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Sage, Arkansas

I have recently found some calcium chloride flakes 77-80%. What are the opinions on this to boost the calcium levels in the soil. I have typed in Calcium Chloride in the search on this site and there has been discussions....but there did not seem to be a clear cut answer if this product would be harmful to the soil. Any help would be appreciated.

Brian and 4 kids

12/7/2006 9:31:14 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Chloride is a salt....Very hard to get things back in line if you apply to much. There are friendlier Calcium Sources. 1st thing is what is your current PH and have you had a soil test.

12/8/2006 4:33:13 PM

Sage, Arkansas

Below is my most recent soil test:
PH 7.2
ECEC 23
OM 4.6% (loss on ignition)

P 370ppm--740lb/acre
K 346ppm--692lb/acre
Ca 3771ppm--7524lb/acre
Mg 168ppm--336lb/acre
SO4-S 214ppm--428lb/acre
Zn 19.6ppm--39.2lb/acre
Fe 122ppm--244lb/acre
Mn 173ppm--346lb/acre
Cu 5.2ppm--10.4lb/acre
B 2.2ppm--4.4lb/acre
NO3-N 67ppm--134lb/acre

Estimated Base Saturation:
Total: 91.4%
Ca 80.8%
Mg 6.0%
K 3.8%
Na .8%

12/8/2006 4:42:37 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

4-Kids...one of the how to books by Don L. gives an optimum Base Sat. level. I think you are in the ball park. Some of the pros will prbly chime in soon. Yer in the right place, to get the answers. Keep on askin ?'s. Peace, Wayne

12/8/2006 5:24:40 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I have used those flakes to control dust on my gravel road. It draws in moisture to keep the dust moist so it won't blow around. It will also rust a hole through the bottom of a steel wheelbarrow and eat up the steel parts of a fertilizer spreader. I learned the hard way. I definitely would not get that anywhere near my pumpkins. I would stick to some form of lime.

12/8/2006 5:30:03 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Gypsum is much safer but you're not Calcium deficient now.
I'd recommend a few inches of aged manure preferably horse to get that potassium & %OM up a bit.

12/9/2006 2:37:21 AM

Sage, Arkansas

Thanks for all the input! As always the folks on this board are wonderful! 4-Kids

12/10/2006 4:36:33 PM