Last week, we went over the deficient and excessive levels of Calcium. In our continuing series, we turn our attention to organic sources of calcium and their application methods. This guide aims to provide cannabis cultivators with valuable insights into how they can incorporate organic calcium sources into their cultivation practices to promote healthy plant growth and optimal yields.
Why Organic Calcium?
Organic calcium sources are derived from natural materials and offer several benefits over synthetic alternatives:
- Sustainability: Organic sources are often more environmentally friendly.
- Soil Health: They contribute to overall soil fertility and microbial activity.
- Slow Release: They typically provide a more gradual release of nutrients, reducing the risk of nutrient burn.
Top Organic Sources of Calcium
- Dolomite Lime
- Composition: A combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.
- Benefits: Corrects acidic soil pH, provides both calcium and magnesium, and is a long-lasting amendment.
- Application: Apply at a rate of 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of soil. Mix thoroughly into the soil before planting or as a top-dress during the growing season.
- Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate)
- Composition: Calcium sulfate.
- Benefits: Provides calcium without altering soil pH, improves soil structure, and aids in the leaching of excess sodium.
- Application: Use 1-2 tablespoons per square foot, worked into the topsoil. It can be applied at any stage of plant growth.
- Eggshells
- Composition: Primarily calcium carbonate.
- Benefits: Readily available and a great way to recycle kitchen waste.
- Application: Rinse and dry eggshells, then crush them into a fine powder. Incorporate into the soil at planting time or use as a top-dress. You can also make a calcium-rich tea by steeping crushed shells in water for several days and using it to water your plants.
- Bone Meal
- Composition: Ground animal bones, rich in calcium and phosphorus.
- Benefits: Provides a slow-release source of calcium and phosphorus, essential for root and flower development.
- Application: Apply 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of soil during planting. Reapply as needed during the growing season by top-dressing.
- Kelp Meal
- Composition: Derived from seaweed, contains calcium, potassium, and trace minerals.
- Benefits: Enhances soil health, provides micronutrients, and promotes robust plant growth.
- Application: Mix 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of soil. It can also be brewed into a tea for foliar sprays or soil drenching.
Application Methods
- Soil Amendment
- Pre-Planting: Incorporate organic calcium sources into the soil before planting to ensure even distribution and availability to young plants.
- Top-Dressing: Apply organic amendments on the soil surface around the plant base. This method is useful for ongoing calcium supplementation during the growing season.
- Foliar Feeding
- Technique: Create a liquid solution from organic calcium sources, such as eggshell tea or kelp meal tea, and spray directly onto the plant leaves.
- Benefits: Provides a quick nutrient boost, especially useful if soil uptake is limited or if plants show signs of calcium deficiency.
- Compost and Vermicompost
- Enrichment: Add organic calcium sources to your compost or worm bin. The resulting compost or vermicompost will be rich in calcium and other nutrients, enhancing soil fertility.
- Application: Use compost or vermicompost as a soil amendment or top-dress around plants.
Best Practices for Applying Organic Calcium
- Test Soil pH: Ensure soil pH is within the optimal range (6.0-7.0) to maximize calcium availability.
- Monitor Plant Health: Regularly test with leaf tissue analysis for signs of calcium deficiency (e.g., stunted growth, leaf necrosis) and adjust your calcium supplementation as needed.
- Balanced Nutrition: Calcium is just one part of a balanced nutrient regime. Ensure your plants are receiving adequate amounts of other essential nutrients.
Conclusion
Using organic sources of calcium can significantly enhance the health and productivity of your cannabis plants. By integrating these natural amendments into your cultivation practices, you can support robust growth, prevent deficiencies, and contribute to a more sustainable growing environment.
Ready to start see inside your plants like never before?
Reveal the precise nutrient levels in your crops, alongside a comprehensive assessment of all essential, supplemental, and trace nutrients.
Call 707-398-8346 or email sales@arvumplantlabs.com and see the true nutrient levels of the plants in your cultivation! Arvum Plant Labs allows new customers to get their first round of testing discounted.
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