Tomato blossom end rot is caused by a lack of various plant micronutrients.
Calcium is one of those micronutrients.
However, it doesn’t prevent BER because it doesn’t reach Sulfur and Magnesium.
So, while Epsom salt may be a great way to add calcium to your soil, it can’t prevent Blossom End Rot.
This article will discuss the role of these other plant micronutrients, and how they may help you prevent Blossom End Rot.
Calcium reaches tomato blossom end rot
Tomato plants can use fertilizers, but at this stage, they will not benefit from excessive amounts of calcium.
The problem is that calcium is not readily available in low-pH soils, so the plant may not be getting enough. However, calcium can be added to the soil as a natural fertilizer in small amounts.
To avoid the risk of blossom end rot, you can also use lime or bonemeal to supplement the soil.
Before using these products, do a soil test to determine whether they will benefit your tomatoes.
Tomatoes should be planted deep, about a third of the way into the soil. While it may not seem necessary, adding epsom salts to the soil can help the plant to establish a strong root system and absorb more nutrients.
Calcium deficiency is not common, but adding a little extra calcium to your soil at the beginning of the growing season can make a difference.
Tomatoes grow best in consistently moist soil. One inch of water per week is adequate. The problem is made worse when you water them every day.
The calcium in the soil may be close to the roots but needs to travel a long way before it reaches the plants. Soaker hoses and water cones can help with this. Heavy rains should be avoided when watering tomatoes.
Epsom salt does not stop BER
Although it can prevent diseases and pests, it won’t stop the rot in your tomato blossoms. Tomato blossoms require the nutrients magnesium and sulfur to grow and fruit, and deficiencies in either of these nutrients can lead to disease.
Using Epsom salt before planting your plants will improve their uptake of other nutrients. Similarly, if your soil is deficient in magnesium, you can add it to the soil before planting.
Although it is recommended to apply fertilizer, Epsom salt is not a proper cure for blossom end rot.
It contains too much sulfur and magnesium. Too much of any nutrient will lead to an imbalance and can even make the condition worse.
So, if you’re looking for a natural remedy for this problem, try other methods. A quick search on the internet will provide you with hundreds of options.
One option is to add calcium to the soil. This is a long-term solution because crushed eggshells take a while to decompose and release calcium into the soil.
For a temporary fix, you can also apply commercial calcium sprays to your plants when they first appear. In addition to calcium, consider using a fertilizer that contains low-nitrogen and high-superphosphates. Those are more likely to prevent BER flare-ups.
Magnesium
While tomatoes typically do not lack sulfur, many suffer from a deficiency in magnesium. The problem is typically the result of a depleted soil. Applying magnesium salts can alleviate this issue.
They are effective within 48 hours, but for a long-term fix, soil must be amended with magnesium.
This remedy can be sprinkled around the base of the plant or used as a foliar spray. To prevent further damage, however, it’s best to apply magnesium salts to the soil before planting tomato seedlings.
A common remedy for this problem is using Epsom salt, a type of sulfate, but this is not a complete solution. While magnesium is a crucial element for plant growth, too much of this nutrient can interfere with the plant’s ability to absorb calcium.
Applying extra magnesium during blossom time will improve fruit set, but you shouldn’t go overboard. A good rule of thumb is to use a low concentration of magnesium, and only if it’s absolutely necessary.
Tomatoes also require calcium to avoid blossom-end rot, which often occurs during heavy rains. Without calcium in the soil, roots cannot effectively absorb the mineral, which leads to rotting.
Therefore, it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist, while not overwatering the plant. It’s also a good idea to add dolomitic lime and Epsom salts to your soil during crucial fruit production periods.
Sulfur is a plant micronutrient
Sulfur is a secondary macronutrient with an average concentration of 0.15 percent in plant tissue. Sufficient amounts of S are necessary for nitrogen use efficiency, crop yields, grain quality, and animal nutrition.
Sulfur is also required for protein synthesis, as it is a structural component of several essential amino acids and is essential for the production of chlorophyll.
Plants also use sulfur in their metabolism for the production of chlorophyll, as well as N fixation in legumes.
Plants can acquire sulfur from the soil in several forms, including sulfate. Sulfur is readily soluble, so it is lost through leaching.
Sulfur is then reduced to sulfur dioxide during plant metabolism. Sulfur is a critical part of all plant proteins and hormones and is also essential in the production of plant oils.
For plants, the amount of sulfur in their diet depends on the type of crops and the stage of growth they are at.
The main source of sulfur in soil is elemental sulfur. Sulfur can be found in several forms, such as thiosulfate, potassium magnesium sulfate, and superphosphate.
Elemental sulfur is most effective if it is ground to a fine powder. In soil, sulfur sulfate is used as a fertilizer, but it must be ground finely.
Fertilizer application
Applying Epsom salts to the soil may promote the development of blossom-end rot on tomatoes. This disease is a result of a lack of calcium in the plant’s soil. However, Epsom salts contain magnesium, which prevents plants from absorbing calcium.
In addition to its benefits, Epsom salt can also reduce soil pH, which can negatively impact vegetable crop performance and yields.
However, excessive use of Epsom salts could exacerbate the problem of tomato blossom end rot. The excess magnesium will compete with calcium, making the problem worse.
This mineral is not recommended for use in soil that already has too much of these nutrients. In addition to the potential for toxicity, the magnesium may also affect tomato growth and yield. If you are considering applying Epsom salts to your soil, it’s important to read the instructions carefully and understand their use.
Tomatoes often develop this disease when they grow rapidly and experience drought. A lack of calcium in the soil reduces the ability of the plants to move water and nutrients. Likewise, over-cultivating the plants too close to them will reduce their root system, reducing the ability to move water. Soil that is rich in soluble salts can also be a culprit.
Soil test
Tomatoes suffer from blossom end rot when they grow rapidly and experience drought. The problem is caused by roots that are weakened or destroyed, making them less able to transport water and nutrients to other parts of the plant.
The high soluble salt content in the soil also reduces the amount of calcium available to the plant. In such conditions, using Epsom salt to treat tomato blossom end rot can make the problem worse.
The condition can be reversed on the plant, but the affected fruits will have to be removed from the plant. Overwatering may also cause blossom end rot because it damages the roots of a plant.
Damaged roots do not receive adequate water and soluble nutrients, which leads to numerous other problems. The result may be plant death. To prevent blossom end rot, make sure to test the soil for calcium levels.
If you suspect your tomato plants of blossom end rot, try to water them more frequently and regularly. Tomatoes that are less susceptible are Celebrity, Jet Star and Big Boy varieties.
Tomatoes that are susceptible to this problem are also elongated, like Romas. To minimize this problem, grow the same variety as you did last year. In some cases, this may be the most effective method for combating the problem.
Remedies for nutrient deficiencies
The problem is usually caused by a nutrient deficiency. Calcium is one of the nutrients the plant requires, but there are many ways to boost its calcium intake.
You can add crushed eggshells to the transplant hole, but these will not fix the problem quickly enough.
Commercial calcium sprays can be applied to plants when blossoms first appear.
You should also use a nitrate fertilizer, rather than an ammoniacal one, as ammoniacal nitrogen will exacerbate the condition and may even lead to a flare-up.
Another method of preventing Blossom End Rot is to plant different varieties of tomatoes. A nutrient-deficient soil can lead to Blossom End Rot, so make sure to choose varieties that are tolerant of different conditions.
Summary
Calcium is necessary for healthy roots. In case you’re growing in a hotter climate, you might need to water your plants twice a day.
If you live in a warm climate, try to position them in the shade of a building so that they receive a steady supply of moisture.
Another common remedy for blossom end rot is Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulfate.
Epsom salt contains no calcium, but it can help the plants get calcium. But be careful not to go overboard with Epsom salt.
Too much magnesium can lead to a calcium deficiency. A remedy for tomato blossom end rot should be tried out if you are unsure of the best way to solve the problem.