Low Substrate Calcium Corrective Procedures
Brian E. Whipker, James L. Gibson, Paul V. Nelson, Todd J. Cavins, and John M. Dole
Disclaimer: Growers should read and follow all label directions. Test the corrective procedure on a small number of plants prior to applying it to the entire crop.
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| The amount of fertilizer supplied is lower than the crop's nutrient demand (crops are categorized as light, medium or heavy feeders), or at a particular stage of development (high Ca demanding crops can deplete substrate Ca levels, especially near bloom). | 1. Increase fertilization frequency (use
more frequent fertilization irrigations instead of clear water irrigations). 2. Increase fertilizer rate. 3. Avoid leaching the substrate with clear water irrigations. 4. Recheck the EC values to make sure they are within the acceptable range. |
| Not using a fertilizer containing calcium (eg. 20-10-20 or 20-20-20). | 1. Use a fertilizer that contains Ca. 2. Increase the preplant level of Ca. |
| Little or no calcium provided through the irrigation water. | 1. Use a fertilizer that contains Ca. 2. Increase the preplant level of Ca. |
| Insufficient lime charge added to supply adequate calcium levels. | 1. Use a fertilizer that contains Ca. 2. Provide adequate Ca when mixing the substrate. |
| Excessive leaching. | 1. Avoid leaching the substrate with clear water irrigations. 2. Recheck the EC values to make sure they are within the acceptable range. |
| Injector malfunction. | 1. Check the EC of the clear water and the fertilizer solution. Fertilizer solution EC minus clear water EC = EC contribution of the fertilizer. Compare this value with the tables on the fertilizer bag to determine the fertilization rate being applied. |
| Fertilizer mixing rate error and too little fertilizer used. | 1. Check if the amount of fertilizer used, the size of the concentrate bucket, and the proportioner setting are correct. |
| Don't forget to check out the Plant Root Zone Management (PRZM) Manual for more information! Want to know more? Click here! | |
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