Calcium Deficiency in Alfalfa
Calcium is a macronutrient. Symptoms of calcium deficiency are diverse but include seedling petiole collapse while the attached leaves continue, at least for a time, to appear healthy except for possible reddish-purplish discoloration beneath the leaf. The edges of new leaves show yellow, bluish, or grayish discoloration beginning from the apex of the leaf. Leaves can also roll into a “funnel” shape. Other symptoms include diminished root growth, death of taproot tissue, and wilting of the stem top. Because liming is common in alfalfa fields, calcium deficiency is infrequent.
Calcium deficiency symptoms (left) in alfalfa.
Debora Samac
Management of calcium deficiency involves liming fields to maintain adequate pH and calcium levels for proper alfalfa development. Check with state extension agents or resources to determine proper nutrient testing methods and application recommendations for local alfalfa production.
Prepared by the Alfalfa Pest Management Working Group.
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