How to Supplement Calcium for Grapes? Detailed Explanation of Timing and Methods
Calcium is one of the essential major elements in the growth process of grapes, and the demand for calcium is second only to potassium. Once grapes are deficient in calcium, the phenomena of fewer fruit set and flower and fruit drop will occur, causing a huge impact on yield. So how should calcium be supplemented for grapes? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction.
1. Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency
When grown in an environment with sufficient calcium, the root system of grapes grows very vigorously, with strong absorption capacity; the leaves also grow dark green and thick, with strong photosynthetic capacity, producing more nutrients, which can help meet the needs of flowering and fruit set; the fruit also expands rapidly, with uniform berry size, and is less susceptible to disease infection, which is conducive to improving yield and quality. When calcium is deficient, root growth is weaker, absorption capacity is weak, leaf chlorophyll content is low, nutrient synthesis is low, the fruit does not have sufficient nutrition, the fruit is small and uneven in size, with flower and fruit drop in the early stage and easy fruit cracking in the later stage.
2. Timing of Calcium Supplementation
To supplement calcium, you must first know the timing of calcium supplementation. The calcium absorbed by grapes from bud break to fruit set accounts for about 40% of the whole year. If calcium is sufficient, its root system will sprout extremely well, and flowering and fruit set will be good. The calcium absorbed from fruit set to stone hardening accounts for about 30% of the whole year. At this time, if calcium is sufficient, the skin will develop well, cracking will not occur, and disease resistance will also be stronger. The calcium absorbed from stone hardening to the coloring stage accounts for 30% of the whole year. At this time, calcium selection results in higher individual berry quality, which can significantly improve yield and quality, and the leaves will not show premature senescence. Therefore, calcium supplementation for grapes should be carried out in these three stages.
3. Methods of Calcium Supplementation
There are three ways to supplement calcium. One is to add an appropriate amount of calcium fertilizer to the base fertilizer, spread it evenly in the base fertilizer, mix it well and then plant together. The specific amount should be determined according to the growth condition of the plant and the calcium content of the soil; the second is root drenching, generally carried out 35-40 days after flower drop. At this time, calcium powder with high absorption and utilization rate by the roots is poured onto the roots to improve transpiration and transport calcium to the fruit; the third is foliar spraying. When the plant is deficient in calcium, calcium fertilizer is mixed with water to make a dilute fertilizer solution and sprayed on the leaves. Its utilization rate is higher than that of root fertilization.
The above is an introduction to how grapes should be supplemented with calcium. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.