Minnesota/Kentucky fertility based on ENERGY | Calcium: The element, which is truly needed as much by weight and by volume. In keeping with our studies this material keeps a charge flowing through the system. We apply calcium as a nutrient not a soil amendment. By this we can affect calcium solubility with very little calcium. With as small amounts as 100 to 200 lbs Pel-lime and 500 to 1000 lbs ag lime. We use pH as a guide for nutrient availability. Once you understand the true importance of calcium you can begin to see how self sustaining this program can be.
Some people think that this system and soil test are not true chemistry, but ask this question, “Is true chemistry absolute?” We have changed several science based experts thoughts. With this said lets look further into this. The system that we use currently for soil testing is based off pH above or below seven pH. This will allow all nutrients to be lifted from the soil and be placed onto a soil analysis. As several experts in the world have said we need a test which will allow for the testing of what is only truly soluble and available to the plant, which means that we need to look closely at our environment, natural resources and how we quantify this with a soil test which takes everything and measures it, whether the nutrient is one hundred percent available or not. This is why we only use the LaMotte soil test method. To simplify we must understand that we are measuring for only plant available nutrients. To achieve this, our lab uses extracts that emulate the acid that the rootlet excretes, giving a measurement of plant absorption. Is this new science or just the common sense approach to soil science?
CALCIUM
Some potential benefits of calcium may include improved soil structure, stimulated growth of soil microbes and earthworms, mobilization of nutrients into the plant, increased nitrogen utilization and protein content, increased root growth, leaf growth, cell wall building and cell division. Calcium promotes enzyme functions, increases the sugar content of the plant and enhances overall plant health, resulting in high quality grain or fruit.
SOURCES OF CALCIUM
* Calcium sulfate (gypsum)
* Calcium phosphate
* High calcium lime (calcium carbonate)
* Chelated calcium
* Idaho phosphate
* Calcium nitrate
OPTIMUM LEVELS
3000-4000 pounds per acre
Ca: CALCIUM (2000-4000 pounds per acre)
Calcium is the main element to provide resistance against the organic acids in the soil, thereby creating the energy to grow a crop. With this testing method, the minimum level of calcium should not be allowed to dip below 1 ton per acre. It is not advisable to use bacterial and enzymatic products when calcium is below recommended levels unless you are adding high calcium lime, calcium sulfate (gypsum) or calcium nitrate at the same time. Calcium solubility and availability is determined by three things - proper aeration, active bacteria and adequate sulfate availability. Calcium should be a 7:1 ratio with magnesium. If the ratio is less than 4:1 it indicates a biologically deficient soil unless in a high magnesium area.
|
Calcium to Magnesium Ratio
