Calcium(Ca) and Sulfur(S) are considered secondary nutrients for plants and are also know as synthesizers because they are essential elements for the growth and health of plants. Calcium functions in plants include strengthening cell walls to prevent collapse, enchancing cell division and plant growth, protein synthesis, carbohydrate movements, and balancing cell acidity. All calcium in plants is taken up from the soil. Sulfur is essential for the production of three amino acids found in plants. These amino acids are building blocks in the synthesis of proteins and without proteins, plants cannot exist. In nature, Calcium most commonly occurs as limestone rock which is made up of calcium carbonate. Calcium sulphate, or gypsum, is a naturally occurring form of calcium. Sulfur also exists naturally and is extracted from underground deposits, from natural gas and crude oil, from the smelting of certain metal ores, and from gases produced by burning coal. These plant nutrients occur naturally in soils but are usually present in mineral or organic forms that are unavailable to our plants. Use of lime, gypsum and sulfur products, like ENCAP's products provide these secondary nutrients in plant available form for uptake from the soil.
Information provided by, International Plant Nutrition Institute, www.ipni.net

When do plants need these sythesizers? What are the symptoms that plants are low in these nutrients?

Posted By Tita Luna on 7/22/2009 9:40
When do plants need these sythesizers? What are the symptoms that plants are low in these nutrients?

well i think the discoloration of the leaves and frailty of the trunks of the plants..

Posted By SarahV on 7/29/2009 14:44
<p>Symptons of deficiency can be different depending on the plant type.  A couple of examples are as follows:</p>
<p>One sympton of Ca deficiency can occur in apples, the discoloration of the fruit meat.  It looks like rust spots throughout the apple.  The condition is commonly called "bitter pit".</p>
<p>Yellowing of leaves, is a common S deficiency symptom, but is often diagnosed as N deficiency.</p>
<p>A soil test can really get you a accurate idea of what is going under underneath your plants in the soil.  We recommend this is the best way to diagnoise a problem.</p>

I agree with you on this sarahV..a soil test is necessary in determining its deficiencies..

Hey SarahV, you give some good advice. I've had soil tests done on my soil before and this really does give you some great insight as to what is going on in your soil. I also don't waste any money on adding unnecessary items to my lawn, because with a soil test, I know what is actually needed. I usually deal with my local University Extension office when I want soil tests taken.
This is a great forum!