Fertilizer burn

Fertilizer burn is defined as leaf scorch resulting from over-fertilization, usually referring to excess nitrogen salts.[1][2][3]

Fertilizer burn on a leaf.

Fertilizer burn is the result of desiccation of plant tissues due to osmotic stress, creating a state of hypertonicity.

Fertilizers vary in their tendency to burn roughly in accordance with their salt index.[4]

Treatment

Fertilizer burn can be remedied by soaking the soil with water to flush out excess salts.[1] It can be prevented by applying only dilute or controlled-release fertilizer products.[1][5]

See also

• Abiotic stress
• Bacterial leaf scorch
• Biotic stress
• Chlorosis
• Fertilizer
• Leaf scorch
• Ozone
• Soil salinity

References

1. Andrews, Gail Glick (January 1998). "Gardening and Water Quality Protection: Understanding Nitrogen Fertilizers" (PDF). Oregon State University Extension Service.
2. Cornell University Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic (August 1999). "Leaf Scorch Factsheet". Archived from the original on 20 February 2010.
3. Jones, Susan (2008). "Fertilizer Burn". American Orchid Society. Archived from the original on December 25, 2010.
4. Labosk, Carrie. "Understanding Salt Index of Fertilizers" (PDF). University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Soil Science. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-05-28.
5. Parsons, Jerry M. "Lawn Fertilization". PlantAnswers.com. Archived from the original on 2008-09-05.