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Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

I was wondering how much calcium do u guys add?

I was thinking 50pounds per 1000 sq ft is that ok?

1/7/2008 12:33:43 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

You will need a soil test before you can determine how much calcium you will need. Hopefully one of the experts will chime in. You need to think in terms of ppm ( parts per million). Once you know how much calcium there is in your soil right now, then you can add the proper amount of Ca to bring it to the desired level- ie) 3000-3500 ppm. Hope this helps.

1/7/2008 12:55:11 PM

Midwest

I add 50 lb per 300sq/ft in the fall. Let it percolate down into the soil. I add 30lb. in the spring, till it in. I foliar the leaves with 2-3oz once a week beginning after final set. I make sure to drench more liquid Cal in Aug and Sept. Is that enough? Can you have too much? If you apply gypsum, the potential harm comes from sulfur since it contains 28% sulfur. Hasn't hurt me yet.

1/7/2008 1:39:40 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

So does calcium wash away like nitrogen does, or does it stay in the soil?

When is the best time to add it into the soil?

Which is better pellet or powdered gypsum?

1/7/2008 4:17:36 PM

Somers, CT

Calcium does not leach as quickly as nitrogen. The reason for the soil test is that just adding calcium, though you probably need it, is that it has to be in a certain percentage with other elements in order to produce maximum benefits. It is the combination of additions that leads to the unlocking of channels that feeds the fruit. That is where CEC levels and micros come in.

1/7/2008 4:39:59 PM

Somers, CT

Sorry, I use Pellet gypsom from Agway because it is much less expensive than powder, is easy to spread and works just as well. Some should be added in the fall and some in the spring. If you wait till spring it is no big deal.

1/7/2008 4:43:06 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

The soil test last yr said i needed it. along with magnesium.

1/7/2008 5:02:38 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

This is my take on calcium:

Calcium is one of those ++ions which is easily tied up in soils with low CEC. My current levels are as follows:

CEC-19.6
Cal/Mag ratio-6.3:1
pH-6.5
Mg-436 ppm
Ca-2735 ppm
Soil type-well-drained, gravel-based
patch area-6000 sq. ft.

My goals are:

CEC-20-22
Cal/Mag ratio-8:1
pH-6.9

I have already added 50 pounds of high calcium pellet lime(sweet lime). Since my soil type is subject to pH drops from one year to the next, I will add 200 pounds crushed oyster shell, which will be a slow-release calcium supply. The lime should boost my pH level to around 6.9 by planting time and the oyster shell should maintain that level throughout the season. A sprinkling of calcium nitrate around the planting area in the spring should get a quick supply to the seedlings.

Other amendments are planned to boost nitrogen and potassium.

I will add 200 pounds of humic acid to boost the CEC and to make the calcium(and other essential ions) available. 3000-3500 ppm sounds about right.

1/7/2008 7:04:06 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Go easy on crushed oyster shells. If you go too far, it'll be some years before that lime stops affecting the pH.

1/7/2008 8:55:43 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Yes Steve. My three-year patch rotation and yearly natural drop in pH will hopefully balance things out. I neglected to mention my rotation schedule. I hope I didn't mislead anyone.

1/7/2008 10:04:43 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

I added crushed oyster shells a few years ago and I wouldn't recommend anyone to use them. The calcium might be high using them, but they will send your pH trough the roof.My pH once was at 6.5, now I'm having a hard time the last two years getting it down from 7.8. Giantpumpkindude, use regular lime to raise your pH and skip the oyster shells.

1/7/2008 11:26:50 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

What about egg shells? would they give some calcium?

1/8/2008 1:24:57 PM

Simi valley, ca

Not to hijack this thread but i also wonder about the egg shells ? Iv been adding some we use here & a few other sources, & iv herd they take time to break down ! BUT i found that if dryed & put into a chopper (Sm vegie type) they grind up to a powder !

1/9/2008 12:19:50 AM

Rapid City, SD

about a teaspoon per quart of earth.........he he

1/9/2008 2:27:23 PM

Georgia

I used eggs shells last year and had decent results. The sun breaks them down quickly. My grandpas 86 and has used them in his garden forever and never had problems.

1/9/2008 2:36:41 PM

Colorado

Captain,
I take all of the egg shells I have and rinse them good
then crush them by hand and add them along with all of our
green vegtable and fruit scraps to my composter. They break
down much quicker if rinsed and crushed first.....LB

1/9/2008 2:39:14 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

thanks

1/9/2008 5:10:36 PM