Which nutrient is most commonly associated with leaf chlorosis in plants?

Leaf chlorosis, which is characterized by yellowing of plant leaves while the veins remain green, is most commonly associated with nitrogen deficiency. Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient that plays a crucial role in synthesizing chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green color in plants and vital for photosynthesis. When nitrogen levels are low, chlorophyll production decreases, leading to the yellowing of leaves.

This deficiency often manifests first in the older leaves, as nitrogen is mobile within the plant and tends to be relocated to younger, actively growing tissues. Thus, nitrogen is critical for overall plant health, and its deficiency is a common issue leading to chlorosis in crops and other plants.