Foliar analysis : Macro secondary elements

In the foliar analysis reading Secondary macro elements are those that are found in high concentrations in plants but not as high as Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus.

All elements are equally important, although those described below are equally important. present in lower concentrations.

• Calcium (Ca): Calcium is an element with very little mobility in the plant, it is part of the cell wall and is responsible for the movement of other elements within the system. Deficiencies are frequent in soils with low cation exchange, or where all bases are saturated with sodium.
  It is the youngest leaves that show the calcium deficiency. First the leaves turn brownish and if the problem persists the margins which then tend to turn reddish. and become deformed and twisted. The roots tend to clump together and reduce their nutrient uptake potential.

These macro-elements are essential for the development of vegetation, but their concentration is always lower than Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus.

• Magnesium (Mg): Chlorophyll is one of the most important tasks of magnesium in the body. plant metabolism. It allows photosynthesis to be viable, and thanks to it, energy is captured to build sugars.
  Soils with low cation exchange can suffer from magnesium deficiencies. Also soils with High pH retain magnesium and do not allow the roots to absorb it. It is an element that moves easily through the plant; deficient plants move their magnesium to the newer leaves, leaving the older leaves with a yellowish tinge between the veins, and the veins turn a deep dark green. Sometimes the older leaves may turn reddish while maintaining the chlorosis between the veins.

• Sulphur (S): Sulphur contributes, as the nitrogen in the construction of amino acids and in cell plasma.
  Sandy soils such as those found on golf courses and football pitches, or those with low concentrations of organic matter are prone to sulphur deficiencies. The damage shows on the youngest leaves, which show much lighter greens. When the deficiency is sustained over time, the leaves become dry at the edges and tips and eventually curl up.

The initial symptoms of sulphur deficiency resemble those of nitrogen deficiency.

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