The best way to answer this question is to say that no other nutrient does more for the turf grass plant than calcium. It has often been referred to as the forgotten nutrient in turf grass. Almost every time someone is having a problem with their turf grass that they can not figure out, calcium seems to be the answer. Let’s review some of the many benefits of calcium before we move on.
Calcium in the soil has the following benefits: reduces soil compaction, creates better environment for beneficial bacteria, improves the soil texture, is essential in maintaining proper pH, increases microbial populations, reduces sodium in soil, and can help plants absorb nutrients better. Calcium in the plant has the following benefits: enhances cell tissue strength for greater resistance to heat and stress, strengthens cell walls, increases availability for N-P-K uptake, strong cell walls significantly decrease disease and insect pressure.
Now it is time to think of your turf grass as the bones in your body: if calcium strengthens the bones in your body, it will do the same for your turf. Now, let’s get to the different forms of calcium to use and why to use them. The four common forms of calcium are Gypsum (usually 22% Ca and 16% S), Calcium Carbonate (usually 36% Ca), Calcium Silicate (usually 22% Ca, 31% Si, 3% Mg, and 6% S), and Dolomite (usually 21% Ca and 10% Mg). Use a soil test to determine which type to use. The common type of soil sample is an acid extraction; this uses a mild acid flush on your soil and tells you what is in it by what goes in solution. This is a great way to see what is in your soil, but it can be misleading as to what is available. The other type of test is a paste extraction; this uses distilled water to flush your soil, which many people feel is what is really available to the turf grass plant. After doing this, pick which type of calcium is best for you. For example, if you were high in Sulfur and Magnesium you would not pick Gypsum or Dolomite, because you would be fixing one area and hurting another. So pick which is right for you, and if you are low in all areas, mix different forms until to get your levels where you want them.
The solubility of the product you choose can make a big difference in how much you use and how much you are really paying for a product. Let me explain: the new trend in calcium is to pulverize the product to a three (3) or four (4) micron size (like talcum powder) and re-granulate it. What this does is two-fold: it makes the product four (4) to six (6) times more soluble (you can use less to get reaction in soil), and it goes into solution quicker in soil. This can mean less being picked up by mowers, if you are using on greens. Cost wise, a product that is just re-granulated to size that costs, say, $400/ton is not as good of a value to one that has been pulverized that cost $1,000/ton. Plus, you do not have to wait so long for a reaction in the soil.
In summary, calcium is a natural organic product that helps you maintain your turf grass with less input from products that may not be necessary if your turf grass is strong and healthy.
Keep it green,
Glenn Zakany
