Why should you to use calcium in hydroponics?

Calcium is needed for crops to grow and gain solid structure in their cell walls. It also is used in the plants membranes as a sort of cement fastening cells to one another, and plays a valuable role at the root. Calcium activates the protein channels in the roots that intake the nutrients necessary for the plant’s survival. Without calcium being available the roots would not be able to take up any nutrients. Calcium is generally provided in hydroponics through nutrient solutions such as calcium nitrate or calcium salts. A consistent supply is required during formation as once it is cemented into the plant cell wall it becomes static and as a result more is needed to maintain plant growth.

Calcium deficiency in plants can cause leaf tip burn or issues in the fruit, generally known as blossom end rot. As the calcium is regulated by the amount of nutrients used or calcium compounds by the gardener, deficiency is often due to other growing influences. Examples of which might be as follows:

• A high amount of potassium, sodium or magnesium in the hydroponic solution. This can disturb the intake of calcium by the root as it's in competition with these elements.
• Increased humidity. This can influence the flow of water and nutrients through the xylem tissue of the plant, and to the various areas of the plant. When humidity is very high transpiration rates decrease which in turn affects the rate at which water and calcium is drawn up the xylem.
• A high EC electrical conductivity) of solution. A high EC signifies that there is a high level of dissolved salts in solution, and this can affect the uptake of calcium by the plant.

Calcium deficiency in hydroponics is often evaded by selecting the most suitable nutrients for the plant type being grown and managing an adequate level of calcium within the solution. The exact EC level is very important and needs to be measured often to be sure that calcium is taken up at the roots. Keeping the environment uniform and constant is also essential as excess humidity can reduce calcium uptake and therefore the degree of temperature should be carefully monitored. The use of fans to establish a light breeze on the leaves can aid to lower humidity and encourage transpiration and consequently allowing the development of healthy and balanced plants and fruit.