yellow leaves nutrient deficiency on Tomato
Quick answer
If your Tomato has yellow leaves nutrient deficiency, the most likely cause is: Soil pH outside 6.5-7.5 range causes nutrient lockout — even when nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are present in the soil, they become chemically unavailable to plant roots. Acidic soil (pH < 6.5) causes aluminium and manganese toxicity while binding calcium and magnesium. Alkaline soil (pH > 7.5) precipitates iron, zinc, and phosphorus into insoluble compounds that roots cannot absorb.
Start here:
- 1. 1. Insert pH probe into moist soil, wait 60 seconds — record reading
- 2. 2. If below 6.5: apply agricultural lime at 50g per square meter, rake into top 2 inches, water lightly
Why Tomato gets yellow leaves nutrient deficiency
Soil pH outside 6.5-7.5 range causes nutrient lockout — even when nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are present in the soil, they become chemically unavailable to plant roots. Acidic soil (pH < 6.5) causes aluminium and manganese toxicity while binding calcium and magnesium. Alkaline soil (pH > 7.5) precipitates iron, zinc, and phosphorus into insoluble compounds that roots cannot absorb.
How to reverse yellow leaves nutrient deficiency on Tomato
- 1
1. Insert pH probe into moist soil, wait 60 seconds — record reading
- 2
2. If below 6.5: apply agricultural lime at 50g per square meter, rake into top 2 inches, water lightly
- 3
3. If above 7.5: apply elemental sulfur at 30g per square meter OR add 2-inch layer of composted pine needles
- 4
4. Wait 2-3 weeks for pH to stabilize, then retest with fresh reading
- 5
5. Add trace minerals: 1-2 handfuls rock dust per 3 sq ft (1m2) each season
Keep yellow leaves nutrient deficiency off this Tomato
Test soil pH before each planting season using a $10 kit. Apply agricultural lime (50g/m2) if pH is below 6.5, or elemental sulfur (30g/m2) if above 7.5. Retest 2-3 weeks after amendments. Maintain 6.5-7.5 range through annual organic matter addition.