Enhance your understanding of calcium deficiency control in agriculture with this medium-difficulty quiz covering symptoms, causes, solutions, and management strategies to support healthy crop growth.
Which visible sign is most commonly associated with calcium deficiency in tomato plants?
Explanation: Blossom end rot is a distinct calcium deficiency symptom in tomatoes, appearing as dark, sunken spots at the flower end. Uniform leaf yellowing usually signals nitrogen deficiency. Dark purple veins suggest phosphorus shortage. Stem elongation is not directly related to calcium status.
How does soil pH most affect calcium availability for crops?
Explanation: Acidic soils (low pH) can restrict calcium availability by increasing competition with other cations. High pH rarely leads to toxicity. Neutral pH favors availability, not locking. Very high pH generally affects micronutrients more than calcium.
When a crop is diagnosed with calcium deficiency, what is the most effective immediate remedy?
Explanation: Foliar calcium sprays provide rapid relief by allowing plants to absorb calcium through leaves. Nitrogen fertilizer addresses nitrogen, not calcium. Flooding does not help and may cause root stress. Reducing sunlight has no corrective effect on calcium deficiency.
What agricultural practice best helps prevent calcium deficiency in apples and other fruit crops?
Explanation: Even soil moisture ensures steady calcium transport to developing fruits. Deep tilling can disturb roots and soil structure. High-phosphorus fertilizers may interfere with calcium absorption. Early harvest prevents full fruit development but does not help with deficiency.
Which amendment is most often added to soil to improve long-term calcium availability?
Explanation: Agricultural lime increases soil calcium and adjusts pH to favor calcium uptake. Elemental sulfur acidifies soil, which can reduce calcium availability. Gypsum supplies calcium but does not influence pH. Muriate of potash is a potassium source, not calcium.