What are typical visual symptoms of nitrogen deficiency in leaves?

• A. Dark green overgrowth
• B. General chlorosis (yellowing) starting with older leaves and stunted growth.
• C. Thick, glossy leaves
• D. Increased leaf size without color change

Answer: (B)

Nitrogen is essential for chlorophyll production and overall leaf growth. When a plant doesn’t have enough nitrogen, it can’t maintain chlorophyll, so the leaves start to look pale because they’re losing their green color. Because nitrogen is mobile inside the plant, it’s moved from older leaves to support new growth, so the yellowing appears first on the older leaves. As the deficiency continues, the plant’s growth slows and becomes stunted, giving an overall look of weak, pale vegetation. This combination—chlorosis starting in the older leaves and reduced growth—best fits nitrogen deficiency.

Other patterns described don’t align with how nitrogen deficiency typically presents. Dark green overgrowth would suggest excess nitrogen or very fertile conditions, not a deficiency. Thick, glossy leaves aren’t the classic sign of nitrogen shortage, and increased leaf size without color change wouldn’t reflect the chlorosis caused by low nitrogen.