The traditional method of growing plants involves applying lime to the soil to reduce acidity. A higher concentration of acidity means the plants cannot absorb as many nutrients. Though lime achieves this, liquid calcium works faster and more efficiently.
History
Liquid calcium is a natural growth stimulant for plants and has been used in the production process for over 65 years. It is mined from the ground the same way that limestone is extracted, but the process goes farther than just the pulverization in limestone. Instead, it undergoes a process of heating, liquifying, and extracting the pure soluble liquid calcium.
What Causes Low pH?
Base saturation refers to the percentage of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and hydrogen within a soil test. The less calcium and magnesium present in the soil, the lower pH will be. Hydrogen acts as a barrier between nutrients and plants. The more hydrogen present, the more acidity is in the soil. At its optimal pH of 7.0, the soil can receive more nutrients and accelerate plant growth.
Why Calcium?
Calcium is essential for any plant’s health and growth. Plant cell walls are made from calcium and act as a skeletal structure for the plant. Calcium also acts as a catalyst for cell division, meaning when a cell divides and then those cells divide, calcium is responsible. So, why does this all matter? Without calcium, cells will not divide and form new cells, and the plant will not grow. This cellular division causes a plant to grow, and it all stems from having appropriate calcium levels.
When liquid calcium is added to the soil, it displaces the hydrogen responsible for low pH. By displacing the hydrogen, other nutrients can get to the plant, and its growth increases.
Frequently asked questions
What does liquid calcium do for plants?
Liquid calcium delivers plant-available calcium that strengthens cell walls, supports root growth, improves disease resistance, and unlocks the uptake of other nutrients. AgriTec’s Pro-Cal also corrects soil pH and loads calcium onto the cation exchange complex, improving soil structure across multiple seasons.
How fast does liquid calcium work?
Pro-Cal begins reacting within 7 to 14 days of application. In a Tuskegee University trial, treated plots moved from pH 5.4 to 6.5 within the trial window. Across 14 paired before/after field tests in 8 states, every pair moved up in both pH and calcium base saturation — average pH lift of 0.71 points.
Is liquid calcium safe for in-furrow application?
Yes, at the labeled rate. Pro-Cal and Advanced-Cal in-row applications are sized at 1 to 2 gallons per acre with a maximum rate of 2.0 gallons per acre. AgriTec recommends a jar test with your specific water and tank-mix partners before any new mix combination.
How does liquid calcium compare to dry lime?
Liquid calcium reacts on application instead of waiting 6 to 12 months for dry lime to dissolve. It applies uniformly with a sprayer, fits no-till and reduced-till systems, and can be VRT-applied based on soil-test zones. Dolomitic lime remains useful only when magnesium delivery is also needed alongside calcium.
How much liquid calcium do I need per acre?
Rates are soil-test driven. As a starting reference from the AgriTec sell sheet, soils at pH 5.5 to 5.9 with 50 to 60 percent calcium base saturation typically receive 2.5 to 3 gallons per acre. Soils at pH 5.0 to 5.4 with 40 to 50 percent Ca BS receive 3 to 4 gallons per acre. Soils below pH 5.0 receive 5 gallons per acre. The full prescription accounts for CEC and zone variation.