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Livermore, CA

I am wondering if adding calcium through watering is the way to go instead of through the soil? My water is pretty hard already with non-trivial amounts of calcium in it. Also if you were to add calcium through your water what about using the trick of dissolving some ground limestone or better yet sea shells, due to their trace elements? Does the soil change the nature of the calcium if it is added as a dry fertilizer instead of through the water?

11/19/2003 4:09:54 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Soil first. Roots need Calcium to prosper. Then if calcium levels start to tail off in season (as they did here this year) liquid chelated calcium can more than make up the difference.

One of our members had me tissue test his leaves this summer. We also tested the soil. Soil was low. Foliage was off the charts! LOL He was applying chelated calcium & doing a fine job of it. Had no root system, but he still managed some fine results. And no fruit rots.

Steve

11/19/2003 5:27:07 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

Nope, not one hint of rot...

11/19/2003 5:43:43 PM

Livermore, CA

Thanks! Great example. I would really like to avoid another self destruction. I will get my soil tested and see how much I need to add. Maybe get some of that chelated calcium. Thanks again.

11/19/2003 9:00:24 PM

Montoursville, PA

The Agro-K Pumpkin foliage program offers more than one type of calcium in more than one supplimental foliar application throughout the growing year. Some growers use one of them as a fruit application with minute amount of horticulture oil late in the season. You may discuss this with Craig Lembke an Agro-K representative. cjlemb@webTV.net

There is little run off if you apply to simply wet the leaves or the fruit. Evaporation is a factor but up to 90% gets absorbed by the plant.

I use these products. While not as effcient as hand application they are processed in a quality that can be fed through overhead misting without difficulty. I did this when on vacation using through feed during the daytime rather than cease all additives while gone. It was understood that efficiency went out the window during that time period....but we got the foliar feeding on non the less.

11/28/2003 6:34:18 PM