What is a common sign of over-fertilization in plants?

Leaf burn or browning tips is a common sign of over-fertilization in plants because excessive fertilizer can lead to high salt concentrations in the soil. When the levels of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are too high, it can cause osmotic stress within the plant. This stress leads to dehydration and damage to leaf tissues, resulting in those burnt or browned tips.

Plants are sensitive to their nutrient environment, and while they need fertilizers to thrive, an overload can disrupt their physiological processes. Symptoms like yellow foliage, stunted growth, or increased pest attraction generally stem from various other factors, such as nutrient deficiencies, environmental stressors, or pest pressures, rather than directly indicating over-fertilization. Understanding these signs helps in properly managing fertilization to maintain plant health.