How to handle nitrogen and iron deficiency in lilies? Nutrient management methods

Symptoms: The mesophyll tissue between the veins of young leaves turns yellow-green, especially in fast-growing plants. The greater the iron deficiency, the yellower the leaves become. Cause: Iron deficiency is most likely in calcium-rich soil (high pH), silty soil and soil with excessive water. If the soil temperature is too low, iron deficiency can also occur. Iron deficiency is caused by the plant lacking absorbable iron. If the yellowing is only slight, it can recover to normal by the harvest period. Lily groups and varieties sensitive to iron deficiency include Oriental hybrids and Lilium longiflorum (Easter lily) hybrids. Control methods: Ensure the soil drains well and the pH is low. A good root system will greatly reduce the occurrence of iron deficiency. According to the crop's sensitivity to iron deficiency, apply additional chelated iron before planting in soil with a pH above 6.5, and apply a second time after planting according to the crop's color. If the plant color is still unsatisfactory, apply once more after about two weeks. The amount of chelated iron applied depends on the soil pH and the timing of application. Excessive application will cause black spots on the leaves. The application dose before planting is 2 to 3 grams per sq m (fully incorporated into the soil). After planting, the maximum dose is 2 grams per sq m. Chelated iron can be applied through the irrigation system, or mixed with dry sand and broadcast. To prevent leaf scorch, apply chelated iron to moist crops in the evening when the weather is dull, and it must be rinsed off completely after application. When applying chelated iron to new cultivars, an application trial should first be carried out. Symptoms: Nitrogen deficiency causes the plant's leaf color to become lighter; when the soil nitrogen content is low, the plant stems are light, there are few flower buds, and the leaves turn yellow quickly when held in a vase. Control methods: Apply sufficient nitrogen fertilizer, preferably based on the results of soil analysis. If nitrogen deficiency is diagnosed during cultivation, apply a quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer as a supplement. When fertilizing, be careful to avoid leaf scorch, and ensure the crop is rinsed completely after application.