Calcium (Ca) deficiency in coconut
Calcium (Ca) deficiency usually Occurs only in acidic soil. Calcium is a secondary nutrient but an essential element for coconut palms. It has a vital role in cell wall structure and root development. Calcium helps in maintaining plant cell integrity and facilitating proper nutrient uptake. Calcium is essential for healthy root development. Its deficiency can lead to several growth issues and reduced yield in coconut.
Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency in Coconut
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Young leaves exhibit narrow white bands at the margins.
Interveinal chlorosis occurs. - Rusty appearance in leaf margin.
- Rolling up of leaves.
- Death of root tip is one of the first signs of calcium deficiency The ability to absorb water and nutrients is reduced due to poor root growth.
- Causes yellowing of young leaves, especially at the tips. This is due to the impaired formation of cell walls, which affects the production of chlorophyll.
- The coconut palm may develop weak, distorted fronds. Due to their reduced structural integrity, these fronds break easily.
- Palms deficient in Calcium may exhibit overall stunted growth, with reduced height smaller leaf size, and a sparse canopy.
- Occurs necrosis often at the tips of young leaves and the leaf margins. This is an indication of the inability of the palms to produce strong cell walls and maintain cell functions properly due to calcium deficiency.
- Deficiency can lead to reduced flowering and fruit set, resulting in poor coconut yield and inferior nuts.
- Calcium deficiency weakens plant cells and makes the tree more susceptible to pests, disease, and environmental stress.
Causes of Calcium Deficiency
- Acidic soils that are naturally low in calcium or have poor mineral content.
- Calcium is less available to plants in soils with a pH lower than 5.5. Acidic soils hinder the uptake of calcium.
- High levels of Potassium (K) or Magnesium (Mg) in the soil can interfere with calcium uptake by coconut trees.
- Waterlogged conditions in the soil can reduce root oxygen levels, affecting the plant's ability to absorb calcium.
- Application of nitrogenous or phosphatic fertilizers in excess, without adequate calcium supplementation, can lead to an imbalance in the soil nutrient profile, causing calcium deficiency.
How to manage Calcium deficiency?
- Conduct periodical soil tests to determine the calcium levels and soil pH. This will help in accurately diagnosing the deficiency.
- Based on the lime requirement recommendation, soil application of lime and root feeding of 1% calcium nitrate will take care of Calcium deficiency.
- If the soil is acidic, lime (calcium carbonate) can be applied to raise the pH and improve calcium availability. It also helps improve soil structure.
- Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate is a good source of calcium and can be applied to supply calcium without affecting the pH significantly.
- Calcium Nitrate is a water-soluble fertilizer that provides both calcium and nitrogen. It can be applied as a foliar spray or soil amendment to correct deficiencies quickly.
- Manage soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5
- Ensure a balanced supply of nutrients by using fertilizers specifically designed for coconut palms. Overuse of nitrogen or potassium fertilizers should be avoided, as they can interfere with calcium uptake.
- Adopt good drainage practices to ensure that the coconut palms have access to well-aerated soil.
- Adding well-decomposed organic matter like compost or organic fertilizers can improve soil structure, increase calcium availability, and support overall soil health.
By correcting the Ca deficiency through adopting the corrective measures mentioned above such as proper fertilization, ensuring the right pH balance, etc., coconut palms can recover and optimal coconut production shall be realized.
