In alkaline soils, which deficiency occurs?

In alkaline soils, which deficiency occurs?

• A. Iron chlorosis
• B. Nitrogen deficiency
• C. Potassium deficiency
• D. Magnesium deficiency

Answer: (A)

Alkaline soils reduce iron availability, so plants can’t take up enough iron even when there’s some in the soil. Iron is essential for chlorophyll production, and when it’s deficient the leaves turn yellow while the green veins remain, a pattern called iron chlorosis. This is the classic deficiency linked to high pH soils. Nitrogen deficiency causes general yellowing and poor growth not tied specifically to pH, while potassium and magnesium deficiencies have other characteristic symptoms and aren’t as directly connected to alkaline conditions.

Alkaline soils reduce iron availability, so plants can’t take up enough iron even when there’s some in the soil. Iron is essential for chlorophyll production, and when it’s deficient the leaves turn yellow while the green veins remain, a pattern called iron chlorosis. This is the classic deficiency linked to high pH soils. Nitrogen deficiency causes general yellowing and poor growth not tied specifically to pH, while potassium and magnesium deficiencies have other characteristic symptoms and aren’t as directly connected to alkaline conditions.