Liquid Calcium and Bio-Act Control Weeds in Hay
Maintaining hay and pasture fields can feel like a constant battle, especially when it comes to weed control. For farmers, persistent weeds are more than just an eyesore—they compete with valuable forage, reducing productivity and leading to lower-quality hay. Often, farmers turn to herbicides as a quick fix, but what if there was a more sustainable solution? AgriTec International offers products like Pro-Cal, Advanced-Cal, and Bio-Act, which go beyond herbicides. Liquid Calcium and Bio-Act control weeds in hay and other crops, addressing soil health as a key to long-term weed control.
Understanding Soil pH and Weed Growth
A root cause of weed problems often lies in the soil’s pH balance. Many common weeds actually thrive in low-pH or acidic soils, where forage grasses struggle to establish and thrive. This environment creates ideal conditions for weeds to flourish, leading to more labor, lower yield, and increased expenses on herbicides.
In North Carolina, Kenneth found himself facing these very issues until he discovered a key insight. “A few years ago, I had an Ag extension agent tell me the pH of my soil was too low by noting what types of weeds were growing in the field,” he shared. Since then, he’s turned to AgriTec’s Pro-Cal. Kenneth noted, “The Pro-Cal seems to be working—I have fewer weeds than I did last year.” Raising soil pH can make fields less hospitable to weeds while creating the optimal conditions for valuable forage grasses.
Pro-Cal: A Game-Changer for Weed Control
Pro-Cal, AgriTec’s liquid calcium product, is designed to quickly raise soil pH and improve the structure of acidic soils. Unlike traditional lime, which can take months to show results, Pro-Cal starts working right after application, making it an ideal choice for farmers who want quick, lasting changes in their fields.
In Alabama, Mark had a similar experience about what he described as “one of my worst fields.” He was ready to treat the weeds with herbicides, but after applying Pro-Cal, he noticed a remarkable transformation. “Later, I went out to apply herbicides on the fields I hadn’t put your product on,” he said, “Then I went to the field I had applied the Pro-Cal to—there weren’t any weeds. I didn’t have to spray herbicide.” This kind of testimony highlights Pro-Cal’s ability to manage weed growth by addressing the soil’s pH, eliminating the need for costly and labor-intensive herbicide applications.
How Raising pH Affects Weed Growth
When soil pH is improved, it benefits the desirable forage crops like clover, alfalfa, and fescue. These crops struggle in highly acidic soil, where they cannot effectively absorb nutrients. With Pro-Cal raising soil pH, these grasses become healthier and better able to outcompete weeds. Healthier forage crops establish a dense, resilient ground cover, making it difficult for weeds to take hold.
For Mark and Kenneth, the benefits went beyond weed control. They saw an improvement in the quality and yield of their forage, leading to more productive fields with fewer weeds and healthier pastures. When fields are balanced and well-maintained, farmers need less herbicide, and over time, the pasture becomes more resistant to weed infestations naturally.
Advanced-Cal: Long-Term Nutrient Release for Soil Health
While Pro-Cal provides rapid pH adjustment, Advanced-Cal offers a sustained release of calcium and other nutrients for longer-term soil health. The product is designed for hay and pasture fields that need a boost in both pH and nutrient availability, supporting the establishment of nutrient-dense forage crops and minimizing conditions that weeds thrive in.
A farmer from Texas experienced the benefits of Advanced-Cal firsthand: “The Adv-Cal worked great on the hay! I am about to put some more out,” he shared. By enhancing the nutrient profile of the soil, Advanced-Cal encourages robust root growth in pasture grasses, which further prevents weeds from establishing themselves. When soil conditions are balanced and nutrient-rich, weeds have fewer opportunities to grow, while desired forage plants become the dominant vegetation in the field.
Bio-Act: Enhancing Soil Microbiology for Sustainable Fields
Bio-Act is another product in AgriTec’s lineup that helps improve soil health through biological support. By enhancing soil biology, Bio-Act helps with nutrient uptake and improves the overall resilience of pasture grasses. Healthy soil biology means plants are more effective at making nutrients accessible, including calcium from Pro-Cal and Advanced-Cal. This leads to stronger, healthier plants that naturally crowd out weeds.
For hay and pasture farmers, Bio-Act offers an added advantage. By supporting the biological component of soil health, Bio-Act helps maintain the positive results from pH balancing and nutrient applications, leading to a more sustainable approach to weed control. Fields treated with Bio-Act are often more drought-tolerant and resistant to environmental stressors, which further helps forage crops outcompete weeds and invasive species.
The Cost-Effectiveness of AgriTec’s Approach to Weed Control
For many farmers, the cost of herbicides and repeated applications can be overwhelming. While herbicides offer a temporary solution, they do not address the root cause of weed growth in many cases: unbalanced, nutrient-deficient soil. AgriTec’s products, such as Pro-Cal and Advanced-Cal, provide long-term, cost-effective solutions that target the underlying soil health.
In Mark’s case, his initial investment in Pro-Cal was so successful that he expanded its application to cover all 200 acres of his field. “Well, I am a believer, and so are many of my neighbors. So send me two totes of Pro-Cal to do all 200 acres,” he shared. By investing in soil health, farmers like Mark can reduce their reliance on herbicides, lower overall costs, and create more resilient pastures.
Why Soil Health Is the Key to Long-Term Weed Control
Weed control is a multifaceted issue, especially in hay and pasture farming. While herbicides can be useful, they are often a short-term fix that doesn’t address the underlying soil conditions that encourage weeds. AgriTec’s approach centers on soil health, recognizing that weeds are often a symptom of nutrient deficiencies or imbalances in pH. By improving these foundational aspects, AgriTec helps farmers create healthier, more productive fields.
The success stories from Kenneth, Mark, and other farmers underscore the value of this approach. From fewer weeds to higher yields, these results reflect AgriTec’s commitment to sustainable and effective soil management. When soil pH is balanced, nutrients are available, and biological activity is supported, forage crops can thrive—and weeds, no longer having a hospitable environment, begin to dwindle.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Products for Your Farm
AgriTec’s Pro-Cal, Advanced-Cal, and Bio-Act each play unique roles in supporting weed control and soil health. For hay and pasture farmers, the benefits are clear: fewer weeds, healthier forage, and less dependence on herbicides. By addressing soil health first, AgriTec International offers a long-term, cost-effective solution that empowers farmers to improve their land and reduce weed pressure without sacrificing productivity.
Farmers like Kenneth and Mark have already seen the difference AgriTec’s products make. By improving soil pH, enhancing nutrient availability, and supporting biological health, AgriTec’s approach to weed control is rooted in sustainable practices that benefit both farmers and the environment. If you’re ready to tackle weeds from the ground up, AgriTec’s products offer a powerful ally in your fight for healthier, more productive fields.
