Tomato Calcium Deficiency Problem under Sandy Soils Conditions
Introduction
Tomatoes have been a major source of vitamins and livelihood for many of the villagers. Growing this crop has been natural for the farmers although it is considered as one of the highly labor intensive crop. Most of the rural areas facilitate the tomato cultivation as their main source of employment. In this way, the problems in unemployment and poverty are temporarily solved. The practice of tomato cultivation can be passed on the other generation of the family; however, the tomato cultivation is largely depending on the expensive external inputs. As an example, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used to maintain the production of tomatoes which will obviously results to the high production costs. In addition, the use of chemicals on tomatoes and other crops were criticized by the Health Organization for the reason that it might affect the human body once consumed. Because of these recognizable problems, the farmers are obliged to switch to the most eco-friendly ways of farming that target to reduce the production costs and ensure the safeness. In this way, the farming practices are once again empowered. But despite the aim to produce quality tons of tomatoes, there is a problem that arise among the tomatoes – the nutritional problem on Calcium.
Nutritional Problems and Disorders
Tomato (Lycoperersion Esculentun) is easy to grow without the help of a greenhouse or hoop house as long as it has a reasonable summer ambience. They grow undercover in the ideal site. Tomatoes prefer the warm, sheltered in full sun yet fertile and well-drained soil. This suggests that the challenge lies in building good soil beds. People knew that tomatoes are good source of lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant. This same idea gives rise to the companies to manufacture the tomato paste, tomato ketchup, and tomato sauce. But despite the benefits given by the tomatoes, the soft fruit is vulnerable to poor condition that affects its nutrient production. The hint that the tomatoes are in poor conditions:
ü if the skin is unhealthy which means that there is a low potassium content;
ü if there is a poor growth of root and fruit development which means that there is a low phosphorus content;
ü if there is a rot on the blossom end, it means that it has a low calcium availability; and
ü if the fruit’s characteristics seems in a dying stage, it means that it is low in boron.
Calcium Deficiency
The calcium deficiency among the tomatoes is a kind of disorder that is common in acidic soils or the plants that are growing in containers wherein the water is unreliable. This deficiency causes the young leaves of tomatoes or tips in poor growth. In order to prevent and control the calcium deficiency, the farmers discovered that the true reason is the acid soils. The shortage of water slows the transport of calcium to the plant and also the excessive use of potassium or magnesium rich fertilizers. As a solution, soil treatments and soil testing should be conducted.
Sandy soils, on the other hand, are found to be the potential ground for cultivating the tomatoes. This type of soil is easy to work but have a low water holding capacities and plants might suffer. Furthermore, the nutrients may be lost due to the water irrigation. But despite these drawbacks, the sandy soils can be improved albeit it includes difficulty. In the attempt of the farmers to avoid the deficiency on tomatoes, the plants can be placed under the sandy soils but with appropriate monitoring. The application of soil enhancers like the organic matter plays a special role in maintaining the conditions of the plants and allowing the water supply. Hence, it is important to check the high soluble salts and potassium, magnesium, or ammonium level of soil to avoid the competition with the calcium. It is advised that the farmers will refrain using the other forms of nitrogen fertilizers because it can also create a big impact in the calcium absorption of the plant.
Conclusion
Tomatoes are the common types of crops that poorly developing that will shows the sign of deficiency on the nutrients. The common practice and application of the cultivating methods somehow affects the healthy growth of the plant. In order to save the other crops, the farmers seek for other intervention in which they believe to create changes. Although there are several plants that managed to live in sandy soils, still the preventive measures such as monitoring and soil treatment can improve the conditions of the soil.
Sources:
AMEF, (2006) Farmer Field School for Women: An Experience of IPM-FFS in Tomato, AME Foundation [Online] Available at: http://www.amefound.org/leisa/AME%20INFO/2006/Case%20Study-1.pdf [Accessed 18 August 2010].
Organic Gardening Practices [Online] Available at: http://www.organicgardeningpractices.com/managingsandysoil.php [Accessed 18 August 2010].
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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