Calcium is a secondary macronutrient, critical for food production. We're looking at how it cycles through agricultural systems.

Recall that Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur are the three secondary macronutrients required by plants, coming in just after Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (the three primary macros) in order of importance.

Without enough calcium, plants would likely die, be unable to grow, or be severely stunted. Young leaves and roots would die. Fruit would suffer from blossom-end rot, and leaf deformities would show up.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Refer to the privacy policy for more information.

Calcium is critical for cell wall development and membrane stability. It's also a secondary signalling messenger needed for some plant responses.

The Role of Calcium in Food Production

How Is Calcium Cycled in Agricultural Systems

Calcium Outputs - How Is Calcium Lost

Calcium Loss via Groundwater Leaching

Because calcium is soluble in water, it's susceptible to groundwater leaching - a process whereby calcium is leached out of the topsoil and percolates down into the subsoil, and eventually the parent material and bedrock layers.

Caused by gravity, high-drainage (as seen with loose, sandy soils), and heavy rainfall or irrigation events, many ecosystems have this slow calcium outflow which must be accounted for.

To read more about groundwater leaching, check out this article.

Calcium Loss via Erosion

Wind Erosion

Wind is powerful enough to carry sands from the Sahara and deposit them in the Amazon basin some 5,000 miles (8,000 km) away.

Erosion of soils by wind is espocially prevalent in arid regions, and with especially dry, depleted soils. Think US Dust Bowl, where hundreds of millions of tons of topsoil blew off the Southern Plains.

DIY Raised Bed Plans

Raised bed plans
Build Yours Today!

Lack of Vegetating Cover

Lack of Mulch

Soil Disturbance

Water Erosion

Calcium Loss via Crop Loss

Insect and Pest Damage

Weather Damage

Calcium Loss via Food Chain

Calcium Loss via Livestock

Livestock Manure Loss

Nutrient Loss From Livestock via Non-Arable Soil

Livestock Nutrient Loss via Surface Runoff

Calcium Loss via Sewage

Calcium Inputs - How Is Calcium Gained

Sustainable Calcium Use - Mitigating Calcium Loss


That's all for now, thanks for reading!

If you have any questions, comments, or would like to connect with fellow gardeners, head on over to the forum and post there.