9 Ways to Add Calcium to Soil: Quick Guide!

If you are a gardener, you probably know how important calcium is for your plants. It helps plants develop strong cell walls, which protect them from diseases and pests. Calcium also regulates the uptake of water and nutrients and prevents disorders. But how do you know if your soil has enough calcium? When to add calcium to soil? And what can you do to increase the calcium availability for your plants?

No, idea? Well, don’t worry, we have a solution.

In this blog post, we will answer these questions and share with you 9 ways to add calcium to soil using natural and organic sources. You will be surprised by how easy and inexpensive some of these methods are.

So, read on and discover how to improve the calcium content of your soil with these tricks.

The Benefits of Calcium in the Soil

Calcium plays a vital role in improving soil structure and quality. It helps to neutralize soil acidity and increase the pH level. This makes the soil more favorable for plant growth and nutrient availability. It also reduces soil salinity and sodicity.

Furthermore, calcium displaces sodium from the soil particles and prevents salt accumulation. This improves the soil drainage, aeration, and water retention it also enhances soil aggregation and stability.

In addition, calcium stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial soil microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms. These organisms help decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, and suppress soil-borne diseases.

9 Methods to Add Calcium to Soil

There are many ways to add calcium to the soil, depending on the soil type, pH, and calcium level. Here are some of the common methods that you can use:

1. Use a Calcium Fertilizer

One of the easiest and most effective ways to add calcium to soil is to use a calcium fertilizer. There are different types of calcium fertilizers available in the market, such as calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, and calcium carbonate. Each of these fertilizers has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to choose the one that suits your soil and plants best.

For example, calcium nitrate is a fast-acting and water-soluble fertilizer that provides both calcium and nitrogen, but it can also increase soil acidity and salinity. On the other hand, calcium carbonate is a slow-releasing and alkaline fertilizer, which can raise the soil pH and provide a long-term calcium supply. Still, it can also reduce the availability of other nutrients, such as phosphorus and iron.

To use a calcium fertilizer, you need to follow the instructions on the label and apply it at the right time and rate. It is recommended to apply calcium fertilizer before planting or during the growing season when the plants need it most.

2. Eggshells, One of the Ways to Add Calcium to Soil

If you are looking for a cheap and organic way to add calcium to soil, you can use eggshells. Eggshells are made of mostly calcium carbonate, which provides a slow and steady source of calcium to the soil and plants, as well as other micronutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.

To use eggshells, you need to wash, dry, and crush them into small pieces or powder. You can use a blender, a food processor, or a mortar and pestle to do this. Then, you can mix the eggshell pieces or powder with the soil or compost, or sprinkle them around the base of the plants.

Plus, you can also make eggshell tea by soaking the eggshells in water for a few days and then watering the plants with the solution.

3. You Can Add Lime in the Fall

Lime is another common and inexpensive way to add calcium to soil. It can increase the soil pH and calcium level, as well as improve the soil structure and nutrient availability. To use lime, you need to test your soil pH and calcium level first, and then determine the amount and type of lime you need.

It is recommended to apply lime in the fall when the soil is moist and the temperature is cool. This will give the lime enough time to react with the soil and adjust the pH and calcium level before the next growing season.

You should avoid applying lime at the same time as nitrogen fertilizers, as they can interfere with each other and reduce their effectiveness.

4. Apply Gypsum – Calcium Sulfate

Gypsum is a mineral that contains calcium sulfate, which is a soluble and neutral form of calcium. It can provide calcium to the soil and plants without affecting the soil pH. Plus, it also improves the soil structure and drainage, especially in clay soils.

To use gypsum, you need to apply it to the soil surface or incorporate it into the soil before planting or during the growing season. You can also use gypsum as a foliar spray to treat calcium deficiency symptoms in plants. The amount and frequency of gypsum application depend on the soil type, pH, and calcium level, as well as the plant type and growth stage.

5. Use Foliar Applications

Foliar applications are another way to add calcium to soil and plants. It can be used to supplement soil applications or to correct calcium deficiency symptoms in plants. Also help plants cope with stress conditions, such as drought, heat, or disease.

To use foliar applications, you need to use a calcium fertilizer that is water-soluble and compatible with the plant type and growth stage. You can use a commercial product or make your own solution with calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, or calcium sulfate. It is recommended to spray the solution on the plant leaves in the early morning or evening, when the temperature is cool and the humidity is high.

6. Wood Ash – Calcium Carbonate

Wood ash is the residue left after burning wood or other plant materials. Plus, it contains calcium carbonate, as well as other nutrients, such as potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Wood ash can increase the soil pH and calcium level, as well as improve the soil fertility and structure.

So, to use wood ash, you need to collect it from a clean and natural source, such as hardwood, leaves, or straw. You should avoid using wood ash from treated or painted wood, as it can contain harmful chemicals or metals. You should also test your soil pH and calcium level before applying wood ash, as it can raise the soil pH too high and cause nutrient imbalances.

7. Use Ground Oyster Shells – Calcium Carbonate

Ground oyster shells are another organic and cheap way to add calcium to soil. They are made of calcium carbonate, which is the same compound found in lime and eggshells. It can provide a slow and steady source of calcium to the soil and plants, as well as other micronutrients, such as boron, copper, and zinc.

Furthermore, to use ground oyster shells, you need to wash, dry, and crush them into small pieces or powder. You can use a blender, a food processor, or a mortar and pestle to do this. Then, you can mix the ground oyster shells with the soil or compost, or sprinkle them around the base of the plants.

8. Bone Meal

Bone meal is a by-product of the animal processing industry, made of ground animal bones. It contains calcium phosphate, which is a highly available and balanced form of calcium. Bone meal can also provide phosphorus, nitrogen, and other micronutrients to the soil and plants.

Generally, you should apply bone meal in the spring or fall, before planting or during the growing season. You can apply bone meal either by broadcasting it over the soil surface or by incorporating it into the soil with a tiller or a rake.

9. Collodial Phosphate – Calcium Oxide

Collodial phosphate can also provide phosphorus, iron, and other micronutrients to the soil and plants. To use collodial phosphate, you need to apply it to the soil surface or incorporate it into the soil before planting or during the growing season. You can also use collodial phosphate as a foliar spray to treat calcium deficiency symptoms in plants.

The amount and frequency of collodial phosphate application depend on the soil type, pH, and calcium level, as well as the plant type and growth stage.

The Signs of a Calcium Deficiency in Plants

Calcium deficiency is a common problem that affects many plants, especially those that grow fast or produce fruits, such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons, apples, and citrus. It can cause various symptoms in plants, such as:

• Stunted or distorted growth
• Curling or yellowing of the leaves
• Necrosis or rotting of the leaf tips or margins
• Blossom end rot or cracking of the fruits
• Poor fruit quality or flavor
• Reduced yield or shelf life

To prevent or correct calcium deficiency in plants, you need to monitor the soil pH and calcium level regularly and apply calcium fertilizers as needed. You also need to maintain adequate soil moisture and drainage, as well as avoid excessive nitrogen or potassium fertilization, which can interfere with calcium uptake.

FAQs

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about how to add calcium to soil. Calcium is a vital nutrient for plants, and it can make a big difference in their growth and health. By using these 9 natural and organic methods, you can increase the calcium content of your soil and provide your plants with the calcium they need.

Whether you use eggshells, gypsum, lime, bone meal, wood ash, oyster shells, coffee grounds, vinegar, or seaweed, you will be able to improve your soil quality and boost your plant productivity.

So, try these methods today and see the results for yourself. And don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends and fellow gardeners who might benefit from it.

Thank you for reading and happy gardening!