Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement A: Deficiency symptoms of calcium on plants are first noticed at all leaves
Statement B: The soil is well flocculated, if it has more of calcium
In the light of above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Statement A is correct and statement B is incorrect
• B. Statement A is incorrect and Statement B is correct
• C. Both statements A and statement B are correct
• D. Both statements A and statement B are incorrect

Hint:

Remember:
$\text{Ca}^{2+}$ and $\text{Mg}^{2+}$ promote soil flocculation (good structure).
$\text{Na}^{+}$ promotes soil dispersion (poor structure).
Calcium is immobile in plants $\rightarrow$ symptoms restricted to terminal buds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question deals with plant nutrition physiology (calcium mobility) and soil physical chemistry (clay flocculation).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each statement individually:
Statement A states that Calcium deficiency symptoms are first noticed on all leaves.
This is incorrect. Calcium is highly immobile inside the plant.
It is deposited as calcium pectate in the cell walls and cannot be remobilized to newer leaves.
Thus, deficiency symptoms appear strictly on the youngest leaves, terminal buds, and growing tips first, resulting in distorted growing points and tip hook, rather than appearing on all leaves.
Statement B states that soil is well-flocculated if it has more calcium.
This is correct. Calcium ($\text{Ca}^{2+}$) is a divalent cation.
According to the Schulze-Hardy rule, divalent cations reduce the thickness of the diffuse double layer on clay particles, causing them to aggregate (flocculate).
Flocculation is highly beneficial for soil structure, porosity, and aeration.
Therefore, Statement A is incorrect and Statement B is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement A is incorrect and Statement B is correct.