A lack of calcium for seedlings or already transplanted vegetable crops ends in disaster.
The root system suffers first, then the emerging shoots begin to die off. At the same time, the absorption of nutrients and the development of plants are disrupted.
Agronomist, landscape designer, botanical artist, and art therapist Anastasia Kovrizhnykh told the online publication Belnovosti what a plant that lacks calcium looks like.
1. Leaves curl and darken.
2. The tops of the shoots are damaged and die.
3. Rosettes of small leaves appear.
4. The root system branches out.
In general, there is a disruption in the growth and development of the plant. Along with this, white stripes and spots appear on the leaves, and with a severe deficiency, the absorption of nutrients stops.
Plants get sick. Blossom-end rot develops (in tomatoes), fruits dry up (in cucumbers), leaves do not bloom on the tops, and tissue dies on the tubers (in potatoes).
If you rely on environmentally friendly sources of fertilizer, such as eggshells, you need to understand the dosage and have an idea of the acidity of the soil.
Depending on the situation, 0.5 to 1 kg of shell per square meter is added. Chalk, dolomite flour and limestone or slaked lime are also used.