HomeUncategorizedCalcium in Plants: How Important Is It And How Beneficial Is It?

Calcium in Plants: How Important Is It And How Beneficial Is It?

Calcium is essential for all living creatures. Yet, even though calcium is high, many consumers cannot absorb it. It is the same with plants.

Quality gardening soils may contain a small amount of calcium, but it is rarely “bioavailable to” the plants.

What can you do so that your plants receive enough calcium from the soil to thrive? This article will talk about calcium sources and the effects that calcium can have on plants.

We will also give sound advice about soil amendments to efficiently deliver calcium. Continue reading for more information.

There’s Calcium All-Around

Calcium is abundant in various places. It is the fifth most prevalent element. It is most commonly found in mineral forms such as gypsum or dolomite.

It is found in large quantities in sedimentary rocks, such as limestone or marble.

Calcium can also be found in many compounds. Some of the most commonly used are:

  • Lime – Calcium Carbonate
  • Plaster Of Paris – Calcium Sulfate
  • Different Fertilizers – Calcium Phosphate
  • Vitamin Supplements – Calcium Gluconate
  • Substances That Can Be Used To Remove Ice – Calcium Chloride

How Calcium Affects the Soil?

To be healthy, plants must have calcium as a basic element. This naturally occurring element can be used to modify pH levels.

Calcium is added to soil to form a variety of chemical compounds. Each of these chemical reactions can affect the other chemical interactions.

Some Fertilizers Include Calcium as a Buffer

Calcium can have a variety of effects on soil ph. Alkaline pH is usually associated with soil that contains high amounts of calcium. Low calcium levels are generally acidic. Alkaline soils do not absorb calcium with pH 7.2 and higher.

If this happens, excess calcium in the soil will combine with other elements and form insoluble compounds. Plants can’t absorb these compounds. A plant can also limit the intake of calcium.

Liquid Calcium Fertilizer

Liquid calcium fertilizer must include certain nutrients. They cannot be over-fertilized with nitrogen, but they do need a high level of phosphorus and potassium. These two elements are in charge of the color and size of the leaves, as well as their roots. The latter permits the plant to preserve more blossoms for a longer period of time.

Calcium & Chemical Interactions

Calcium can build up in the soil when it is not enough to absorb.

This reduces the availability and vitality of elements like iron, boron, and phosphorous, which are essential for plants’ growth.

The absorption of calcium can be affected by any of the following:

  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Ammonium
  • Magnesium
  • Aluminum
  • Ammonium

Potassium is required for all nutrients. Calcium, magnesium, and iron should co-exist in the right proportions. Any excess of any one of these nutrients can cause deficiency or even death.

Calcium, an acidic mineral, may be combined with other elements before being mixed with soil. This process is known as liming.

Calcium Solubility

  • The solubility of cations of aluminum, iron, and magnesium is greater in very acidic soils
  • This reduces calcium absorption, as the ions react with calcium molecules in the soil.
  • This is because acidic soils tend to have very low calcium levels. This problem can only be exacerbated if there is interference by iron cations or aluminum.

Adding gypsum can be a good solution. This will raise both the calcium level in the soil and the pH of the soil. Plants can then have more calcium.

latest articles

explore more