Calcium deficiency - Potatoes

Change crop

Nutrients

Potatoes - Deformation

Symptoms
Young shoot tips are deformed as the young leaflets are not developed properly. Remaining leaf stubs show dark brown necrosis. Calcium deficiency is seldom seen on the leaves, as most soils contains enough calcium for leaf growth.

Reasons
Calcium deficiency Boron deficiency causes similar symptoms, but necrosis is normally seen between the veins and not only at the edge of the leaf as with calcium deficiency. Potassium deficiency causes necrosis at the edge of the leaf, but symptoms are first visible on the older leaves. The leaves with potassium deficiency normally do not curl up.

Potatoes - Deformation

Symptoms
The margins of young, fully developed leaflets are cupped upwards. Calcium deficiency is seldom seen on the leaves, as most soils contain enough calcium for leaf growth.

Reasons
Calcium deficiency

Potatoes - Browning

Symptoms
Internal browning. Also hollow tubers are a symptom of calcium deficiency.

Reasons
Calcium deficiency Can be confused with boron deficiency. It is difficult to separate the symptoms.

Potatoes - Browning

Symptoms
Calcium deficiency causes internal browning and hollow tubers.

Reasons
Calcium deficiency Boron deficiency can also trigger internal browning and hollow tubers. It is difficult to separate the symptoms.

Calcium deficiency made worse by

Acidic soils
Sandy or light soils (leaching)
Acid peat soils
Soils rich in sodium
Soils rich in aluminium
Drought conditions
Fruit high in nitrogen or potassium
Large fruit

Calcium is important for

Healthy green foliage
Improved yield and quality
Better storage potential of tubers

Yara recommended fertilizers for Calcium

YaraLiva TROPICOTE

Potatoes: 375 to 500 kg/ha at tuber initiation. Exact recommendation depends on soil analysis and variety requirements. Refer to your local Yara area manager for detailed recommendation.

YaraVita STOPIT

Potatoes: 2 to 3 applications of 5 to 10 l/ha commencing at tuber initiation (when 50% of the tip swellings are twice the diameter of the rest of the stolon) with 10 to 14 day intervals between applications. Water rate: 200 l/ha

Other recommended products

YaraVita SENIPHOS

Potatoes: Apply Seniphos at 15 l/ha in 200 litres of water, at the onset of tuber initiation. The application may be repeated at bulking, using 5 l/ha in 200 litres of water repeated at 2-3 week intervals.