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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 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 • 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.
“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
“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.
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.
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.
We use soil tests to determine responsiveness and the proper rate.
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.
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
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+
1.5 ton/A Untreated Producer reported a 30 bushel response
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.