The speaker, Russian Ivan, emphasizes the importance of calcium for plant growth and discusses its role in maintaining cell structure, preventing diseases, and ensuring a good harvest. He notes that many garden plants, such as tomatoes and peppers, are sensitive to calcium deficiency. Ivan introduces a method of providing calcium to the soil using marble chips or crushed marble, which slowly dissolves and releases calcium over time. This method is beneficial because it provides a soft and uniform supply of calcium to the roots, unlike finely dispersed fertilizers. Ivan recommends adding marble chips to the soil in the fall, which can last for 15-20 years, eliminating the need for frequent calcium fertilization. He also suggests using calendula as an indicator plant to monitor calcium levels in the soil.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Calcium plays a special role in plant growth and is essential for many garden plants.
2. Calcium deficiency can cause problems such as blossom-end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
3. Calendula can be used as an indicator of calcium deficiency in soil, as it grows weakly in low-calcium conditions.
4. Marble chips can be used as a natural source of calcium for plants.
5. Marble chips dissolve slowly in soil, providing a soft and uniform supply of calcium to plant roots.
6. Marble chips can last for 15-20 years in soil, providing a long-term source of calcium.
7. Cabbage and other Brassica plants are sensitive to calcium deficiency and can be affected by necrosis.
8. Onion, garlic, and other crops can also benefit from calcium supplementation.
9. Marble chips can be used to fertilize soil in greenhouses and vegetable gardens.
10. Marble chips are less likely to cause a sharp change in soil pH compared to other fertilizers.
11. Marble chips can provide calcium to plants without alkalizing the soil.
12. A one-time application of marble chips can be enough to provide calcium to plants for a long time.
13. Calcium supplementation can help plants develop natural resistance to pests and diseases.