DisorderMedium Severity

Phosphorus Deficiency

Nutrient disorder

A nutrient disorder affecting trees when phosphorus content in soil is insufficient for proper plant metabolism. Phosphorus normally represents 0.2%-0.8% of plant dry matter and is essential for metabolism, protein formation, and root development. Often associated with poor mycorrhizal activity.

Peak Season: Most apparent during active growing season when phosphorus demand is highest. Young tissues and spring growth show symptoms first.
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Phosphorus deficiency showing characteristic purpling and stunted growth

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Leaves green to dark green with bronze to purple veins and petioles
Lower leaf surfaces develop dull bronze to purple coloration
Foliage sparse, smaller than normal, and distorted
Early leaf drop throughout growing season
Shoots normal length but smaller diameter in severe cases
Purple needles in young conifer seedlings starting at tips
Conifer foliage appears dull-blue or gray-green
Few or no flowers, sparse and small fruit production

Potential Damage

Stunted growth and reduced vigor
Protein formation disruption leading to sugar accumulation
Root development severely impacted
Poor mycorrhizal development reducing nutrient uptake
Reduced flowering and fruit production
Increased susceptibility to environmental stress

Lifecycle

Symptoms develop when soil phosphorus is unavailable to plant roots, often related to soil pH, poor mycorrhizal associations, or soil chemistry that binds phosphorus. Young plants and actively growing tissues show symptoms first.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Apply phosphorus-containing fertilizers like Arborfos to correct deficiency

2

Soil testing to determine phosphorus levels and pH

3

Improve soil pH if necessary to increase phosphorus availability

4

Encourage mycorrhizal development to enhance phosphorus uptake

5

Use slow-release phosphorus fertilizers for long-term correction

6

Professional soil analysis recommended for proper treatment

Recommended Mauget Products

Arborfos

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against phosphorus deficiency.

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Inject-A-Min Iron Zinc

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against phosphorus deficiency.

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