What is the role of calcium in plants?
After nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, calcium is one of the most important and necessary nutrients for optimal plant development. It is absorbed in the form of calcium cation (Ca2+) from the soil solution, where its content depends on the reaction (pH) and type of the soil. Light sand and acidic soils are washed with calcium. It affects the level of fertility, and the optimal amount of this element ensures the creation of a good structure and the accumulation of humus substances.
Functions of calcium in plants
The most important function of calcium is membrane stability and maintenance of cell integrity. 60% of the calcium in the plant is bound to pectin, which is an important polysaccharide for plant cell wall growth. In case of lack of calcium, the pectin chain is not elastic, which causes damage to the cell wall and infections easily enter the plant. Calcium ions contribute to the stability of the cell wall, it is important for the regulation of enzyme activity, and it stimulates the development of tuber roots.
Calcium deficiency symptoms
Calcium in the cells binds to various organic compounds, due to which it is less mobile in the plant, therefore, the first symptoms of calcium deficiency appear on new growths: the edges of the leaves curl and the growth of the plant is inhibited. Because the leaves and new growths need a large amount of calcium, it is often lacking in the fruit, which causes physiological disorders.
How and when to provide calcium to the plant?
When using calcium-containing fertilizer, it is important to consider that the plant needs this element the most in the process of fruit formation and growth. To fill the deficit, it is important to use it correctly and timely.
Baraka recommends calcium nitrate from the Polish company ADOB® , which contains high amounts of calcium oxide 27.5% and nitrogen 15.2%. It is important that it is characterized by high solubility (2.4 kilograms dissolve in 1 liter of water). The fertilizer has a flake form and is effectively used both as a foliar spray and as a fertigation. Calcium nitrate can be mixed with nitrogen fertilizers, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate and chelates, but it is better not to mix with phosphate and sulfate fertilizers.
For more information on these and other topics, see Agrocompany Baraka’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@baraka.georgia2230