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The Role of Calcium and Deficiency Symptoms
Calcium is in great relative supply in most North Dakota soils, however, physiological deficiencies have been observed in tomato and sugarbeet when soil supplies are interrupted by dry soil conditions. Calcium is not readily translocated between plant tissues, and plants do not accumulate high calcium concentrations when it is in excess. Proper development of fruits and storage roots are dependent on a constant soil supply of calcium. Deficiency in tomato is characterized as blossom end rot. Calcium deficiency in sugarbeet can result in younger leaves curling over the top of the growing point, producing a hooded appearance. Calcium deficiency is hard to detect with plant analysis or soil testing, because it is usually caused by low soil water uptake by the plant. Irrigation timing is important in tomato, and under low transpiration conditions such as high humidity, sprays of calcium chloride solution may be necessary to protect a maturing tomato crop.
Magnesium
Plants absorb magnesium as the Mg2+ ion. Magnesium is the central element within the chlorophyll molecule. It is also an essential element in the production of proteins and activator of several enzymes. It is a cofactor of several enzymes, meaning that it is essential for the activity of an enzyme process, but not an actual part of the enzyme itself.
Magnesium deficiency is shown first by the yellowing of older leaves. The yellowing is usually interveinal initially. Later on, the leaf margins can appear similar to potassium deficiency. Deficiencies can be verified with soil and plant analysis.
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