Understanding the Benefits and Uses of Calcium and Sulphur Soil Supplements
by Kathy Dean
Gardening is a popular hobby among people of all ages, professions and lifestyles. Whether you have an expansive lawn or a small plot in your backyard, maintaining a healthy soil environment is critical to successful gardening. Two soil supplements that have gained popularity in recent years are calcium and sulphur. Here is a look at what these supplements are, their benefits and how you can use them to grow a healthy garden.
What is Calcium and Sulphur Soil Supplement?
Calcium and sulphur are two primary soil supplements that can be used to increase soil health. Calcium is used in the form of ground limestone, dolomite and gypsum. Sulphur can be used in two forms: elemental sulphur and sulphate. Calcium aids in raising soil pH levels and improving soil texture, whereas sulphur primarily helps in lowering pH levels.
Benefits of Calcium Supplement
Calcium is considered a vital nutrient for plant growth. It helps in the formation of strong cell walls, encourages root growth and plays a role in photosynthesis. Adequate calcium levels in soil ensure proper nutrient absorption, particularly nitrogen and potassium. Additionally, it reduces the risk of blossom-end rot in vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, watermelons and peppers. Calcium also reduces soil acidity, thereby providing ideal soil conditions that encourage beneficial soil organisms' growth.
Benefits of Sulphur Supplement
Sulphur is another vital nutrient that plants require for healthy growth. It is essential for the synthesis of proteins, vitamins and enzymes in plants. It also helps in the formation of chlorophyll in plants, aiding in photosynthesis and overall plant vigour. Additionally, when used in appropriate quantities, sulphur lowers soil pH levels, which is useful for acid-loving plants such as blueberries, azaleas and rhododendrons. Sulphur also improves nitrogen uptake in the soil.
Using Calcium and Sulphur Supplements
Before you add any soil supplement, it's a good idea to conduct a soil test. Testing your soil can give you insights into the nutrient levels present in the soil and guide you in making informed decisions about soil supplements. Using the soil test results, you can discover the appropriate quantities of calcium and sulphur to add to your soil. For example, if your soil test indicates that you have low pH levels, you may add either elemental sulphur or ground limestone, depending on your soil test's recommendations. You can also mix calcium or sulphur supplements with organic matter before adding them to the soil to ensure even distribution.
Calcium and sulphur supplements play a vital role in maintaining healthy soil, encouraging nutrient uptake and promoting plant growth. Adding these supplements to your soil can help you achieve the gardening goals you dream of. However, it's essential to follow appropriate procedures and quantities to get the best results. Contact a local supplier that sells sulphur supplements, such as sulfoprill, to learn more.
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About Me
There are so many things that we are just starting to understand and relearn about agriculture these days. Rotating crops and growing different things in the fields each year can help to balance the nutrients that are left in the ground and make sure that the earth is prepared for the new crop. This was something that people used to know and integrate as part as standard farming process and then it started to fall by the wayside as farming got more 'efficient'. If you are interested in knowing more about crop rotation and sustainable farming, then keep reading this blog.