What nutrient deficiency is known to cause chlorosis in plants?

Chlorosis in plants, which manifests as yellowing of leaves, is primarily associated with nitrogen deficiency. Nitrogen is a key component of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green color in plants and essential for photosynthesis. When nitrogen is lacking, plants cannot produce enough chlorophyll, leading to yellowing since chlorophyll is crucial for a plant's ability to utilize sunlight for energy.

In further detail, nitrogen plays a vital role in plant growth as it is a major component of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and nucleic acids. A deficiency in nitrogen not only affects chlorophyll production but can also hinder overall plant growth and development, making it critical for healthy foliage.

Phosphorus and potassium deficiencies can also impact plant health, but they typically exhibit different symptoms than chlorosis. Phosphorus often leads to stunted growth and dark green or purplish coloration in older leaves. Potassium deficiency might cause marginal necrosis or leaf curling rather than overall yellowing. Calcium deficiency usually results in tissue necrosis and poor root development rather than chlorosis. Hence, nitrogen deficiency is distinctly recognized for inducing chlorosis.