Introduction
Calcium, often overlooked compared to its nutrient counterparts, plays a crucial role in plant and soil health. In our rapidly evolving agricultural world, liquid calcium chelate is emerging as a robust solution for calcium deficiency. Let’s delve into why this nutrient is so important and how liquid calcium chelate is making a difference.
The Role of Calcium in Plant Health
Calcium is a secondary macronutrient that is vital for plant cell strcuture and growth. It fortifies plant cell walls, ensuring strong and healthy development. When calcium is abundant, plants are better equipped to resist diseases and produce high-quality yields.
Calcium in Soil: A Closer Look
Naturally present in soil, calcium also has a significant role in soil health. It improves water penetration and reduces soil salinity, thereby promoting proper nutrient uptake by plants. Furthermore, calcium plays an essential part in maintaining soil pH, a critical factor in plant growth.
Raising soil pH with Liquid Calcium Chelate
Liquid calcium chelate not only supplements soil with essential calcium but also effectively raises soil pH. It achieves this by displacing these hydrogen ions in the soil, which are primarily responsible for soil acidity. By replacing these hydrogen ions, the soil becomes less acidic, raising the pH level. This transformation is vital because a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH range (6-7) is optimal for most crops, allowing for the best nutrient availability and microbial activity.
Liquid Calcium Chelate: What is it?
Liquid calcium chelate consists of calcium ions bonded with organic molecules, making it highly soluble and easily absorbed by plants. Unlike traditional calcium sources, this chelated form ensures that more calcium reaches the plant in a readily usable form. In contrast to lime, liquid calcium chelate is in a form that the plant can use and take in right away, avoiding the standard 6-12 month breakdown time that is consistent with lime applications.
Advantages of Using Liquid Calcium Chelate
Besides enhancing nutrient absorption, liquid calcium chelate is a more sustainable option, reducing the need for repeated applications. It is highly effective in amending soil structure and promoting plant health without significantly impacting the environment.
Research Supporting Calcium Chelate
Our recent wheat trials with the Agricenter Testing Facility, run from 11/17/2021 – 06/21/2022, have been eye-opening. The application of Pro-Cal, in various combinations, consistently increased soil pH, with remarkable results seen in Plots B and C, where pH levels rose from 5.4 to 6.3 and 6.4, respectively.
Here’s a closer look at the application program and results per acre:
Control: 80 units of Nitrogen, pH 5.4
Plot A: 5 gal Pro-Cal, pH increased from 5.4 to 5.9
Plot B: 5 gal Pro-Cal, pH increased from 5.4 to 6.3
Plot C: 5 gal Pro-Cal, pH increased from 5.4 to 6.4
These trials illustrate the power of liquid calcium chelate applications. In every plot where Pro-Cal was applied, pH increased. These results are not only statistically significant, they have profound implications for improving crop yield and soil heatlth.
Conclusion
In summary, calcium is indispensable for soil and plant health, and liquid calcium chelate is an exceptional tool for managing this crucial nutrient. Consider your own soil’s calcium levels and consult with a local extension office for tailored advice. To connect with an AgriTec soil advisor, please call 833-247-4832.
