Bell pepper Nutrient Deficiency: Signs, Causes and the Fertilizer That Fixes It
Bell pepper nutrient deficiency is one of the first things to check when the leaves of your atsal (bell pepper) turn yellow, purple or burnt at the edges. On Philippine farms the usual ones are nitrogen, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron and manganese. This guide shows where each one starts, how to be sure, and the fertilizer that fixes it.
Start with one question: did the change begin on the old leaves or on the young ones? Nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium move inside the plant, so a shortage shows on the old, lower leaves first. But calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron and manganese stay where the plant first put them, so the young leaves and the growing tip show it first. After that, the color and the pattern narrow down which bell pepper nutrient deficiency you have, and a soil test confirms it. Each one below has its signs, its causes and its fix.
Bell pepper nutrient deficiency signs, old leaves and young leaves
Shows first on the old leaves
| Nutrient | Where it starts | What you see | Fix with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | old, lower leaves, the whole plant | Lower leaves yellow and fall early, and the whole plant looks pale and small. | Urea 46 0 0, Ammonium sulfate 21 0 0 |
| Potassium | old, lower leaves, leaf edges and tips | Dark green leaves droop and wilt, with small sunken whitish spots and burnt edges. | Muriate of potash 0 0 60, Sulfate of potash 0 0 50 |
| Phosphorus | old, lower leaves, the whole plant | Small, wilting plants with mottled leaves and short, narrow fruits. | Ammonium phosphate 16 20 0, Complete 14 14 14 |
| Magnesium | old, lower leaves, between the veins | Older leaves go pale between the veins while a green band stays along each main vein. | Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), Dolomite |
Shows first on the young leaves
| Nutrient | Where it starts | What you see | Fix with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium | fruit, grain or tubers, young leaves and the tip | Large sunken, water soaked patches near the bottom of the fruit that turn black and leathery. | Calcium nitrate, Agricultural lime |
| Sulfur | young leaves and the tip, the whole plant | The youngest top leaves look evenly pale from a distance, with short jointed stems. | Ammonium sulfate 21 0 0, Sulfate of potash 0 0 50 |
| Zinc | young leaves and the tip, the whole plant | Short, stunted plants with small leaves crowded on short stems. | Zinc sulfate |
| Iron | young leaves and the tip, between the veins | Newest leaves at the tip turn yellow green between dark green veins. | Ferrous sulfate, Iron chelate |
| Manganese | young leaves and the tip, between the veins | Young leaves go pale between the veins while even the small veins stay dark green. | Manganese sulfate |
Before you buy fertilizer for a bell pepper nutrient deficiency
So use the table to pick the likeliest bell pepper nutrient deficiency, then read its section below. Also keep in mind that dry soil, standing water, cold nights, a pest or a disease can look the same. That is why it pays to check the roots and the whole field first.
Nitrogen deficiency in bell pepper
Growth is badly held back. Lower leaves turn yellow and die early, and the rest of the leaves stay small and pale yellow green. Fewer fruits set and fruit size drops. You see it most at this stage: from transplanting through fruiting.
Why nitrogen deficiency happens in atsal
Sandy or light soils, heavy rain or irrigation, low organic matter, and raw straw or manure that ties up nitrogen.
How to tell it apart
Sulfur shortage starts on the youngest leaves at the top. Magnesium shortage keeps the main veins green on older leaves. To be sure, bottom leaves yellow first. Confirm with a soil test and leaf tissue test.
What to apply for nitrogen deficiency
Side dress urea or ammonium sulfate based on the soil test, in split doses. For a quick green up, give a urea spray at 10 grams per liter of water (160 grams in a 16 liter sprayer) every 15 days for chilli, which is the same species. Side dress 5 to 10 grams of Urea 46 0 0 a plant, about 1 to 2 bags per hectare, every two to three weeks from flowering, and water it in.
- Urea 46 0 0
- Ammonium sulfate 21 0 0
- Calcium nitrate
- Complete 14 14 14
Sold here with nitrogen: Atlas Granular Urea (46 0 0) by Atlas Fertilizer, Crown Champion Ammonium Sulfate by Aqua Hydroponic Prime Ventures (21 0 0 with 24 percent sulfur), Agripower 46 0 0 (Locally Blended) Coated by Green Acres Agri Tech and Amigo Planters Sabic Zinc Coated Urea by La Filipina (46 0 0 with 0.1 percent zinc). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to urea fertilizer, and the page on nitrogen deficiency in every crop. In anee.io, Anee, the smart farm technician, reads a photo of the leaf and tells you which nutrient is short.
To keep it away, add compost to the beds and split nitrogen through the season.
Calcium deficiency in bell pepper
Big, sunken, wet looking spots appear at the bottom (blossom) end of the fruit. They start soft, then dry, harden and turn black, and mould may grow on them. Several spots can form on one fruit, and on young fruit the whole end may rot and the fruit drop. Upper leaves may yellow between the veins with dark brown dead spots on the edges of the youngest leaves. You see it most at this stage: early fruit growth. It can appear suddenly and spread over a field in hot dry weather.
Why calcium deficiency happens in atsal
Too little calcium reaching the fruit, usually because of uneven watering or dry soil. Acid sandy soils, salty soil, high nitrogen or potassium, and large fruits raise the risk.
How to tell it apart
Sunscald makes pale, papery patches on the side facing the sun. Bacterial soft rot is wet and smelly from the start. To be sure, spots at the blossom end of young fruit after dry spells. Then a soil test for calcium and pH.
What to apply for calcium deficiency
Keep the soil evenly moist and mulch. On acid soil, try lime at about 250 kg per hectare when pH is 5.5 to 6, or about 840 kg per hectare in two doses when pH is 3.5 to 4.5. Gypsum on soil that is not acid. Remove damaged fruits. Lime 2 to 4 weeks before planting. Calcium sprays go on young fruit from fruit set.
- Calcium nitrate
- Agricultural lime
- Dolomite
- Gypsum
Sold here with calcium: Micronized Activated Calcite by CMCS Agricultural Products (37.6 percent calcium), Dolomite by A6 Agrisource (24 percent calcium and 11 percent magnesium), Titon Pro by Vast Agro (27.2 percent calcium, 6.1 percent silicon and 3.6 percent magnesium) and Crown Champion Nitrogen Calcium Compound (Cal Nit) by Aqua Hydroponic Prime Ventures (15 0 0 with 18 percent calcium). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to fertilizer for tomatoes, and the page on calcium deficiency in every crop.
To keep it away, lime acid soil before planting, water on a steady schedule, use calcium nitrate as part of the nitrogen, and avoid heavy ammonium fertilizer. Test the soil every two or three years. Keep potash in balance with magnesium and calcium.
Potassium deficiency in bell pepper
Plants are short with small leaves that bend down and look limp and wilted while staying dark green. Leaf edges and the areas between veins yellow, and small sunken, sometimes whitish spots form on the edges. On older leaves these turn into dead patches that join until the leaf looks scorched. You see it most at this stage: fruiting.
Why potassium deficiency happens in atsal
Sandy or acid soils, heavy rain or irrigation that leaches potassium, drought, and soils high in magnesium.
How to tell it apart
Wilting from root disease or dry soil comes without the spotting and edge burn. Magnesium shortage yellows between the veins without wilting. To be sure, soil test for potassium and a leaf tissue test.
What to apply for potassium deficiency
Apply muriate of potash or sulfate of potash based on the soil test, in split doses. For immediate relief, give a morning spray of sulfate of potash at 10 grams per liter of water (160 grams in a 16 liter sprayer) with a sticker for chilli, the same species. A usual dose is 1 to 2 bags of Muriate of potash 0 0 60 or Sulfate of potash 0 0 50 per hectare, split from flowering to fruit fill.
- Muriate of potash 0 0 60
- Sulfate of potash 0 0 50
- Potassium nitrate 13 0 46
Sold here with potassium: Atlas Muriate of Potash (MOP) by Atlas Fertilizer (0 0 60), Simplot Sulfate 0 0 50 by Nutranta, Potassium Nitrate by Parafield (13 0 46) and Qrop Mix Production 14 0 23 plus 13 Cao by Farmtech Agriland (14 0 23 with 9.3 percent calcium). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to potash fertilizer, and the page on potassium deficiency in every crop.
To keep it away, include potash at planting and in side dressings during fruiting. Keep organic matter up with compost, manure or crop residues.
Phosphorus deficiency in bell pepper
In severe cases the whole plant and its leaves are much smaller and the older leaves wilt. Leaves look mottled yellow with dark green patches. A narrow dead strip can form along the main vein near the leaf base. Larger yellow spots near the edge turn grey and die. Fruits are shorter and narrower than normal. You see it most at this stage: seedling and early growth, and in cool or wet spells.
Why phosphorus deficiency happens in atsal
Acid or very alkaline soils, iron rich soils that hold phosphorus, low organic matter, cold or wet soils and poor roots.
How to tell it apart
Root rot also causes wilting and small plants. Check the roots for rot. To be sure, soil test for available phosphorus and pH.
What to apply for phosphorus deficiency
Apply phosphorus near the roots based on the soil test. Use single superphosphate for a quick fix and rock phosphate or bone meal for the long term. Plants take up phosphorus best when the soil pH is near 6.2 to 7.0. A usual basal dose is 4 to 6 bags of Complete 14 14 14 per hectare, 10 to 20 grams a hill, mixed into the soil at transplanting.
- Ammonium phosphate 16 20 0
- Complete 14 14 14
- Single superphosphate
Sold here with phosphorus: Philphos 18 46 0 (Di Ammonium Phosphate), Atlas Super Gro (16 20 0) by Atlas Fertilizer, Amigo Planters Granular Single Super Phosphate by La Filipina (0 18 0 with 11 percent sulfur) and Triple Super Phosphate by Newman Chemicals (0 46 0). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to 16 20 0 fertilizer, and the page on phosphorus deficiency in every crop.
To keep it away, use a phosphorus starter at transplanting and add compost.
Magnesium deficiency in bell pepper
Older leaves turn pale between the veins while the main veins and a band along them stay green. Sometimes it begins as a faint yellowing at the leaf edge that moves toward the centre. In advanced cases dead patches start at the edge and spread inward, and growth and yield drop. You see it most at this stage: fruit set and fruit filling.
Why magnesium deficiency happens in atsal
Sandy or acid soils, soils rich in potassium, heavy potash fertilizer, and cold wet periods.
How to tell it apart
Manganese and iron shortage start on young leaves, where even the smallest veins stay green. To be sure, soil test for magnesium and potassium, and a leaf tissue test.
What to apply for magnesium deficiency
Give magnesium sulfate in a band near the plants at about 80 kg per hectare for chilli, the same species. A foliar spray of magnesium sulfate gives faster relief. Do not apply magnesium and potassium fertilizer together. For quick help, spray Magnesium sulfate at 1 to 2 percent (160 to 320 grams in a 16 liter sprayer) two or three times, 10 to 14 days apart.
- Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)
- Dolomite
Sold here with magnesium: Dolomite by A6 Agrisource (24 percent calcium and 11 percent magnesium), Agsmart Kieserite Granule (20 percent sulfur and 16.3 percent magnesium), DDDD Planter's Choice Magnesium Sulphate Monohydrate by Modern Time (15.1 percent magnesium) and Zetryl MAG 9 by Zetryl Chem (9 percent magnesium). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to complete fertilizer, and the page on magnesium deficiency in every crop.
To keep it away, use dolomite on acid soil and keep potash in line with the soil test. Lime acid soil with Dolomite rather than plain lime.
Sulfur deficiency in bell pepper
The youngest leaves at the top turn an even light green while the veins stay darker. Held against light, the green veins show. Some young leaves get a yellow green color between the veins that starts at the leaf base. Plants are stunted with short spaces between leaves. You see it most at this stage: early growth on light soils.
Why sulfur deficiency happens in atsal
Acid, sandy, low organic matter soils, waterlogged soils, and fertilizer programs with no sulfur.
How to tell it apart
Nitrogen shortage starts on the old lower leaves. Iron shortage gives a sharper yellow with very green veins on young leaves. To be sure, soil test for sulfate and a leaf tissue test. In a soil test, less than 10 ppm of sulfate sulfur is low.
What to apply for sulfur deficiency
Use ammonium sulfate or sulfate of potash in the next side dressing. Give sulfur dust at about 25 kg per hectare on sulfur deficient soil for chilli, and gypsum on alkaline soil.
- Ammonium sulfate 21 0 0
- Sulfate of potash 0 0 50
- Gypsum
Sold here with sulfur: Crown Champion Ammonium Sulfate by Aqua Hydroponic Prime Ventures (21 0 0 with 24 percent sulfur), Philphos Gypsum (22.2 percent calcium and 17.4 percent sulfur), Harvester Sulphate of Potash by Universal Harvester (0 0 50 with 17.5 percent sulfur) and Agsmart Kieserite Granule (20 percent sulfur and 16.3 percent magnesium). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to ammonium sulfate fertilizer, and the page on sulfur deficiency in every crop.
To keep it away, include some sulfur fertilizer every season. Test the soil every two or three years. Keep organic matter up with compost, manure or crop residues.
Zinc deficiency in bell pepper
Plants are stunted with shortened spaces between leaves, and the leaves are smaller than normal. Young leaves may also yellow between the veins. You see it most at this stage: vegetative growth.
Why zinc deficiency happens in atsal
High pH soils, soils rich in phosphorus or given heavy phosphorus, organic soils, and cold wet spells.
How to tell it apart
Virus diseases also stunt plants and shrink leaves. They usually come with mosaic or curling and insects such as aphids, thrips or whiteflies. To be sure, soil test for zinc and pH, and a leaf tissue test. In a soil test, less than 0.8 ppm of zinc is low.
What to apply for zinc deficiency
Give zinc sulfate in the soil at about 20 kg per hectare for chilli. In severe cases a morning spray of zinc sulfate at 2 grams plus calcium carbonate at 2.5 grams per liter of water (40 grams in a 16 liter sprayer). Do not apply zinc together with phosphate fertilizer. Give the soil dose at planting or when the rains begin, and sprays on young growth.
- Zinc sulfate
Sold here with zinc: Harvester Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate by Universal Harvester (22 percent zinc), Tierramino ZN by Unilox Far East Resources (7 0 0 with 10 percent zinc), Semia by SCL Filipinas (20 percent zinc) and Omex Zynergy by Jardine Distribution (3.8 percent zinc and 2.1 percent copper). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to fertilizer with zinc, and the page on zinc deficiency in every crop.
To keep it away, avoid phosphorus beyond the soil test and keep pH between 5 and 7.5.
Iron deficiency in bell pepper
The newest leaves at the shoot tips turn yellow green between the veins while the veins stay dark green at first. If the shortage lasts, the veins also pale and the whole leaf turns light. Plants can be shorter with limp leaves. You see it most at this stage: any stage, often after heavy watering or liming.
Why iron deficiency happens in atsal
High pH, calcareous or overlimed soils, waterlogged soils, and soils high in copper, manganese or zinc. On acid Philippine soils true iron shortage is uncommon, so check the pH and drainage first.
How to tell it apart
Magnesium shortage starts on old leaves. Manganese shortage also hits young leaves but leaves more small veins green. To be sure, soil pH test, then a soil or leaf test for iron. In a soil test, less than 4.5 ppm of iron is low.
What to apply for iron deficiency
Improve drainage and stop liming. Give ferrous sulfate in the soil at about 15 kg per hectare for chilli where a test confirms low iron. A foliar spray of ferrous sulfate or iron chelate greens leaves faster. Spray Ferrous sulfate at 0.5 to 1 percent (80 to 160 grams in a 16 liter sprayer), or an iron chelate at the label rate, two or three times 7 to 10 days apart.
- Ferrous sulfate
- Iron chelate
Sold here with iron: DDDD Planter's Choice Ferrous Sulphate Heptahydrate by Modern Time (19 percent iron), Ferrous Sulfate Monohydrate by Zetryl Chem (30 percent iron), Ferrous Sulphate Monohydrate by Newman Chemicals (30 percent iron) and Liquid Chelate Iron with Sulfur by Sagrex (5 percent iron and 3 percent sulfur). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to foliar fertilizer, and the page on iron deficiency in every crop.
To keep it away, do not overlime and keep beds well drained. Test the soil every two or three years. Keep organic matter up with compost, manure or crop residues.
Manganese deficiency in bell pepper
Young leaves turn pale between the veins while the small veins stay dark green, giving a fine net pattern. Small dark dead spots can form in the pale areas. You see it most at this stage: vegetative growth and fruiting.
Why manganese deficiency happens in atsal
Organic or sandy soils, high pH, loose fluffy soils, and cold wet weather.
How to tell it apart
Iron shortage looks similar on young leaves. Magnesium shortage starts on old leaves and leaves only the main veins green. To be sure, soil pH and a leaf tissue test. In a soil test, less than 1 ppm of manganese is low.
What to apply for manganese deficiency
Give a manganese sulfate spray at 2 grams per liter of water (32 grams in a 16 liter sprayer) for chilli, after a soil test confirms the need. Spray the young leaves in the cool of the day, soon after sunrise or near sunset.
- Manganese sulfate
Sold here with manganese: Manganese Sulfate by Zetryl Chem (31 percent manganese), Turan by SCL Filipinas (11 percent manganese, 6 percent zinc and 2.8 percent copper), Tierramino MN by Unilox Far East Resources (7 0 0 with 12 percent manganese) and Multimate by Agway (4 0 0 with 4.5 percent sulfur, 2.8 percent zinc and 1.8 percent manganese). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to foliar fertilizer, and the page on manganese deficiency in every crop.
To keep it away, do not overlime.
A soil test is the surest check for any bell pepper nutrient deficiency. Before you buy, ask your Municipal Agriculture Office where to send a soil sample. The DA regional soil laboratories test soil, and the result says how much of each fertilizer your atsal needs. That saves money, because extra fertilizer is money lost.
Open the Nutrient Deficiency Finder, pick atsal, say where the leaves changed first and what you see, and get the fertilizers sold here that fix it.
- Anee, the smart farm technician, reads a photo of the leaf
- The cropping calendar dates every fertilizer application of your season
Bell pepper nutrient deficiency questions
Why are my atsal leaves turning yellow?
What fertilizer fixes nitrogen deficiency in bell pepper?
What fertilizer fixes calcium deficiency in bell pepper?
What fertilizer fixes potassium deficiency in bell pepper?
How do I know which nutrient my atsal lacks?
- Yara UK: Nitrogen deficiency in pepper
- Yara UK: Calcium deficiency in pepper
- UC IPM: Blossom end rot
- Yara UK: Potassium deficiency in pepper
- Yara UK: Phosphorus deficiency in pepper
- Yara UK: Magnesium deficiency in pepper
- Yara UK: Sulfur deficiency in pepper
- Yara UK: Zinc deficiency in pepper
- Yara UK: Iron deficiency in pepper
- Yara UK: Manganese deficiency in pepper
Find the missing nutrient and fix it
With Libre + Anee, read the whole guide: how to tell the deficiency from look alikes, how to be sure, what to apply, and the fertilizers sold here that supply it.
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