Nutrient deficiency in turfgrass is indicated by which symptoms?

Nutrient deficiency in turfgrass is indicated by which symptoms?

• A. Yellowing and stunting of areas or all turf, with chlorosis caused by nitrogen or iron deficiency
• B. Purple leaf tips
• C. Excessive leaf curling
• D. Uniform deep green color

Answer: (A)

Nutrient deficiency signs in turfgrass show up as yellowing (chlorosis) and stunted growth because the plant can’t properly synthesize chlorophyll or support normal growth without essential nutrients. Nitrogen is a key component of chlorophyll, so a lack of nitrogen leads to yellowing of the turf and slower, stunted growth. Iron is also crucial for chlorophyll production, and its deficiency causes chlorosis too, often with yellowing tissue while the veins stay relatively green, further reducing turf vigor. The option that describes yellowing and stunting with chlorosis caused by nitrogen or iron deficiency matches these classic signs, making it the best choice. The other options describe symptoms more typical of stress or other issues—purple leaf tips can indicate phosphorus imbalance or stress, excessive leaf curling points to environmental stress like drought or heat, and a uniform deep green color suggests healthy nutrition rather than a deficiency.

Nutrient deficiency signs in turfgrass show up as yellowing (chlorosis) and stunted growth because the plant can’t properly synthesize chlorophyll or support normal growth without essential nutrients. Nitrogen is a key component of chlorophyll, so a lack of nitrogen leads to yellowing of the turf and slower, stunted growth. Iron is also crucial for chlorophyll production, and its deficiency causes chlorosis too, often with yellowing tissue while the veins stay relatively green, further reducing turf vigor. The option that describes yellowing and stunting with chlorosis caused by nitrogen or iron deficiency matches these classic signs, making it the best choice. The other options describe symptoms more typical of stress or other issues—purple leaf tips can indicate phosphorus imbalance or stress, excessive leaf curling points to environmental stress like drought or heat, and a uniform deep green color suggests healthy nutrition rather than a deficiency.