Agronomy
We provide technical and agronomic advice to help our customers get the most out of our products.
We provide technical and agronomic advice to help our customers get the most out of our products.
Agronomy
The most effective way to achieve efficiency from calcium carbonate and gypsum is to use micronized materials. Research has shown that grinding minerals to less than 200 mesh will guarantee a complete of reaction in an agronomically appropriate time period. All MICRONA™ liming materials are micronized to at least a 200 mesh minus guarantee.
Soil acidity is a common problem caused by several factors, including acidifying fertilizer and amendment applications, nutrient uptake by plants, and excessive rainfall or irrigation. Soils are said to be acidic when the pH drops below 6.0. This has an impact on soil structure and biological activity, nutrient availability, and ultimately crop yield and quality.
Low pH can be corrected and optimal pH maintained through regular soil amendment. Calcium carbonate in the form of limestone (agricultural lime) has been used for centuries to correct acid soils. The carbonate ions react with the hydrogen ions attached to the soil’s clay humic complex, leaving nutrient ions such as calcium or magnesium to fill the empty exchange sites.
The speed at which agricultural lime corrects soil pH depends on the size of the particles. The smaller the particle, the greater the surface area, and the more rapid the neutralization. Our products are made from micronized limestone, which has a very high surface area.
Lime and gypsum are both natural minerals. Lime is the common name for calcium carbonate while gypsum is calcium sulfate dihydrate. Both minerals are used in agriculture for soil amendment, but should be used in different circumstances.
The application of lime, especially when micronized, will correct soil acidity rapidly and can then be applied annually in small amounts to maintain optimal pH. Lime also provides calcium, which improves soil structure by promoting flocculation, and is an essential crop nutrient. It can also be used to reduce aluminum toxicity caused by acid soils.
Gypsum does not influence soil pH but it is an excellent source of calcium and sulfur crop nutrition that also has a positive impact on soil structure. It is therefore ideal for soils that are neutral or alkaline. Gypsum provides sulfur in the sulfate form which is easily taken up by the plant. The calcium helps to balance excess magnesium and may remediate soils with high levels of sodium, preventing crusting.
| Crop Type | Results | Recommended Products |
|---|---|---|
| Small fruits (cranberries, raspberries) | · Increased soil pH and calcium levels · Improved fruit firmness, shelf life, and disease resistance · Reduced decay and higher pack-out rates | · MICRONA™ Ag H2O Solution Grade · MICRONA™ Prill-Lime · MICRONA™ Top Flow Liquid Lime · MICRONA™ Prill-Gypsum for sulfur and additional calcium in high pH conditions |
| Canola | · Raised soil pH to above 6.5, reducing clubroot incidence · Increased yield and improved quality · Enhanced soil structure and stress tolerance | · MICRONA™ Prill-Lime · MICRONA™ Top Flow Liquid Lime · MICRONA™ Prill-Gypsum (for sulfur and additional calcium) |
| Alfalfa | · Increased yields and higher protein content · Enhanced nitrogen fixation via improved pH · Better stand establishment and persistence | · MICRONA™ Prill-Lime · MICRONA™ Top Flow Liquid Lime |
| Pulses (e.g. chickpeas and lentils) | · Improved nodulation and root growth · Faster maturity and cleaner threshing · Significant yield increase and higher “A” grade percentages · Positive economic return in the first season | · MICRONA™ Prill-Lime · MICRONA™ Top Flow Liquid Lime |
| Dryland cereals and rotational crops (e.g. wheat) | · Increased soil pH and calcium levels · Higher yield potential and improved disease resistance · Improved soil tilth and reduced stress vulnerability | · MICRONA™ Prill-Lime · MICRONA™ Top Flow Liquid Lime · MICRONA™ Prill-Gypsum |
| Pomme fruits (e.g. apples and pears) | · Strengthened cell walls, reduced pre- and post-harvest disorders · Lower nitrogen-to-calcium ratio, reducing bitter pit and internal breakdown · Improved storability and fruit quality | · MICRONA™ Top Flow Liquid Lime · MICRONA™ Prill-Lime |
| Potatoes and tubers | · Increased tuber calcium content · Managed soil acidification from fertilizer · Improved storage quality, reduced internal disorders (brown spot, hollow heart) | · MICRONA™ Prill-Lime · MICRONA™ Top Flow Liquid Lime · MICRONA™ Prill-Gypsum for additional calcium and sulfur |
| Nursery stock, potting soils | · Long-term pH control in soil-less media · Enhanced root growth response · Improved plant quality | · MICRONA™ Earth Mix · MICRONA™ Agricultural Lime · MICRONA™ Prill-Lime |
OSU-EarthMix-Study-2011.pdf
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