Nutrients

N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
Ca Calcium
S Sulphur
B Boron
Cu Copper
Fe Iron
Mn Manganese
Mo Molybdenum

Cauliflower - Necrosis

Symptoms
Leaf margins turn yellow to light brown, later dark brown. With ongoing deficiency the margin weathers and curls up. Leaves are less waxy.

Reasons
Potassium deficiency on leaves. (photo: broccoli)

Cauliflower - Deformation

Symptoms
Potassium deficient white cauliflower shows light brown or white necrosis on the edges. Margins wither and curl up. Leaves are less waxy. With ongoing deficiency necrosis progresses from the margins to the middle of the leaflets.

Reasons
Severe Potassium deficiency on leaves. (photo: cabbage)

Cauliflower - Necrosis

Symptoms
Leaf margins turn yellow to light brown, later dark brown. With ongoing deficiency the margin weathers and curls up. Leaves are less waxy.

Reasons
Potassium deficiency on young plant

Potassium deficiency made worse by

  • Acidic soils (low pH)
  • Sandy or light soils (leaching)
  • Drought conditions
  • High rainfall (leaching)
  • or heavy irrigation
  • Heavy clay (illite) soils
  • Soils with low K reserves
  • Magnesium rich soils

Potassium is important for

  • Resistance to cold injury and drought
  • High yields through increased biomass and head weight
  • Consistent, early and evenly matured marketable crop