Effect of Calcium and Magnesium Levels on Growth and Development of Chinese Kale Grown in Hydroponics System

Abstract

Effects of calcium and magnesium levels on growth and development of Chinese Kale grown in hydroponic system were examined. The Plants were supplied with different concentrations of calcium combined with magnesium i.e. 1) three levels of magnesium ; 63 (concentration in CMU#2 formula as control treatment), 94.5 and 127 mg/l 2) two levels of calcium ; 85 (CMU#2 formula as control treatment) and 127 mg/l. The results showed that plant height, number of leaves per plant and fresh weight at harvest were not affected by increasing of calcium and magnesium concentration. Calcium treatment did not affect leaf color. But increased levels of magnesium at 94.5 and 126 mg/l enhanced a green color of leaf. Chinese Kale supplied with 63 mg/l of magnesium showed magnesium deficiency symptom with interveinal chlorosis and average leaf color of 34.25 SPAD unit. The result of leaf analysis showed that increasing of calcium levels significantly decreased magnesium concentration in leaves. Conversly, increased levels of magnesium tended to decrease calcium concentration in leaves.