Seeing that a lot of topics seem to be dealing with nutrient deficiency I waned to share this with you guys. Nitrogen: Small, stunted plants with very large root systems; leaves smaller and lighter in colour than normal; slow growth. Paleness will start at the tips of the lower leaves. If this deficiency continues, the foliage will continue to develop, but stems will be spindly, sappy and soft, flowering will be delayed, small fruit will grow and the plant will be more susceptible to disease. Phosphorus: Stunted plants with dark, dull and sometimes discoloured leaves, unusually hard stems, poor root system, and very little branching. Attacks lower, more mature leaves first. Occurs especially when nitrogen level is low. Potassium: In early stages, yellowing and curling of older leaves. Newer leaves will begin to droop. Older leaves then become blotchy and scorched. Flowers are lackluster, and stems are soft. The plant will be more susceptible to diseases such as mildew and rust. Calcium: Underdeveloped roots are the first to be affected. Younger leaves will be immobile and their edges will curl. Plants will be stunted and have dark, crinkly leaves. (See blossom end rot. Chapter 13.) Magnesium: Symptoms do not appear until the deficiency is well established. The plant will be stunted. Leaf veins will stay green while the remainder of the leaf turns yellow. Brown spots will appear and then the plant will dry out. Flowers will be slow to develop, if at all. Flowers that do grow will be lackluster. Iron: Tips of new leaves will become either pale or yellow, and this will spread inward. The leaf will likely turn blotchy from a lack of green pigment, eventually turning brown and drying out. Manganese: Poor blooming, weak growth. Leaves may turn yellow or blotchy. Boron: Brittle stems, and immobile new leaves with brown tips. Zinc: Growth will be stunted.