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Magnesium is used as building block by every single plant. A building block for cell walls, ensuring firmness. A building block for chloroplasts, which is essential in the process of photosynthesis. And lastly, a building block for several enzymes. 

Plants with a magnesium deficiency are often found in soil or substrate with a (too) low pH value. The nutrient magnesium easily washes out due to a low pH value, leading to an unavailability of magnesium. Don’t forget the pH value in the root environment, since it has an effect on the precipitation or washing out of the nutrient. Moreover, close attention should be paid to the humidity in the plant’s roots. This is another factor that could possibly obstruct the plant’s optimal intake of magnesium. 

Also, despites the fact of enough magnesium being available to the plant, a shortage of magnesium can be caused by an excess amount of other nutrients. Nutrients such as potassium, ammonium and nitrogen. Therefore, it is crucial to put together the fertilizer scheme carefully.  

When the shortage of magnesium is somehow limited, not too much damage or symptoms are seen on the outside of the plant. It is not likely to directly affect the plant’s flowering. However, the biggest risk of magnesium deficiency in plants is described as getting more clear once the plant has grown. At first, symptoms can be recognized in the older leafs, but when the deficiency worsens, symptoms will expand to the young leafs. The tissue in between the nerves of the young leafs could become necrotic. 

A magnesium deficiency affects the plant’s assimilation, which is the ‘breathing’ of the plant. The opening and closing of the stomata and the humidity within the plant are regulated by this continuous assimilation process.
Imbalance can be created by a deficiency in the plant. Due to this imbalance, a more vulnerable plant is formed, which could possibly lead to a higher risk and susceptibility for viruses and diseases. Worst case scenario, the shortage of magnesium could lead to a decrease in yield.

A plant shows various symptoms when magnesium deficiency occurs, including: 

• Light yellow discoloration in the nerves of the young leafs. The edges of the leafs remain green
• (Rust) brown stains on the leafs

Pay attention to: A magnesium deficiency can be confused with the symptoms of a starting iron deficiency

A magnesium deficiency is unwanted by everyone. What is the best way to prevent this shortage? Below, a few tips are provided by our fertilizer specialists.

• Ensure a good root environment (irrigation and pH value)
• Pay attention to the amount of potassium, ammonium and/or calcium in the crop

Another measure that can be taken in order to prevent a shortage of magnesium, is making use of a magnesium chelate. 

There is a low risk for the magnesium concentration being too high. However this is not impossible. When too much magnesium is added to the plant, the intake of calcium is obstructed.

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