NUTRIENT_DEFICIENCY Severity: Medium

Manganese Deficiency: How to Identify & Treat Fast

Manganese deficiency is a nutritional disorder that causes interveinal chlorosis in younger leaves, creating a distinctive chequered pattern. Unlike magnesium deficiency which affects older leaves first, manganese deficiency appears in new growth at the top of the plant. It is most common in poorly drained soils, high organic matter conditions, and soils with pH above 6.5.

Spread speed

Medium

Recovery time

21 days

🔍 Symptoms

Main Symptoms

! Interveinal chlorosis with smallest veins remaining green (chequered pattern)
! Yellowing starts in younger leaves at top of plant
! Brown spots may appear on leaf surfaces
! Severely affected leaves turn brown and wither
! Leaf curling in severe cases
! Stunted growth
! Small necrotic spots if deficiency persists

Visual Signs

Interveinal chlorosis on younger leavesChequered or mottled pattern on leavesBrown necrotic spots on leaf surfaceLeaf margins turning brownStunted new growthPale green to yellow coloration between veins

Affected parts: LEAVES

❓ Possible Causes

→ Soil pH above 6.5 (alkaline conditions)
→ Poorly drained or waterlogged soils
→ High organic matter levels
→ Coarse soil texture
→ Cold soil temperatures
→ Excessive phosphorus or iron in soil
→ Sandy soils with low manganese content

💊 Treatment

⚡

Quick Fixes

~11 days

Step 1

Apply manganese sulfate (MnSO4) as foliar spray at 0.5-1% solution

Step 2

Spray early morning or late evening to prevent leaf burn

Step 3

Repeat foliar application every 7-10 days for 3 weeks

Step 4

Apply chelated manganese (Mn-EDTA) to soil around root zone

Step 5

Water thoroughly after soil application

Materials needed:

Manganese sulfateFoliar fertilizer with micronutrientsComplete fertilizer with MnSpray bottle

🌿

Organic Treatment

~21 days

Step 1

Apply organic manganese sources like composted manure or kelp meal to soil

Step 2

Use manganese-rich amendments such as greensand (0.2% Mn) or granite dust

Step 3

Apply organic foliar spray with diluted kelp extract weekly for 3-4 weeks

Step 4

Incorporate well-aged compost with manganese-accumulating plants

Step 5

Adjust soil pH naturally using elemental sulfur if needed (target 5.5-6.5)

Materials needed:

Mature organic compostSeaweed mealWorm castingsLeaf mulchCompost tea

🔬

Expert Treatment

~32 days

Step 1

Conduct comprehensive soil test including pH, drainage assessment, and micronutrient analysis

Step 2

Adjust soil pH to 5.5-6.5 using ammonium sulfate or elemental sulfur if needed

Step 3

Improve soil drainage by incorporating perlite, coarse sand, or installing drainage systems

Step 4

Apply soil manganese sulfate at 5-10 lbs per 1000 sq ft for severe deficiency

Step 5

Supplement with foliar chelated manganese spray (0.5% Mn-EDTA) for immediate relief

Step 6

Implement crop rotation with manganese-efficient plant varieties

Step 7

Monitor soil temperature and ensure adequate warmth for manganese uptake

Step 8

Establish fertilization program balancing nitrogen, phosphorus to prevent antagonistic effects

Step 9

For trees: use trunk injection or Medicaps for large specimens

Step 10

Schedule follow-up soil tests every 6 months to track progress

🛡️ Prevention

✓ Maintain soil pH between 5.5-6.5 for optimal manganese availability
✓ Improve soil drainage to prevent waterlogging
✓ Avoid over-liming soils
✓ Regular soil testing to monitor manganese levels
✓ Use balanced fertilizers containing micronutrients
✓ Improve soil structure with appropriate organic amendments
✓ Monitor younger leaves regularly for early detection

🌿 Common in These Plants

African Milk Tree

Moon Orchid