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Writer's pictureJere Folgert

Ten (10) Nutrient Deficiencies Common in Garlic

Updated: Mar 22, 2023





Garlic Plants, like most plants need nutrients to grow and develop. Nutrients are essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen. Nutrients are also necessary for respiration, the process by which plants convert sugar into energy. The nutrients plants need to survive are divided into two groups: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are needed in large amounts, while micronutrients are needed in small amounts.


The macronutrients that plants need are:

  • Carbon

  • Hydrogen

  • Oxygen

  • Nitrogen

  • Phosphorus

  • Potassium

  • Calcium

  • Magnesium

The micronutrients that plants need are:

  • Iron

  • Manganese

  • Zinc

  • Copper

  • Boron

  • Molybdenum

Plants absorb nutrients from the soil through their roots. The nutrients are then transported to the leaves, where they are used in photosynthesis and respiration. If a plant does not have enough of a nutrient, it will show symptoms of nutrient deficiency. Symptoms of nutrient deficiency can include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting.


There are a number of ways to prevent nutrient deficiency in plants. One way is to use a balanced fertilizer. Another way is to test the soil to determine the nutrient content. If the soil is deficient in a nutrient, you can add a fertilizer that contains that nutrient. Nutrients are essential for the growth and development of plants. By providing plants with the nutrients they need, you can help them to be healthy and productive.


Ten (10) nutrient deficiencies that are common in garlic plants include:


  • Nitrogen

  • Sulfur (sulfate)

  • Iron

  • Boron

  • Copper

  • Manganese

  • Zinc

  • Molybdenum

  • Potassium

  • Phosphorus



Nitrogen

Plants absorb nitrogen from the soil through their roots. The nitrogen is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build proteins and chlorophyll. Nitrogen is also necessary for the production of ATP, which is the energy that plants use to power their growth and development. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, but they can only absorb it in the form of nitrate (NO3-). Nitrate is the most common form of nitrogen in the soil, and it is also the form that is most readily absorbed by plants. Once plants have absorbed nitrate, they use it to build proteins and chlorophyll. Proteins are essential for the structure and function of plant cells, and chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, a type of sugar. Glucose is the primary source of energy for plants, and it is also used to build other organic molecules, such as proteins and lipids. Nitrogen is also necessary for the production of ATP. ATP is the molecule that plants use to store and release energy. ATP is used by plants for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Photosynthesis

  • Respiration

  • Cell growth

  • Protein synthesis

  • Carbohydrate storage

Without nitrogen, plants would not be able to grow or reproduce. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for all living things.

Plants can also absorb nitrogen from the air through their roots. This is called nitrogen fixation, and it is done by certain bacteria that live in the soil. These bacteria can convert nitrogen gas (N2) into ammonia (NH3), which is a form of nitrogen that plants can absorb. Nitrogen fixation is important because it provides plants with a source of nitrogen that is not available from the soil. Nitrogen fixation also helps to replenish the soil with nitrogen, which is important for maintaining soil fertility.


Sulphur

Sulfur is a macro-nutrient that is essential for plant growth. It is a component of proteins, amino acids, and vitamins. Sulfur is also necessary for chlorophyll formation, which is essential for photosynthesis. Plants absorb sulfur from the soil through their roots. The sulfur is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build proteins and chlorophyll. Sulfur is also necessary for the production of vitamins. Sulfur is a mobile nutrient, which means that it can move easily from one part of the plant to another. If a plant has more sulfur than it needs, the excess sulfur can be stored in the leaves or the roots. However, if a plant does not have enough sulfur, it will show symptoms of sulfur deficiency.


Sulfate and sulfite are both ions that contain sulfur. Sulfate is the oxidized form of sulfur, while sulfite is the reduced form.

Sulfate is found in soil and water, and is absorbed by plants through their roots. It is then used in a variety of plant processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, and the synthesis of proteins and enzymes. Sulfite is also found in soil and water but is not absorbed by plants in the same way as sulfate. Instead, it is converted into sulfate by plants. Sulfite can also be produced by the breakdown of organic matter, such as decaying plants and animals. Sulfite is a reducing agent, which means that it can donate electrons to other substances. This can be harmful to plants, as it can damage proteins and enzymes. Sulfite can also cause plants to produce hydrogen peroxide, which is a toxic substance. Sulfate is not as harmful to plants as sulfite. However, it can still cause problems if it is present in high concentrations. Sulfate can also cause plants to produce hydrogen peroxide, although this is usually not as severe as the damage caused by sulfite. In general, sulfate is beneficial for plants, while sulfite can be harmful.


Symptoms of sulfur deficiency include:

  • Yellowing leaves

  • Stunted growth

  • Poor fruit production

If you suspect that your plant is sulfur deficient, you can add a sulfur fertilizer to the soil. Sulfur fertilizers are available in a variety of forms, including organic and synthetic fertilizers. When applying sulfur fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Too much sulfur can damage plants. Sulfur is an essential nutrient for plants. It is necessary for their growth and development. Plants absorb sulfur from the soil through their roots. The sulfur is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build proteins and chlorophyll. Sulfur is also necessary for the production of vitamins.

Sulfur is also involved in a number of other important plant processes, including:

  • Photosynthesis

  • Respiration

  • Protein synthesis

  • Cell wall formation

  • Water transport

Without sulfur, plants would not be able to grow or reproduce. Sulfur is an essential nutrient for all living things.

Sulfur is also important for human health. It is a component of many proteins and vitamins that are essential for human health. Sulfur is also necessary for the production of bile, which is a fluid that helps to digest fats. Sulfur is a safe nutrient for humans to consume. However, too much sulfur can cause diarrhea and vomiting.


Iron

Iron is an essential nutrient for plants. It is a component of chlorophyll, which is the pigment that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll is also necessary for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.


Plants absorb iron from the soil through their roots. The iron is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build chlorophyll. Iron is also necessary for the production of ATP, which is the molecule that plants use to store and release energy. Iron is a mobile nutrient, which means that it can move easily from one part of the plant to another. If a plant has more iron than it needs, the excess iron can be stored in the leaves or the roots. However, if a plant does not have enough iron, it will show symptoms of iron deficiency.

Symptoms of iron deficiency include:

  • Yellowing leaves

  • Stunted growth

  • Poor fruit production

If you suspect that your plant is iron deficient, you can add an iron fertilizer to the soil. Iron fertilizers are available in a variety of forms, including organic and synthetic fertilizers. When applying iron fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Too much iron can damage plants. Iron is an essential nutrient for plants. It is necessary for their growth and development. Plants absorb iron from the soil through their roots. The iron is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build chlorophyll. Iron is also necessary for the production of ATP, which is the molecule that plants use to store and release energy.


Iron is also involved in a number of other important plant processes, including:

  • Photosynthesis

  • Respiration

  • Protein synthesis

  • Cell wall formation

  • Water transport

Without iron, plants would not be able to grow or reproduce. Iron is an essential nutrient for all living things.


Iron is also important for human health. It is a component of many proteins and vitamins that are essential for human health. Iron is also necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood.


Iron is a safe nutrient for humans to consume. However, too much iron can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in plants. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Poor soil conditions

  • Over-fertilization with nitrogen

  • Drought

  • High temperatures

  • Diseases

If you suspect that your plant is iron deficient, you can take the following steps to correct the deficiency:

  • Test the soil to determine the iron content.

  • Add an iron fertilizer to the soil.

  • Water the plant regularly.

  • Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer.

  • Protect the plant from diseases and pests.


Boron

Boron is a trace element that is essential for plant growth. It is involved in a number of important plant processes, including:

  • Photosynthesis

  • Respiration

  • Protein synthesis

  • Cell division

  • Cell wall formation

  • Flowering

  • Fruit production

Plants absorb boron from the soil through their roots. The boron is then transported to the leaves, where it is used in a variety of important plant processes.


Boron is a mobile nutrient, which means that it can move easily from one part of the plant to another. If a plant has more boron than it needs, the excess boron can be stored in the leaves or the roots. However, if a plant does not have enough boron, it will show symptoms of boron deficiency.

Symptoms of boron deficiency include:

  • Stunted growth

  • Wilting

  • Yellowing leaves

  • Poor fruit production

  • Death

If you suspect that your plant is boron deficient, you can add a boron fertilizer to the soil. Boron fertilizers are available in a variety of forms, including organic and synthetic fertilizers. When applying boron fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Too much boron can damage plants. Boron is an essential nutrient for plants. It is necessary for their growth and development. Plants absorb boron from the soil through their roots. The boron is then transported to the leaves, where it is used in a variety of important plant processes.


Boron deficiency is a relatively common problem in plants. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Poor soil conditions

  • Over-fertilization with nitrogen

  • Drought

  • High temperatures

  • Diseases

If you suspect that your plant is boron deficient, you can take the following steps to correct the deficiency:

  • Test the soil to determine the boron content.

  • Add a boron fertilizer to the soil.

  • Water the plant regularly.

  • Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer.

  • Protect the plant from diseases and pests.


Copper

Copper is an essential nutrient for plants. It is a component of many enzymes and proteins that are involved in photosynthesis, respiration, and the production of chlorophyll. Copper also helps to regulate the transport of nutrients and water in plants. Plants absorb copper from the soil through their roots. The copper is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build proteins and enzymes. Copper is also necessary for the production of chlorophyll, which is the pigment that gives plants their green color. Copper is a mobile nutrient, which means that it can move easily from one part of the plant to another. If a plant has more copper than it needs, the excess copper can be stored in the leaves or the roots. However, if a plant does not have enough copper, it will show symptoms of copper deficiency.


Symptoms of copper deficiency include:

  • Yellowing leaves

  • Stunted growth

  • Poor fruit production

  • Death

If you suspect that your plant is copper deficient, you can add a copper fertilizer to the soil. Copper fertilizers are available in a variety of forms, including organic and synthetic fertilizers. When applying copper fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Too much copper can damage plants. Copper is an essential nutrient for plants. It is necessary for their growth and development. Plants absorb copper from the soil through their roots. The copper is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build proteins and enzymes. Copper is also necessary for the production of chlorophyll, which is the pigment that gives plants their green color. Copper deficiency is a relatively rare problem in plants. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Poor soil conditions

  • Over-fertilization with nitrogen

  • Drought

  • High temperatures

  • Diseases

If you suspect that your plant is copper deficient, you can take the following steps to correct the deficiency:

  • Test the soil to determine the copper content.

  • Add a copper fertilizer to the soil.

  • Water the plant regularly.

  • Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer.

  • Protect the plant from diseases and pests.


Manganese

Manganese is an essential nutrient for plants. It is involved in a variety of important plant processes, including:

  • Photosynthesis

  • Respiration

  • Protein synthesis

  • Cell division

  • Cell wall formation

  • Flowering

  • Fruit production

Plants absorb manganese from the soil through their roots. The manganese is then transported to the leaves, where it is used in a variety of important plant processes. Manganese is a mobile nutrient, which means that it can move easily from one part of the plant to another. If a plant has more manganese than it needs, the excess manganese can be stored in the leaves or the roots. However, if a plant does not have enough manganese, it will show symptoms of manganese deficiency.

Symptoms of manganese deficiency include:

  • Stunted growth

  • Wilting

  • Yellowing leaves

  • Poor fruit production

  • Death

If you suspect that your plant is manganese deficient, you can add a manganese fertilizer to the soil. Manganese fertilizers are available in a variety of forms, including organic and synthetic fertilizers. When applying manganese fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Too much manganese can damage plants. Manganese is an essential nutrient for plants. It is necessary for their growth and development. Plants absorb manganese from the soil through their roots. The manganese is then transported to the leaves, where it is used in a variety of important plant processes.

Manganese deficiency is a relatively common problem in plants. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Poor soil conditions

  • Over-fertilization with nitrogen

  • Drought

  • High temperatures

  • Diseases

If you suspect that your plant is manganese deficient, you can take the following steps to correct the deficiency:

  • Test the soil to determine the manganese content.

  • Add a manganese fertilizer to the soil.

  • Water the plant regularly.

  • Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer.

  • Protect the plant from diseases and pests.

Here are some additional information about manganese:

  • Manganese is the fourth most abundant element in plants, after carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

  • Manganese is a trace element, which means that plants only need a small amount of it.

  • Manganese is essential for the proper functioning of many plant enzymes.

  • Manganese is also involved in the production of chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color.

  • Manganese deficiency is a relatively common problem in plants.

  • Manganese deficiency can be caused by a number of factors, including poor soil conditions, over-fertilization with nitrogen, drought, and high temperatures.

  • Symptoms of manganese deficiency include stunted growth, wilting, yellowing leaves, poor fruit production, and death.

  • There are a number of ways to correct manganese deficiency in plants, including adding a manganese fertilizer to the soil, watering the plant regularly, fertilizing the plant with a balanced fertilizer, and protecting the plant from diseases and pests.


Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral for plants. It is a component of many enzymes and proteins that are involved in photosynthesis, respiration, and the production of chlorophyll. Zinc also helps to regulate the transport of nutrients and water in plants.

Plants absorb zinc from the soil through their roots. The zinc is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build proteins and enzymes. Zinc is also necessary for the production of chlorophyll, which is the pigment that gives plants their green color.


Zinc is a mobile nutrient, which means that it can move easily from one part of the plant to another. If a plant has more zinc than it needs, the excess zinc can be stored in the leaves or the roots. However, if a plant does not have enough zinc, it will show symptoms of zinc deficiency.

Symptoms of zinc deficiency include:

  • Yellowing leaves

  • Stunted growth

  • Poor fruit production

  • Death

If you suspect that your plant is zinc deficient, you can add a zinc fertilizer to the soil. Zinc fertilizers are available in a variety of forms, including organic and synthetic fertilizers.


When applying zinc fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Too much zinc can damage plants.

Zinc is an essential mineral for plants. It is necessary for their growth and development. Plants absorb zinc from the soil through their roots. The zinc is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build proteins and enzymes. Zinc is also necessary for the production of chlorophyll, which is the pigment that gives plants their green color.


Zinc deficiency is a relatively common problem in plants. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Poor soil conditions

  • Over-fertilization with nitrogen

  • Drought

  • High temperatures

  • Diseases

If you suspect that your plant is zinc deficient, you can take the following steps to correct the deficiency:

  • Test the soil to determine the zinc content.

  • Add a zinc fertilizer to the soil.

  • Water the plant regularly.

  • Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer.

  • Protect the plant from diseases and pests.


Molybdenum

Molybdenum is an essential nutrient for plants. It is a component of many enzymes and proteins that are involved in photosynthesis, respiration, and the production of chlorophyll. Molybdenum also helps to regulate the transport of nutrients and water in plants.


Plants absorb molybdenum from the soil through their roots. The molybdenum is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build proteins and enzymes. Molybdenum is also necessary for the production of chlorophyll, which is the pigment that gives plants their green color.


Molybdenum is a mobile nutrient, which means that it can move easily from one part of the plant to another. If a plant has more molybdenum than it needs, the excess molybdenum can be stored in the leaves or the roots. However, if a plant does not have enough molybdenum, it will show symptoms of molybdenum deficiency.


Symptoms of molybdenum deficiency include:

  • Yellowing leaves

  • Stunted growth

  • Poor fruit production

  • Death

If you suspect that your plant is molybdenum deficient, you can add a molybdenum fertilizer to the soil. Molybdenum fertilizers are available in a variety of forms, including organic and synthetic fertilizers.

When applying molybdenum fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Too much molybdenum can damage plants.


Molybdenum is an essential nutrient for plants. It is necessary for their growth and development. Plants absorb molybdenum from the soil through their roots. The molybdenum is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build proteins and enzymes. Molybdenum is also necessary for the production of chlorophyll, which is the pigment that gives plants their green color.


Molybdenum deficiency is a relatively rare problem in plants. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Poor soil conditions

  • Over-fertilization with nitrogen

  • Drought

  • High temperatures

  • Diseases

If you suspect that your plant is molybdenum deficient, you can take the following steps to correct the deficiency:

  • Test the soil to determine the molybdenum content.

  • Add a molybdenum fertilizer to the soil.

  • Water the plant regularly.

  • Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer.

  • Protect the plant from diseases and pests.

Molybdenum is also an important nutrient for humans. It is involved in a number of important bodily functions, including:

  • Metabolism

  • Energy production

  • Immune system function

  • Fertility

  • Bone health

Molybdenum deficiency is a rare problem in humans. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Poor diet

  • Inherited disorders

  • Certain medications

  • Certain medical conditions

If you suspect that you may be molybdenum deficient, you should consult with your doctor.



Potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral for plants. It is the third most abundant mineral in the plant, after carbon and hydrogen. Potassium is involved in a wide range of plant processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, and protein synthesis.

Plants absorb potassium from the soil through their roots. The potassium is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build proteins and enzymes. Potassium is also necessary for the production of ATP, which is the energy that plants use to power their growth and development.


Potassium is a mobile nutrient, which means that it can move easily from one part of the plant to another. If a plant has more potassium than it needs, the excess potassium can be stored in the leaves or the roots. However, if a plant does not have enough potassium, it will show symptoms of potassium deficiency.

Symptoms of potassium deficiency include:

  • Yellowing leaves

  • Stunted growth

  • Wilting

  • Poor fruit production

If you suspect that your plant is potassium deficient, you can add a potassium fertilizer to the soil. Potassium fertilizers are available in a variety of forms, including organic and synthetic fertilizers.


When applying potassium fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Too much potassium can damage plants.


Potassium is an essential mineral for plants. It is necessary for their growth and development. Plants absorb potassium from the soil through their roots. The potassium is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build proteins and enzymes. Potassium is also necessary for the production of ATP, which is the energy that plants use to power their growth and development.


Potassium is also involved in a number of other important plant processes, including:

  • Photosynthesis

  • Respiration

  • Protein synthesis


Phosphorus

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants. It is a component of many important plant molecules, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that provides energy for all cellular processes. Phosphorus is also a key component of DNA, the genetic material of all living organisms.


Plants absorb phosphorus from the soil through their roots. The phosphorus is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build new plant cells and tissues. Phosphorus is also necessary for photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen.


Phosphorus is a mobile nutrient, which means that it can move easily from one part of the plant to another. If a plant has more phosphorus than it needs, the excess phosphorus can be stored in the roots or the leaves. However, if a plant does not have enough phosphorus, it will show symptoms of phosphorus deficiency.


Phosphorus is the nutrient that promotes bulb growth. It is essential for the formation of cell walls and the storage of energy in the bulb. Phosphorus is also involved in the production of ATP, which is the energy currency of the cell. Phosphorus can be found in a variety of sources, including bone meal, manure, and phosphate rock. It can also be found in some fertilizers.

When applying phosphorus to the soil, it is important to do so in moderation. Too much phosphorus can cause the soil to become acidic, which can harm plants. Phosphorus should be applied to the soil around bulbs in the spring and fall. The phosphorus should be spread evenly over the soil and then watered in. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for bulb growth. By providing phosphorus to bulbs, you can help them to grow strong and healthy.


Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency include:

  • Stunted growth

  • Yellowing leaves

  • Poor fruit production

  • Death

If you suspect that your plant is phosphorus deficient, you can add a phosphorus fertilizer to the soil. Phosphorus fertilizers are available in a variety of forms, including organic and synthetic fertilizers.


When applying phosphorus fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Too much phosphorus can damage plants.


Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants. It is necessary for their growth and development. Plants absorb phosphorus from the soil through their roots. The phosphorus is then transported to the leaves, where it is used to build new plant cells and tissues. Phosphorus is also necessary for photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen.


Phosphorus deficiency is a relatively common problem in plants. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Poor soil conditions

  • Over-fertilization with nitrogen

  • Drought

  • High temperatures

  • Diseases

If you suspect that your plant is phosphorus deficient, you can take the following steps to correct the deficiency:

  • Test the soil to determine the phosphorus content.

  • Add a phosphorus fertilizer to the soil.

  • Water the plant regularly.

  • Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer.

  • Protect the plant from diseases and pests.






Mr. Jere Folgert is the owner of GroEat Garlic Farm in Bozeman, Montana. GroEat Farmis a small, sustainable family farm located in the beautiful Hyalite Foothills, in the shadows of the Gallatin Mountain Range. The hardneck varieties that they grow on their farm flourish, due to the combination of the very cold winters, heavy snowpack, moist spring, temperate summers, and the nutrient-rich and dynamic alluvial soils, washed down from the Gallatin Mountain Range.

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