Is Calcium (Ca) mobile in the plant?

Calcium (Ca) is classified as an immobile nutrient in plants. This immobility is crucial for its role in plant physiology because it primarily functions in the formation of cell walls, strengthening cellular structures, and in various intracellular signaling processes. Since calcium does not move freely within the plant, any deficiency or insufficient mobility usually manifests in the younger tissue at the tips of roots and shoots, where calcium uptake is essential for new growth. Older tissues do not have the same access to calcium to compensate for any deficiencies since the nutrient cannot be relocated once it has been incorporated into tissue.

This characteristic highlights the importance of ensuring that calcium is available in the soil for proper plant health, particularly during critical growth stages. The immobility of calcium necessitates effective soil management and application strategies to minimize the risk of deficiency.