After harvest, fruit remains exposed to risks that can compromise its quality and shelf life. One of the key factors in reducing these losses is Calcium, essential for strengthening cell structure and preventing physiological disorders. However, achieving adequate accumulation of Calcium in the fruit is not easy, as its mobility within the plant is limited.
Our strategy is based on ensuring that Calcium reaches and remains in the fruit, which requires synchronizing several key factors:
Application during periods of high root activity
Calcium absorption occurs through root hairs, so it is crucial to apply it when the roots are active and growing. This happens at specific times in the crop cycle, depending on soil conditions and the plant’s phenological stage.
Application on days with high evapotranspiration
Since Calcium is transported through the xylem and its movement depends on transpiration flow, it is essential to apply it on days with good evapotranspiration (high ET0), ensuring better absorption and efficient transport to the fruit.
Application in early fruit development stages
The absorption of Calcium is most efficient when the fruit is still small. As it grows, the cuticle hardens, limiting nutrient uptake, making early-stage applications crucial.
Balancing Calcium and magnesium in fertilization
Excess magnesium competes with Calcium for root absorption. Maintaining the correct ratio in the nutrient solution is essential to avoid nutrient imbalances and optimize Calcium availability in the plant.
Ensuring optimal boron levels
Boron is a key cofactor in Calcium transport within the plant. A deficiency can limit Calcium mobility and affect fruit firmness, making its monitoring and proper fertilization adjustments fundamental.
Synchronizing factors to maximize Calcium absorption
The strategy consists of aligning these factors as effectively as possible to ensure that Calcium is absorbed and accumulated in the fruit at the right time. Simply applying Calcium is not enough; it is necessary to consider root system activity, ET0, fruit development stage, and nutrient balance.
At Lonquimay Partners, we use agricultural solutions based on plant physiology to enhance fruit quality and shelf life. We invite you to explore new agricultural projects in Chile with us, optimizing nutrition and production management to achieve the best results.