But when it comes to calcium, more is not always better.
This affects the absorption of the macronutrients contained in other fertilizers.
It is different from a simplepH test that it’s possible for you to do at home.
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A professional soil test analyses both the calcium level and the pH of your soil.
Thats why sufficient watering is always important.
This measures the calcium absorption of the soil.
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Understanding Calcium Absorption
Imagine the soil like a storage tank of plant nutrients for calcium and magnesium.
Soil Testing for Absorption
A professional soil test will determine the CEC of your soil.
Based on the CEC, the soil test might tell you to add organic matter to the soil.
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Calcium Fertilizers
There are numerous calcium sources.
Lime is also known as calcium carbonate and other forms of mined limestone.
Bone Meal
This high-phosphate fertilizer is slower released than lime and less soluble.
Garden lime gives soil a strong calcium boostannick vanderschelden photography / Getty Images
Use it for soil where you want to moderately raise the pH.
Bone meal is especially beneficial for bulbs and root crops.
If a soil test shows that magnesium levels are already high, choose another calcium product.
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It is often used as a remedy for container plant issues, especially for seedlings and transplants.
Foliar sprays do not amend the soil and should be considered a supplement to proper soil nutrition management.
Ground Oyster/Clamshell Flour
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Calcium carbonate is a good source of calcium.
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But the shells have low solubility and take several years to be effective.
They will also slightly raise soil pH over time.
It moderately raises the pH.
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Gypsum and lime are two of the best sources of calcium for plants.
Very slow-growing plants with extensive brown and yellow discoloration and curling leaves are the signs of acute calcium deficiency.
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