Calcium Dynamics in Pakistani Agroecosystems: A review

Abstract

Calcium (Ca) is important for maintaining soil structure, supporting plant growth, and human nutrition, yet its distribution and use in Pakistan are not fully understood. In this review we will discuss about current data available on exchangeable calcium in Pakistani soil and elaborate notable differences across different regions and soil conditions. Ca play important roles in plants including strengthening cell wall, supporting membrane functions, shaping root system and helping plants withstand environmental stress. In this review we will also discuss how calcium can improve soil health mainly in the acidic and sodic soils. Also discuss about some common Ca containing fertilizers available in Pakistan and their role and working in different soil condition and gain understanding about why Pakistani people especially women suffer from Ca deficiency even it is abundant in most Pakistani soils. In this article we combine different aspects from agriculture to human health and highlighting key gape in knowledge and different strategies to improve Ca management for soil and plants growths.