Ca is a constituent of calcium pectate in the cell wall and maintains the integrity of the membranes. It is important for the growth of meristems and functioning of root tips and  also activates many enzymes.

In the leaves, burning and curling of the tips of younger leaves is the characteristic symptom. Ca deficiency generally affects the root system causing poor establishment of the cuttings, and roots become necrotic and decompose. Under field condition, it is not an important problem. But as in the case of Mg, this nutrient deficiency is also variety specific as observed in top cross hybrids like Sree Rekha. Generally, cassava is tolerant to acid soils having low Ca content because of the physiological adaptation of cassava to tolerate low Ca levels and high Al levels in the soil. Under field conditions, excess lime may lead to the induction of deficiency of Fe, K, Mg, Mn or Cu.