IARN — Ames-based Calcium Products continues to help educate producers about the benefits of a soil pH maintenance program.
According to Andrew Hoiberg, vice president of research and development at Calcium Products, soil pH maintenance programs can be achieved by applying enough 98G to neutralize acidification resulting from nitrogen application.
“It’s never too early to start thinking about your Fall liming applications,” said Hoiberg. “We know what we’ve done this past year with respect to the nitrogen fertility we’ve put out that there has been some acidification that has taken place. Getting that maintenance rate out – 200-300 pounds per acre once the crop comes off – is something you can start thinking about now before things get too hectic.”
98G is a highly reactive liming material because it is made from 98 percent pure calcitic limestone and ground to an ultra-fine powder before it is pelletized. 98G pellets are engineered and manufactured to a specific size and hardness so that the pellets handle well and spread uniformly, yet break down in the field to change soil pH.
“We’re seeing on average an 11.8 bushel per acre increase on corn with these 200-300 pound maintenance application rates,” said Hoiberg. “That’s with using 98G. It can be blended in with other fertilizers, your P and K, or as a standalone application – however it fits your situation. Those applications are showing a lot of benefit after they been put out.”
98G is fully reactive at about three to six months after application. It can be applied in flat-rate or variable-rate applications and can be mixed with other dry fertilizers reducing the number trips across the field during the spring or fall. Hoiberg says this type of flexibility gives you the chance to address soil pH when and how it works for you with the same equipment used to spread other dry fertilizers.
Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network
Photo by Calcium Products
