Which nutrient deficiencies can affect fruit trees and vines?

In fruit farming, fruit trees and vines require essential nutrients to remain healthy. When these elements are unavailable in the soil, plants suffer from deficiency diseases, which can lead to stunted growth, leaf malformation, abnormal coloration, and reduced fruit production.1

Essential Nutrient Deficiencies

• Macronutrients: Supplemental nitrogen is almost always required for fruit crops. While potassium supplements are sometimes necessary, phosphorus deficiency is rare in woody fruit plants. Calcium deficiency may be more common than typically realized, and inadequate magnesium has been observed across a wide range of fruit species.2
• Micronutrients: Zinc, iron, and boron are the trace elements most likely to be deficient. Deficiencies in copper, manganese, and molybdenum are also reported in specific regions.2

Influencing Factors

Nutrient availability is heavily influenced by soil pH. For example, high soil alkalinity can make iron deficiency difficult to manage in orchards. Additionally, environmental factors like irregular water supply can inhibit the uptake of nutrients, such as calcium, even when they are present in the soil.21