In plants, calcium is necessary because it reduces the effects of other salts in the water. Calcium alters the availability of nutrients within the plant, making is necessary for plant growth. Without calcium, the toxic effect of the salts would decrease activity of the cell wall as well as meristem activity. Brown spots and dead areas would also result from a lack of calcium in the soil. Even though experiments exactly like ours were probably never previously conducted, similar ones have been done. .
An experiment done at the Agricultural Research Service Center in Weslaco, Texas, studied if melons dunked in a calcium solution would provide a sweeter and longer-lasting melon. It was known that just like humans needed calcium for strong bones, melons needed calcium to remain firm. The two teams of the ARS and the Children's Nutritional Research collaboratively performed the experiment and came out with the results they expected. The calcium solution nearly doubled the melon's shelf life, as well as made them firmer. Out of the two melon's that were tested, honeydew and cantaloupe, the honeydew got more of a positive reaction from the solution because of its ability to remain whole and spread calcium throughout itself. Does this mean that a plant, which can transport minerals more efficiently, will benefit more from a calcium rich environment? The plant used in our experiment, Hypoestes sanquinolenta, or Pink Polka Dot (as labeled by Price Chopper), is known to be proficient in transportation of minerals, as well as absorption of liquid. We feel that this plant would make a great subject because it works as a good control under common conditions. We won't have to worry about over-saturating the plant, because of its tolerance for high liquid levels. .
In another experiment done by the Department of Botany at Washington State University, the group tested the effects of high soil moisture on calcium-providing plants.
