Sulphur deficiency — Maize

Symptoms

Characteristic symptom: Uniform pale yellowing of young leaves Plants become stunted, thin and spindly, with delayed maturity. Symptoms are most pronounced on the youngest, upper leaves. Young leaves turn pale green and then pale yellow. Yellowing generally affects the entire leaf uniformly, including both the veins and the tissues between them. Older leaves may remain relatively darker green during the early stages. In severe cases, the youngest leaves may become yellow to almost white, usually without the initial marginal scorching typical of potassium deficiency. Overall plant growth and grain yield decline. Key distinction from nitrogen deficiency: Nitrogen deficiency typically starts on older leaves and produces an inverted V-shaped yellow pattern. Sulphur deficiency is usually more pronounced on young leaves, with relatively uniform yellowing across the leaf.