FREE CFA Nutrient Deficiency Diagnosis Questions and Answers

Question 1

A corn farmer observes severe stunting, dark green leaves with purplish discoloration on the undersides, especially on older leaves.
What nutrient deficiency is most likely indicated by these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Phosphorus (P)

Answer

Nitrogen (N)

Answer

Potassium (K)

Answer

Magnesium (Mg)

Question 2

Which of the following is the most reliable initial step for diagnosing a suspected nutrient deficiency in a crop field?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a comprehensive soil test and tissue analysis.

Answer

Immediately apply a broad-spectrum fertilizer to see if symptoms improve.

Answer

Consult historical yield maps for the field.

Answer

Observe neighboring fields for similar symptoms.

Question 3

A fertilizer applicator notices interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between veins) on the older, lower leaves of a soybean crop. The veins themselves remain green. This pattern is characteristic of a deficiency in which of the following mobile nutrients?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium (Mg)

Answer

Iron (Fe)

Answer

Manganese (Mn)

Answer

Boron (B)

Question 4

In a wheat field, a farmer observes general yellowing or pale green color across the entire plant, with symptoms appearing first on older leaves. Growth is stunted. This widespread symptomology is most indicative of a deficiency in which macronutrient?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen (N)

Answer

Calcium (Ca)

Answer

Sulfur (S)

Answer

Copper (Cu)

Question 5

A farmer observes that the youngest leaves of their tomato plants are showing severe chlorosis (yellowing) and necrosis (tissue death) at the tips and margins, while older leaves appear healthy. This pattern suggests a deficiency in a relatively immobile nutrient. Which nutrient is most likely deficient?

Accepted Answer

Calcium (Ca)

Answer

Potassium (K)

Answer

Phosphorus (P)

Answer

Nitrogen (N)

Question 6

When diagnosing nutrient deficiencies in the field, why is it important to consider the plant's age and the specific leaf position (old vs. young) where symptoms appear?

Accepted Answer

The mobility of a nutrient within the plant determines where symptoms will first be visible.

Answer

Older plants always show more severe symptoms than young plants.

Answer

The timing of symptoms indicates whether the deficiency is due to soil pH or irrigation issues.

Answer

Young leaves are more susceptible to all nutrient deficiencies due to higher metabolic rates.

A corn farmer observes severe stunting, dark green leaves with purplish discoloration on the undersides, especially on older leaves.What nutrient deficiency is most likely indicated by these symptoms?

A corn farmer observes severe stunting, dark green leaves with purplish discoloration on the undersides, especially on older leaves.
What nutrient deficiency is most likely indicated by these symptoms?