Calcium Deficiency in Plants

Calcium is an essential nutrient that has varied functions within plants. and is absorbed by plants as the Ca++ ion. Inside the plant it performs several functions:

• Maintains strength of cell walls and reduces lodging.
• Regulates uptake of other elements.
• Regulates cell sap pH and neutralizes acids produced by plants.
• Essential for activity of Rhizobium.

Plants Calcium deficiency symptoms are not easily observed under field conditions. A deficiency of calcium affects the growing points of both tops – leaf tips may stick together and unfold abnormally – as well as roots.

Calcium deficiency symptoms appear initially as localized tissue necrosis leading to stunted plant growth, necrotic leaf margins on young leaves or curling of the leaves, and eventual death of terminal buds and root tips. Generally, the new growth and rapidly growing tissues of the plant are affected first.