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Toxicity: Excess potassium can lead to plant toxicity and cause symptoms such as burns or

chlorosis (yellowing of leaves).

Nutrient Poisoning: An excess of potassium can reduce the bioavailability of other nutrients in

the soil and damage plants.

16.4. Calcium

Calcium is an essential nutrient for plants and is vital for their growth, development, and healthy

functioning [98]. The main functions of calcium in plants are:

Cell Wall Formation: Calcium plays an important role in the structure of the cell walls of plants.
Cell walls provide the structural support of plants and determine the shape and rigidity of the

cells.

Cell Division: Calcium regulates cell division in plants and supports the development of root,

leaf, and stem tissues.

Ion Balancing: In plants, calcium regulates the ion balance inside and outside the cell. Calcium

ions inside the cell regulate the functioning of the cell membrane and water movement.

Enzyme Activation: Calcium plays a critical role in the activation of many enzymes in plants.
Enzymes are involved in the regulation of metabolic reactions in plants and calcium activates

these reactions.

Cell Signalling: Calcium is an important part of cellular signaling in plants. Calcium levels

within the cell can change in response to environmental stimuli and hormonal signals, allowing
plants to respond.

Stomatal Control: Stomata are small holes in the leaves of plants that allow gas exchange and

water vapor loss. Calcium is part of the mechanisms that regulate the opening and closing of
stomata and controls water loss.

Disease Resistance: Calcium increases disease resistance in plants and activates plant defense

mechanisms against pathogens (disease-causing organisms).

These functions of calcium in the plant are vital for the healthy growth and development of

plants. Calcium deficiency can cause problems in plants such as weak cell walls, edge curling
of leaves, and poor resistance to diseases. It is therefore important in agriculture and horticulture

to provide plants with sufficient amounts of calcium. Plants are usually fed with calcium-

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