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Using Calcium Sulfate as a Soil Management Tool

Using Calcium Sulfate as a Soil Management Tool Agricultural Uses of Gypsum and other FGD Materials Workshop September 12-14, 2006. Who is Soil Solutions?. Formed company in May 2002 Owners are Kevin Heck, Dale Ronfeldt, Bob Hecht; based out of Holstein, IA

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Using Calcium Sulfate as a Soil Management Tool

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  1. Using Calcium Sulfate as a Soil Management Tool Agricultural Uses of Gypsum and other FGD Materials Workshop September 12-14, 2006

  2. Who is Soil Solutions? • Formed company in May 2002 • Owners are Kevin Heck, Dale Ronfeldt, Bob Hecht; based out of Holstein, IA • Contracted with PGLA-1 to market their calcium sulfate as “PRO CAL 40” and the biomass as NUTRABIO. • Trucking Co., Consulting Co., Marketing Co., Farming Operation. • Market PRO CAL 40 in seven states. • Currently employ 14 people.

  3. Where are the Sources of Calcium Sulfate?

  4. “PRO CAL 40” As Pure As Snow!! • Liming should be the start of any Fertility Program on a low pH soil. • Calcium Sulfate should be the start of any Total Soil Management Program. • Maintain Good Air-Water Exchange • Brings more microbial life back into the soil • Reduces Soil Erosion

  5. “PRO CAL 40” • Contains 99.5% Gypsum & <0.5% lactic acid • pH of Fresh material is 3.2-4.2 • pH of Stockpiled material is 6.3-7.6 • Moisture will range from 25% down to 10%. • Particle size = 160 microns • Conservatively, each ton will last 3 years (500-700#/year) depending upon moisture.

  6. Challenges & Obstacles • Derivative of Corn Processing • There must be something hazardous in it? • Farmers expect it to be free • Supply is driven by lactic acid production, not by orders taken. • High Rates are needed for best response • Freight is a major expense. • More work involved. • Retailers understanding margin/acre vs. margin/ton.

  7. Challenges & Obstacles • Granulized Calcium Sulfate has been marketed at low rates and in less responsive soils—gotten a bad name. • Research $$ are limited so university data has been difficult to generate. Most university research has been done using low rates. • A lack of understanding of soils and soil chemistry by producers and advisors. (ie. Does high pH mean alkali?) • Adoption of new practices in agriculture takes time. Driven by commodity prices/econ. return.

  8. We start applying in the fall after harvest……

  9. Continue through winter……..

  10. And finish in the spring when planting begins…..

  11. Using Calcium Sulfate to Amend Soils

  12. We use soil tests to determine responsiveness and the proper rate.

  13. Recommendation Formula: For Magnesium Amendment: [((% Mg-22)/100 x CEC)) X 2000] + (pH-7.2) X 2000 = # PRO CAL 40 OR [(((PPM Mg/120) - (0.22 X CEC)) X 2000) + ((pH -7.2) X 2000)] = # of PRO CAL 40 For Sodium Amendment: [(((PPM Na/230) - (0.02 X CEC)) X 2000)) + (((PPM Mg/120) - (0.22 X CEC)) X 2000)))] = # of PRO CAL 40 If Excess Lime rating is medium or high, rates greater than 1 ton/A will need to be considered.

  14. Understanding Irrigation Water Analysis

  15. Alkali Soil = Sodic Soil

  16. David City, NE

  17. Cook, NE

  18. Effect of Bicarbonate on Iron Concentration in Corn Seedlings Bicarbonate Concentration, meq/l Plant Part0 5 10 20 Iron Conc. (PPM) Young Leaves 80 57 38 32 Old Leaves 140 100 46 43 Roots 3410 2560 1770 1380 1997 Journal of Plant Nutrition 20: 1731-1753

  19. Soil dispersion is mainly caused by highly hydrated Na+ and Mg2+ attracted to the surface of clay particles as exchangeable cations. Clay particle Water Ca2+ Mg2+

  20. 1.5 ton/A Untreated Producer reported a 30 bushel response

  21. Percolation Rates Increase With Calcium Sulfate Depth of Water Percolation TreatmentStanding after 24 hrs., In.ml/24 hrs. Check .50 86 Sulfur, 1 ton .23 86 CaSO4, 1 ton .18 190 Ca SO4, 5 tons .15 280 McGeorge et al. (1956), Irr. Plots; Impermeable soil.

  22. Purdue University

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