0
points
Container gardening

Tomato    None Given

I am a disabled veteran in a wheelchair, I garden in selfwatering containers on scaffolds. My problem is that I get a lot of wilting if I don't use drip irragation into the tank daily. This causes blossom end rot. Can I use gypsum when I plant, to try and prevent the rot?


Posted by: Joe DeGraw (1 point) Joe DeGraw
Posted: March 25, 2016




Answers

0
points
Thanks for the question sir.
Mulching of the soil with suitable materials reduces water loss and frequency of water application. Also providing shade during hot and dry wind conditions reduces moisture stress.
I think gypsum can be used (through drip irrigation system or soil application) to reduce blossom end rot but first we have to make sure the main causes of calcium deficiency in tomato plant.

Main causes:
1. Plants are unable to uptake calcium from soil due to moisture stress
2. Calcium may not be available in soil
3. Some time calcium may be present in soil but unavailable to plants due to excess soluble salts (especially sodium).
4. Damage to the root system also make plants unable to uptake calcium and water.

Soil testing helps in determining the need for calcium application to soil.

Limestones is also a good source of calcium but should be applied to soil 2 to 3 months before planting.





Posted by: Dr. Ravishankar Narayana (15 points) Dr. Ravishankar Narayana
Posted: March 25, 2016




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