An experienced gardener differs from an inexperienced one in that he or she can read information about plants based on their behavior.
After all, every tree is a living organism that behaves in a certain way in a given situation.
For example, an apple tree can tell its owner a lot by changing the natural color of its leaves.
Two reasons for color change
Apple tree leaves change color due to disruption of the natural functioning of life processes.
Reason one: pests and diseases
For example, when a leaf is infected with scab (the most common disease), it curls, becomes rough, and then turns black. And the skin of the fruit becomes rough and cracks appear.
Regular treatment of the garden with special preparations solves this problem.
Reason two: lack of power supply elements
This reason is much more interesting. A change in the color of the leaves often signals a deficiency of some nutrient. And here you should know exactly what the tree needs.
What the apple tree lacks: reading the leaves
1. Nitrogen.
Nitrogen starvation is one of the most common. It is characterized by small leaves and a pale leaf blade (sometimes it turns yellow). Young shoots are also pale, weak and short. With a strong deficiency, the ovary may fall off.
The problem can be solved by adding nitrogen fertilizers, for example, urea (10 g per 1 sq. m of the trunk circle). In case of severe starvation, it is advisable to additionally spray the leaves (20 g of urea per 10 l of water).
Note: If you plant legumes in your garden, you will naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen.
2. Potassium.
Potassium is the second most important nutrient that affects the apple tree's yield. When there is a deficiency, the leaf blade becomes dark green and takes on a bronze tint. Then yellow spots appear along the edges of the leaves, which darken over time and die off.
It is impossible to get a good harvest from such an apple tree.
The problem is solved by adding potassium fertilizers. For example, potassium sulfate is taken (40-50 g per 1 sq.m).
Note: an excellent source of potassium is wood ash, which is sprayed in tree trunk circles.
3. Phosphorus.
If there is a deficiency of this macronutrient, the leaves are first dark green and then turn black. They are also smaller than they should be. The problem is solved by adding phosphorus fertilizers, such as superphosphate (25–30 g per 1 sq.m.).
Note: Bone meal, which can be purchased at gardening or agricultural (sold as a food supplement for livestock) stores, has proven itself to be a good natural phosphorus supplement.
Watch your apple trees, because they themselves tell you about their problems.
