Calcium deficiency/ internal browning-Potatoes

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

Calcium deficiency/ internal browning 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 NITRABOR

Potatoes: 300-400 kg/ha as top-dressing during tuber initiation. For more detailed advice on rates and timings, contact your local Yara Agronomist.

YaraTera CALCINIT

Potatoes: 300-400 kg/ha as top-dressing during tuber initiation. For more detailed advice on rates and timings, contact your local Yara Agronomist.

YaraVita STOPIT

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