Calcium Helps to keep in balance the growth of the plant. Necessary for the development of the cell walls and strength in the plant. Calcium deficiency causes plants to have weak stems and to topple over, somewhat like an attack of seedling diseases, deficiency symptoms are hard to spot in the field. Magnesium This is one of the most important elements in the manufacture of chlorophyll. It also helps to move starch and phosphorus about in the plants. Magnesium shortage causes cotton leaves to turn purplish red, except that their veins remain green. The bottom leaves are affected first and drop off later in the growing season. Sulphur Sulphur also assists in the synthesis of chlorophyl and in making protein. Sulphur and nitrogen deficiencies look something alike. If yellowing symptoms shown up and you thing your nitrogen supply is adequate, chances are there for the plant for lacking Sulphur. Iron Iron is often present in the soil, but generally in an unavailable form. It is used in making chlorophyll and when lacking causes chlorosis of the leaves. Boron Cotton requires boron in relatively large amounts as compared with other plants. This element and calcium do some of the same jobs. Scientists say that it is very important to maintain the right proportion of boron and calcium in the soil. A plant deficient in boron will be dwarfed, buds will die and the young leaves will turn yellowish green. In extreme cases boron deficiency causes squares to shed. Alkaline soils are most likely to be lacking in available boron. Manganese Evidently manganese plays a big part in some of the complex nutrient processes that are necessary for plant growth. Manganese deficiency cause leaves to turn reddish grey, except that the veins remain green. Too much available manganese will cause a disease known as crinkle leaf. Zinc The production of chlorophyll is aided by zinc. When it is lacking, the plant will develop a chlorotic or mottle-leaf condition. Alkaline soils are more likely to be lacking in available zinc. Copper Apparently this element is needed only to a limited extent in cotton to help balance plant growth. Alkaline soils are likely to be lacking in available copper. Molybdenum This is a newcomer to the list of necessary trace elements. Scientists do not know much about it, except that when it is lacking, plants tend to turn pale. It seems to be necessary for nitrogen utilization.

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