In summary, any mineral deficiency will result in poor plant growth.

It may be difficult for

inexperienced botanists/ horticulturists to appreciate the subtle differences between one kind of poor
growth and the next. Overall productivity is a simple measure of growth. You could also measure the
total height (or length) of a plant leaf or stem (radish/ barley), and note the colour, and the pattern of
loss of colour. Several deficiencies result in death of leaf tissue so you may also notice different
patterns of damage to the leaves. It is worth identifying veins and leaf margins and noting any
changes in those areas.
Calcium deficiency shows in soft, dead, necrotic tissue at rapidly growing areas such as on fruits,
the tips of leaves and the heart of crops such as celery. If the margins of the leaves grow more
slowly, the leaf tends to cup downwards. Calcium deficiency also leaves plants with a greater
tendency to wilt than non-stressed plants.
Iron deficiency shows in strong chlorosis at the base of leaves leading to completely bleached
leaves. Bleached areas may develop necrotic spots.

Nitrogen deficiency results in generally poor growth short, spindly plants and general chlorosis
(lack of chlorophyll). Plants show more tendency to wilt under water stress and to die more quickly.
Young leaves at the growing point may still be green but will be small. Other leaves may lack colour
entirely. In some plants, the underside of the leaves, and petioles and midribs may develop a purple
colour.
Phosphorus deficiency produces dwarfed or stunted plants perhaps with some necrotic spots on
the leaves. They grow more slowly than similar plants not lacking phosphorus.
Sulfur deficiency shows in an overall chlorosis with veins and petioles gaining a reddish colouration.
This includes young leaves. Leaves may be twisted and brittle.
Magnesium is an essential part of the chlorophyll molecule. Plants deficient in magnesium
frequently show interveinal chlorosis (a lack of chlorophyll).
Potassium deficiency shows first in marginal chlorosis (loss of colour at the tips of the leaves). As
this progresses, the leaves may curl and crinkle. Potassium is required for formation of healthy
flowers and fruit beyond the timescale of this investigation.