All plants need a balance of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous for continued growth and a healthy development. Although those are the macronutrients, and in highest demand for plants, other minerals are important, too. Calcium, found in agricultural lime, must be added to soil to provide the proper nutrition to growing plants.
Many plants need large amounts of calcium to grow properly. It is important for plants on a cellular level, where it helps the plant process many other nutrients. Plants often absorb calcium rapidly, leaving the soil too dry to support plant growth. This can cause yellow leaves, stunted growth, underdeveloped fruits and roots, and blackened shoots.
Many store-bought fertilizers are high in calcium. Lime, a generic term for several various forms, raises the pH levels of the soil and adds rich calcium. It is quickly absorbed by plants, so it can have the unwanted side effect of damaging plants through overuse. Liquid calcium is a safer way to add regulated nutrients to deficient plants.
Liquid Calcium Supplement
Manufacturers of liquid calcium often provide multiple products to deal with a lack of calcium. These products are specifically designed to cope with poor water quality and are 100 percent water soluble. The liquid can work either as a standalone additive for irrigation or with various chloride solutions to create a powerful nutrient spray.
Another product is a blend of calcium and nitrogen. These elements work together to increase high yield crops and bolster the plant's resistance to disease. The calcium helps remove harmful salts in the root zone and can be added to irrigation systems. This product can be dangerous, so gardeners should always wear gloves and avoid inhaling the mist by using a mask.
Be aware that many of the symptoms of calcium deficiency are shared by a number of other infections or possible issues in the plant. In these cases, liming the soil or adding calcium will only worsen the problem by over-feeding the plant. Most soils need a calcium-to-magnesium ratio of 68 to 12, and over-feeding will upset this balance. Always start with a soil test before adding nutrients and determining if the pH levels meet the specific plant's needs. Start feeding by adding small amounts of calcium and watching whether it helps to improve the plant's condition before starting the plant on liquid calcium.