There are several ways to add calcium quickly to your soil. The most popular methods include adding Gypsum or Dolomite lime to the soil. However, there are some disadvantages to adding too much calcium, which will make things worse in the future. Below we have discussed a few of these methods:
Gypsum
Gypsum is a mineral that is used in agricultural soils to improve the calcium content of the soil. It improves the soil’s structure and reduces osmotic pressure. If the soil contains too much sodium, it will reduce the effectiveness of gypsum. In addition to its positive effects on the soil’s structure, gypsum also increases the plant’s root development, which leads to better crop yields.
There are a few different types of gypsum. Natural gypsum is pure gypsum, while synthetic gypsum is manufactured from a process that produces waste sulfuric acid. Depending on where it is mined, it can also contain trace amounts of limestone, portlandite, quartz, and other minerals. It is also used for making dietary supplements and to mark athletic fields.
Unlike other forms of calcium, gypsum is pH neutral and does not affect the pH of the soil. This makes it a safer option for people concerned with the pH of their soil. In addition to gypsum, there are several free calcium sources that can be used in the garden. These include eggshells, wood ash, and wood ash. They are inexpensive and safe sources of calcium that can be applied to the soil.
Dolomite lime
Dolomite lime is a type of limestone that contains calcium and magnesium carbonates. lime comes from underground limestone deposits, and it is typically a white, gray, or pink crystal. It is usually processed into dolomitic lime pellets, which are then applied to garden soil. They help by raising the pH level and providing valuable nutrients for plants. It is best applied alongside balanced fertilizers or when seeding certain fruit plants.
Dolomite lime can be a helpful soil conditioner, as it is easily available and has a high rate of calcium. In addition to adding calcium, it can also improve the pH level of soil. It can raise the pH of soil by about one point by applying about five pounds of dolomite per square foot. However, it is important to spread out the application of lime during the growing season, so that you avoid burning the roots of your plants with excess nutrients.
Dolomite lime is a great soil additive, but it can also increase magnesium levels. While magnesium is a necessary mineral for healthy plant growth, too much can cause compaction and weeds. If you have problems with excessive magnesium levels, you should consult a soil professional for advice. This way, you can select the most effective way to add magnesium and calcium to the soil. The amount of lime you add depends on the condition of the soil in your garden.
Oyster shells
Whether you want to add calcium to your soil quickly or gradually, oyster shells are a natural way to boost its ph. But, unlike lime, oyster shells take years to break down. So, if you want to add calcium to your soil quickly, oyster shells may not be the best option for you. Nevertheless, they can provide a steady supply of calcium to your garden for a long time.
Oyster shell flour is a great organic calcium source. However, it is not very soluble and requires years to completely penetrate soil. To create oyster shell flour, you first need to dry out the shells and process them into a fine powder. Once this powder is made, you can spread it over the soil or mix it with water to get a finer consistency. This is a great calcium source, but it tends to increase the pH level of your soil and therefore is not as effective as lime.
Alternatively, you can crush your oyster shells and then add them to your compost. You can either buy crushed oyster shells or prepare them yourself by soaking them in three-fold vinegar. This method will extract the calcium carbonate from the shells. This mixture can then be applied to your soil or mixed with other ingredients, such as compost. You can use this method to improve soil pH without sacrificing its quality.
