Nutrients

N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
Ca Calcium
S Sulphur
B Boron
Cu Copper
Fe Iron
Mn Manganese

Carrots - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Root size is severely reduced.

Reasons
Calcium Deficiency

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

  • Structure, stability and permeability of cell membranes
  • Regulation of enzyme systems
  • Alongside potassium responsible for regulation of stomata
  • Gives plants more resistance to biotic and abiotic stress