Sulfur Deficiency
When plants are deficient in sulfur, symptoms usually appear first on young, upper leaves as pale green to yellow coloration, sometimes with subtle striping and overall stunted growth because sulfur is relatively immobile in the plant. Occasionally, necrotic (brown) spots can form. Sulfur deficiency is often confused with nitrogen deficiency, which causes similar yellowing but begins on older leaves, and with iron deficiency, which also affects young leaves but produces more distinct interveinal chlorosis. Because visual symptoms overlap and nitrogen and iron deficiencies are much more common, get a soil or tissue test to distinguish sulfur deficiency from look-alike nutrient problems.
