Knowledgebase
Calcium #880856
Asked August 09, 2024, 2:39 PM EDT
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
Brianna - Did you have your soil tested at MSU and if so, can you provide the soil test number so I can review the overall health of your soil? It is challenging to look at one nutrient without considering the status of other soil factors. Further information would be helpful. Thanks.
Your MSU Soil Test is ready! Your code is QJPB76, or click link: homesoiltest.msu.edu/your-results/code/QJPB76
Your MSU Soil Test is ready! Your code is ZM5J2J, or click link: homesoiltest.msu.edu/your-results/code/ZM5J2J
Brianna - since it has been two years since your last soil test, let's wait until the current test results are in and then we can evaluate those for next steps.
| Calcium (Ca) | 2050 ppm |
Hello. I just sent in a new test that I’m awaiting getting back in the next week or so. These are last year’s tests and I was going back through the results when I saw the calcium numbers. Thank you so much.Your MSU Soil Test is ready! Your code is QJPB76, or click link: homesoiltest.msu.edu/your-results/code/QJPB76
Your MSU Soil Test is ready! Your code is ZM5J2J, or click link: homesoiltest.msu.edu/your-results/code/ZM5J2J
Briana------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brianna - in reviewing your 2024 soil test results, it appears your pH is high (up from 2022). At the current level of 7.8, the plant roots are unable to absorb much calcium. That being said, if you lower the pH closer to neutral 7.0 the Calcium uptake will change. Below is an article with more details about adjusting your pH level.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/making_the_most_out_of_your_soil_test_ph_factsheet_now_available
I also see in your soil test that the Potassium is Below Optimum so would advise that you add a Potassium fertilizer in addition to Nitrogen. That can be a separate product or included in a general fertilizer (without Phosphorous which is not needed). Whatever product you choose to use, you can come back to the MSU soil test site and enter the bag numbers into the Fertilizer Calculator (found under Tools) and the site will calculate how much of that product to apply in one year for 100 sq. ft. Make sure to pro-rate the amount if your area is smaller or larger than 100 sq. ft.
Additionally, you should focus on raising the organic matter in the soil which will help plants with nutrient absorption. See the articles below for more details about the benefits of organic matter in the soil and mulching as an option.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/building_healthier_soils_for_your_garden
https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/uploads/535/78622/Organic-Matters-figure-6pgs.pdf
https://msu-prod.dotcmscloud.com/uploads/resources/pdfs/mulch-final-web.pdf
Hope that helps!
