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Calcium (Ca) - Calcium is essential
in the proper functioning of plant cell walls and membranes. Sufficient calcium
must also be present in actively growing plant parts, especially storage organs
such as fruits and roots. Properly limed soils with a constant and
adequate moisture will normally supply sufficient calcium to plants.
High humidity and poor soil drainage hinder calcium movement into these plant
parts and should be avoided.
Calcium seldom limits crop growth in Michigan soils. Even very highly acid soils needing lime usually contain enough calcium as a plant nutrient for crops. The soil calcium measurement is used to calculate CEC. (Cation Exchange Capacity)
Some garden references suggest the addition of gypsum to raise calcium levels in the soil without increasing pH, as for blueberries, but that is not usually needed or beneficial in Michigan. (click for more detail about gypsum)