QUICK FACTS
- Monocot plants absorb less Calcium than dicot plants. Thus Legumes need more Calcium than Cereals. The plants absorb Calcium mostly through young root tips. Anything which hinders the growth of new roots or their enlargement thus reduces Calcium uptake.
- The crops in which the yield is produced in the soil (e.g. Potato, Groundnut, etc.), the root absorbed Calcium is not adequately available to lower parts. Therefore, these organs often have to absorb Calcium directly from the soil.
- That is a reason, why Gypsum application is recommended for Groundnut before pegging, so that the pods can get adequate amount of Calcium. Otherwise, the shells are weak and shelling percentage is remarkably low.
- Optimum supply of Calcium leads to increased uptake of Phosphorus and Potassium. Similarly, optimum uptake of Nitrogen increases the uptake of Calcium. The excess quantity of Calcium results in reduced uptake of Iron.
- Calcium in plants seems to exist in a sensitive balance with Magnesium, Potassium and Boron. An apparent excess of Calcium in plants may actually result from a lack of one or more elements. Here, the remedy may be the addition of deficient element(s) rather than cutting down the application of Calcium.
- Calcium regulates the permeability of cell membrane by acting as a selective barrier.
- It acts as building blocks of cell wall (Calcium Pectate) and thus maintains the integrity and cellular organization.
- It is the structural component of chromosomes.
- It is the cofactor of numerous enzymes, especially hydrolases.
- Calcium plays important role in cell division, growth, activation of different enzymes, therefore, Calcium deficiency is mostly observed on growing tips and bud leaves.
- It promotes early root formation, improves stiffness of straw, governs root nodule formation, neutralizes poisons produced in plant, encourages seed and grain production, etc.
- It reduces rate of respiration in plants and stimulates microbial activity in the rhizosphere.
- Chlorosis followed by distortion and dieback of the growing tips.
- The terminal bud dies under severe deficiency.
- The apical leaves show hooked appearance.
- The leaves become spindly, thread like, cupping, crinkling, etc.
SPECIFIC DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
- Cavity spot (Pythium coloratum) in Carrot.
- Blossom End Rot in Tomato and Sweet Pepper.
- Tip burn in Cauliflower.
- Dieback of growing tips in fruit trees.
- Tip burn in Fig, Custard Apple, etc.
- Empty nuts (Pops) in Groundnut.
- Cork Pit or Bitter Pit in Apples.
- Blackening and improper filling of bolls in Cotton.
- Heart rot (Brown rot), root rot, hard fruits, stem rot, hollow stem, browning in Cole crops, Ginger, Turmeric, Citrus, etc.
- Ring Rot in Potato.
- Hooked apex in Cereals, Onions, Sugarcane, etc.
- Increased incidence of Leaf Miner infestation.
CAUSES OF CALCICUM DEFICIENCY
- Acidic soils in high rainfall areas.
- During the periods of high crop demand.
