Explore the essential role of calcium in plant health and discover strategies to manage calcium deficiency in agricultural systems. This medium-difficulty quiz covers symptoms, causes, diagnostics, and practical correction methods.
A farmer notices young tomato leaves are curling and developing brown, sunken spots on the tips. Which nutrient deficiency is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
Explanation: Calcium deficiency often shows as leaf-tip burn and curling, especially in young tissues, as seen in tomatoes. Magnesium deficiency usually causes interveinal chlorosis, not tip burn. Nitrogen deficiency affects older leaves first with overall yellowing. Potassium deficiency leads to leaf scorch, mainly at margins, not the tip and not usually in young leaves.
Even when soil calcium levels are high, which condition can still cause calcium deficiency in crops such as lettuce or peppers?
Explanation: Poor water movement or uneven watering prevents calcium from reaching fast-growing tissues, causing deficiencies despite abundant soil calcium. Excess iron may cause other nutrient issues but rarely affects calcium directly. Low sunlight or cool nights can influence growth, but they are not direct causes of calcium deficiency in these crops.
Which soil or plant tissue test is most reliable to confirm calcium deficiency in apple orchards?
Explanation: Leaf tissue analysis measures actual calcium in the plant, giving direct evidence of deficiency. Soil pH tests help understand soil chemistry but not the plant's nutrient status. Nitrate strip tests relate to nitrogen, not calcium. Root bioassays are less practical for routine diagnosis in orchards.
What is the most effective method for rapidly correcting blossom-end rot in tomatoes due to calcium deficiency during fruiting?
Explanation: Foliar calcium sprays can quickly supply calcium directly to the fruit tissues, helping correct existing deficiencies. Applying gypsum in winter is preventative, not immediate. Deep tillage improves soil structure but doesn't supply calcium quickly. Wood ash can raise soil pH and add nutrients but is unpredictable for urgent correction.
Which approach best ensures long-term calcium availability for crops like broccoli grown in acidic soils?
Explanation: Liming the soil raises pH and adds calcium, improving its long-term availability in acidic conditions. Increasing irrigation doesn't add calcium. Broadcasting urea only adds nitrogen, not calcium. Switching to sandy soil may reduce nutrient retention, worsening deficiencies.