Calcium is an important nutrient in soil.
Calcium is considered a secondary nutrient in soil, but it can be important to plants. Sometimes applied to tomato plants to prevent end blossom rot, liquid calcium has a different effect on pH than other methods of applying calcium.
Uses of Calcium
In plants, calcium plays a structural role in forming cell walls. Liquid calcium can also have the effect of lowering sodium levels in soil that is overly salty. It can improve soil that is deficient in calcium, but additional application to soil that already has adequate calcium levels has little to no effect on plants.
Effects on Soil
Calcium is most often applied in the form of lime, which also raises soil pH. Liquid calcium adds calcium to the soil without having a significant impact on pH. This may or may not be more desirable than lime, depending on conditions.
pH and Calcium Levels
Taking a pH reading of your soil can let you know if you need to apply calcium. If pH is above 5.5, additional calcium is not needed. If it is below 5.5, adding calcium could be helpful, but lime is probably a better option than liquid calcium, because it will also raise the pH.
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