undergødning

Undergødning refers to an insufficient supply of nutrients to crops relative to their needs. It can occur with mineral fertilizer, organic amendments or a combination of both and affects essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients. Undergødning is influenced by soil fertility, crop type and growth stage, as well as the intensity and timing of nutrient applications. It is important to distinguish undergødning from overgødning, which is excessive fertilization.

Typical signs of undergødning include stunted growth, chlorosis or pale leaves, delayed development and lower yields. Plants may appear less vigorous, have poorer root systems and produce lower-quality produce. The severity depends on crop sensitivity, soil characteristics and weather conditions, such as drought or temperature stress, which can exacerbate nutrient deficiencies.

Consequences and risks of undergødning include reduced crop yield and quality, economic losses for farmers, and longer-term declines in soil fertility if nutrient removal exceeds replenishment. While undergødning generally carries a lower risk of nutrient leaching than overgødning, persistent deficiency can lead to imbalanced soil nutrient profiles and greater reliance on corrective measures later.

Prevention and management rely on accurate soil and crop diagnostics. A fertilization plan should be based on soil analyses, crop requirements and local recommendations, with adjustments such as split applications and timing aligned to growth stages. Practices like crop rotation, incorporation of organic matter, cover crops and maintaining appropriate soil pH can improve nutrient availability. When in doubt, consult agricultural advisers to tailor a balanced, sustainable fertilization strategy.