Tomato plants are essential for every home vegetable garden. On the other hand, it’s worth mentioning that tomato plants can be sensitive and they need the right proportion of water and fertilizers to grow and develop properly. That being said, a minor mistake in the handling can result in fertilizer burn on tomato leaves but we are sharing more about the matter in this article!
Fertilizer Burn On Tomato Leaves:
What Are Fertilizer Burns?
The fertilizer burn is a condition that results in scorching and burning of the tomato plant’s foliage. In the majority of cases, fertilizer burn is caused by the excessive use of fertilizers on plants. In addition, it might occur when you apply fertilizer to foliage when it’s wet. The fertilizers include salts that are responsible for drawing moisture out of the plants. So, when fertilizer is used in excessive amounts, it will result in brown and yellow discoloration, and it can even cause root damages.
If you are using the slow-release fertilizer, the burns will appear after a few weeks. However, with regular fertilizers, the burns will appear within one or two days. If you don’t know what fertilizer burn looks like, it generally looks like withering, yellowing, and browning. In the case of lawns, you might also see the yellow, white, and brown streaks where you applied the fertilizer. Now that we are clear on the reasons behind fertilizer burn, let’s check out the prevention options!
The Soil Needs
When it comes down to preventing fertilizer burn, it’s essential that you consider the special needs of the soil. With this, you have to determine the nutritional needs of the soil and soil tests can help. The best thing about soil tests is that they are pretty economical and convenient and can share accurate results. As a result, you will be able to maintain proper nutritional balance in the soil.
Keep in mind that soil’s health and richness matter a great deal when you have to ensure an effective outcome. Even more, the soil’s health can be improved by adding homemade and organic compost and it will eventually reduce the need for fertilizers. As a result, the soil quality and health will be enhanced, promising prevention of fertilizer burns on the tomato leaves.
Fertilizer
We have mentioned that using organic compost can help enhance the soil’s health and will reduce the chances of fertilizer burns. The issues can also be prevented by choosing and using the right fertilizer according to the plant. With tomato plants, you should use phosphorus-based fertilizers and it will help combat fertilizer burns. Moreover, you can use all-natural and organic fertilizers for better outcomes and plant growth.
Treating The Fertilizer Burns
- You should remove excess fertilizer from the ground
- If some leaves have been burnt too much, it’s best to cut them off rather than treating them
- You should flush around the soil to clear out the salts and chemicals
- Take longer intervals for applying the fertilizers because excessive use can cause burns
- Try you replace the tomato plant’s topsoil and you can also try transplanting the plant to a different yet better location