Iron deficiency (plant disorder)

Iron (Fe) deficiency is a plant disorder also known as ‘lime-induced chlorosis’. A deficiency in the soil is rare. Iron can be unavailable if pH is too high or if the soil is waterlogged, or has been overfertilised with phosphorus. Can be confused with manganese deficiency.

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Any plants may be affected, but raspberries and pears are particularly susceptible, as well as most acid-loving plants such as azaleas and camellias.

Symptoms include leaves turning yellow or brown in the margins between the veins which may remain green, while young leaves may appear to be bleached. Fruit is of poor quality and quantity.

Iron deficiency can be avoided by choosing appropriate soil for the growing conditions (e.g., avoid growing acid loving plants on lime soils), or by adding well-rotted manure or compost.

Iron deficiency can be caused by acidic conditions.