Soil and Plant Nutrition

Calcium (Ca) – deficiency symptoms

1. Calcium deficiencies are not seen in the field
because secondary effects associated with
high acidity limit growth.
2. The young leaves of new plants are affected
first. These are often distorted, small and ab-
normally dark green.
3. Leaves may be cup-shaped and crinkled and
the terminal buds deteriorate with some
breakdown of petioles.
4. Root growth is markedly impaired; rooting of
roots occurs.
5. Dessication of growing points (terminal
buds) of plants under severe deficiency.
6. Buds and blossoms shed prematurely.
Calcium (Ca) – deficiency symptoms
7. Stem structure weakened.

Magnesium (Mg) – deficiency

symptoms
1. Interveinal chlorosis, mainly of older leaves,
producing a streaked or patchy effect; with
acute deficiency, the affected tissue may dry
up and die.
2. Leaves usually small, brittle in final stages
and curve upwards at margin.
3. In some vegetable plants, chlorotic spot be-
tween veins, with tints of orange, red and
purple.
4. Twigs weak and prone to fungus attack, usu-
Magnesium (Mg) – deficiency symptoms ally premature, leaf drop.

Sulphur (S) deficiency symptoms

1. Younger leaves turn uniformly yellowish
green or chlorotic.
2. Root growth is restricted, flower production
often indeterminate.
3. Stems are stiff, woody and small in diameter.

Sulphur (S) deficiency symptoms

38 Farmer’s Handbook on Basic Agriculture