form of nitrogen like ammonia. Microbes are integral to the nitrogen cycle.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize phosphorus and can assimilate phosphorus making it available to the plant.
3. Potassium. Potassium is absorbed in large quantities by alfalfa plants. Potassium deficiency in wheat causes bright yellow chlorosis and brown margins
What it does. Potassium helps increase disease resistance and water stress tolerance.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize potassium and make it available to the plant.
4. Sulfur – is one of 18 essential nutrients that are required for plant growth. Sulphur deficiency in wheat causes yellow plants and uniformly yellow leaves.
What it does. Sulfur plays a key role in protein synthesis, photosynthesis, chlorophyll formation, and nitrogen fixation.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes convert various forms of sulfur into sulfate, the readily usable form of sulfur for plants.
There are 4 major nutrient deficiencies in sod that can be improved with the use of microbials.
1. Potassium. Potassium is a key nutrient for sod. Deficiencies can occur under high rainfall or leaching conditions.
What it does. Potassium helps increase disease resistance and water stress tolerance.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize potassium and make it available to the plant.
2. Sulfur – is one of 18 essential nutrients that are required for plant growth. Sulphur deficiency in sod are identical to nitrogen. Tissue analysis can differentiate the two problems.
What it does. Sulfur plays a key role in protein synthesis, photosynthesis, chlorophyll formation, and nitrogen fixation.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes convert various forms of sulfur into sulfate, the readily usable form of sulfur for plants.
3.Phosphorus. Phosphorus deficiency in sod can cause reddish brown almost black, leaves.
What it does. Phosphorus is needed for cell division, energy conversion (ADP to ATP), and DNA and RNA.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize phosphorus and can assimilate phosphorus making it available to the plant.
4.Nitrogen. Nitrogen deficiency in sod is associated with sandy soils, heavy rainfall or excessive irrigation.
What it does – Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It’s also essential for chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that’s necessary for photosynthesis.
Key Process performed by microbes. Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric Nitrogen (N2) into a more bioavailable form of nitrogen like ammonia. Microbes are integral to the nitrogen cycle.
Fruiting vegetables have 3 common nutrient deficiencies that can be corrected using soil microbials.
1.Nitrogen. Nitrogen is a vital macronutrient for fruiting vegetables that helps plants reach their genetic yield potential. Nitrogen deficient plants may have stunted growth.
What it does – N is a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It’s also essential for chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that’s necessary for photosynthesis.
Key Process performed by microbes. Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric Nitrogen (N2) into a more bioavailable form of nitrogen like ammonia. Microbes are integral to the nitrogen cycle.
2.Potassium. Potassium is an essential nutrient for fruiting vegetables. Potassium deficient plants leaves may turn yellow and curl at the edges.
What it does. Potassium helps increase disease resistance and water stress tolerance.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes solubilize potassium and make it available to the plant.
3.Magnesium. Magnesium is essential for fruiting vegetables to thrive.
What it does. Magnesium is a central component of chlorophyll. Magnesium acts as a phosphorus carrier in plants.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes are essential in the magnesium transport cycle that makes magnesium available to the plant.
There are 3 common plant nutrient deficiencies that affect berries that can be remedied by using microbes.
1.Nitrogen. Nitrogen is a vital macronutrient for berries that helps plants reach their genetic yield potential. Nitrogen deficiencies in berries can cause light green or yellowing leaves.
What it does – N is a key component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It’s also essential for chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that’s necessary for photosynthesis.
Key Process performed by microbes. Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric Nitrogen (N2) into a more bioavailable form of nitrogen like ammonia. Microbes are integral to the nitrogen cycle.
2.Magnesium. Magnesium is essential for berries to thrive. Magnesium deficiencies in berries causes interveinal reddening that starts as yellowing.
What it does. Magnesium is a central component of chlorophyll. Magnesium acts as a phosphorus carrier in plants.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes are essential in the magnesium transport cycle that makes magnesium available to the plant.
3.Iron. Iron is essential in berries.
What it does. Iron is a component of photosynthesis, utilized in enzymes and proteins, DNA synthesis, and chloroplast structure.
Key Process performed by microbes. Microbes are essential mobilize iron in the soil making iron available to the plant.