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Potatoes are an essential staple food crop cultivated worldwide. To produce high-quality potatoes, farmers need to provide the necessary nutrients required by the crop. Calcium is one of the essential nutrients that potatoes need to grow and produce a bountiful yield. Calcium nitrate is an excellent source of calcium for the potato crop. In this article, we will provide information on how to use calcium nitrate in potato crop.
What is calcium nitrate?
Calcium nitrate is a water-soluble fertilizer that contains calcium and nitrogen. It is often used as a source of calcium in agriculture because calcium is an essential micronutrient for plants. Calcium nitrate is a white, crystalline substance that dissolves easily in water.
Why use calcium nitrate in potato crop?
Calcium nitrate is an excellent source of calcium for the potato crop. Calcium plays a vital role in the growth and development of plants. It helps in the formation of strong cell walls, encourages root growth, and improves the plant’s ability to absorb other nutrients.
When to apply calcium nitrate in potato crop?
Calcium nitrate should be applied during the growing season of the potato crop. It is recommended to apply calcium nitrate early in the growing season when the potato plant is still in its vegetative stage. This will help the plant develop a strong root system.
How to apply calcium nitrate in potato crop?
Calcium nitrate can be applied in several ways, including foliar spraying and soil application. In foliar spraying, calcium nitrate is dissolved in water and sprayed directly on the leaves of the potato plant. Foliar spraying is beneficial for potato plants that may have deficiency symptoms because it allows for rapid absorption of calcium.
In soil application, calcium nitrate is added to the soil bed before planting the potato crop. This is called pre-plant application. You can also apply calcium nitrate through drip irrigation. This method is called fertigation. In fertigation, the calcium nitrate is dissolved in water, and the solution is injected into the drip irrigation system.
How much calcium nitrate to apply in potato crop?
The amount of calcium nitrate to apply depends on several factors, including the soil type, potato variety, and environmental conditions. For optimal results, it is recommended to conduct a soil test to determine the amount of calcium present in the soil. You can also consult with a local agricultural extension service for recommendations on the appropriate amount of calcium nitrate to apply.
Conclusion
Calcium nitrate is an excellent source of calcium for potato crops. It helps to improve the quality of the potato crop and increases its yield. When using calcium nitrate, it is important to follow the recommended application rate and timing for optimal results. Remember to always read the label before applying any fertilizer or pesticide to your crop.