When to Use Liquid Iron for Plants?
- Iron chlorosis can result from soil that has a high-pH factor or is deemed alkaline. An alkaline environment makes obtaining iron difficult for plants. Utah State University explains soil with a pH between 7.2 and 8.3 is alkaline and may produce plants with iron chlorosis. Testing the soil pH if you suspect iron chlorosis may be one way to make the diagnosis. Soil that becomes excessively wet or contains high concentrations of other elements such as phosphorous or zinc, will also contribute to this condition. Symptoms of iron chlorosis include yellow leaves, white leaves with green veins and scorching. A plant with iron chlorosis will generate new growth that yellows at the tips.
- The key indicator of iron deficiency in plants is yellowing leaves. Lynn Rawe with the Texas Cooperative Extension says that yellowing is also a sign of nitrogen problems. One way to distinguish the two conditions is by examining where the yellow leaves grow. Nitrogen deficiency affects old growth, so yellowing will appear near the bottom of the plant. Iron deficiency hinders new growth. This means that yellowing will be on the tips of leaves near the top where budding occurs.
- Some areas are prone to this problem. Utah, for example, tends to have soil that is arid and contains lime or calcium carbonate. This makes soil in this area naturally alkaline. If you suspect iron deficiency in your plants, explore the natural habitat of your area to see if iron deficiency is a common problem. A local nursery or store may be able to advise you. In situations where iron is known to be lacking, treatments may be preventative, and one way to eliminate the problem before it occurs.
- For severe cases of iron deficiency, use a spray-on iron product or foliar spray. Do this as soon as you notice the yellowing leaves or when the soil tests high for pH. Use a liquid chelated iron product for a chronic problem. Add this to the water source for the plants. According to Colorado State University, midseason may not work well when considering chelated iron. Treat the plants at the beginning of the growing season. Follow the directions of the product for proper dosage.
