Mixing and Application Instructions for Liquid Calcium
Liquid calcium products like Pro-Cal and Advanced-Cal from AgriTec International offer farmers an efficient solution to enhance soil calcium levels. These products are well-known for their ease of application and effectiveness. However, to achieve the best results, it’s crucial to follow specific mixing and application instructions for liquid calcium carefully. In this blog post, we’ll break down how to mix and apply Pro-Cal and Advanced-Cal for maximum efficiency, along with explaining the importance of jar testing.
Understanding the Base Mixing Ratio
For both Pro-Cal and Advanced-Cal, AgriTec recommends using a base mixing ratio of 5:1 – that is, five parts water to one part product. This ensures that the liquid calcium is adequately diluted, enabling it to spread evenly across the field.
However, this ratio is not set in stone. Farmers can adjust it to suit their spraying setup and the gallons per acre (GPA) their sprayer can handle. But, it’s important to consult your soil advisor before reducing the water ratio, as maintaining the correct amount of water is essential to the effectiveness of the application. AgriTec has soil advisors for every US state, so get in contact with one by visiting agritecint.com/contact or reach out on social media.
Calculating the Mixture for Your Sprayer
Let’s walk through a sample calculation. If you plan to apply 2.5 gallons of Pro-Cal or Advanced-Cal per acre, you will need to mix it with 12.5 gallons of water per acre. The total volume applied per acre would be 15 gallons.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you mix the product:
- Calculate the number of acres your sprayer will cover: For example, if your sprayer has a 200-gallon tank and can spray 13 acres, the sprayer’s GPA is approximately 15 gallons (200 ÷ 13 = 15.38).
- Determine how much product is needed: Multiply the recommended product application rate by the number of acres. In this case, if you’re applying 2.5 gallons of liquid calcium per acre and spraying 13 acres, you’ll need 32.5 gallons of liquid calcium (2.5 × 13 = 32.5).
- Calculate the amount of water to add: Subtract the volume of product from the total tank capacity to find the amount of water needed. If your tank holds 200 gallons and you’re using 32.5 gallons of product, you will need to add 167.5 gallons of water to achieve the correct 5:1 ratio.
It’s essential to add some water to the tank first before adding the product, then top it off with the remaining water. This process helps the product mix more easily and prevents uneven distribution.
Adjusting Application Rates
The standard application rate for Pro-Cal and Advanced-Cal varies between 2 to 5 gallons per acre, with the typical recommendation being around 2.5 to 3 gallons per acre. Your soil advisor will provide specific recommendations based on your soil’s calcium requirements, which is why consultation is crucial for maximizing soil health and crop yield.
Importance of Jar Testing
While liquid calcium is compatible with most herbicides, it’s essential to always perform a jar test before mixing products together. A jar test is a quick and easy way to check whether the products you want to mix can safely be used together without causing harmful reactions.
Here’s how to conduct a jar test:
- Combine small amounts of each product you plan to mix in a clear jar with water.
- Shake the jar vigorously to mix the contents.
- Observe the mixture: If it stays smooth and clear, the products are compatible. However, if you notice clumping, separation, or any unusual reactions, the products should not be mixed in your sprayer.
Jar testing is crucial because incompatible products can cause clogging in your sprayer, uneven application, and potential crop damage. By spending a few minutes performing a jar test, you can avoid costly problems in the field.
Also, note that Pro-Cal and Advanced-Cal should never be mixed with liquid phosphorus or products containing liquid phosphorus. Doing so can cause adverse chemical reactions that may reduce the effectiveness of both products and potentially harm your equipment.
Spraying Guidelines for Maximum Efficiency
To ensure the best results, it’s important to follow some best practices when applying liquid calcium products:
- Timing: Apply liquid calcium when soil conditions are ideal. For instance, avoid spraying during high winds or extreme temperatures, as these can reduce the effectiveness of the application.
- Coverage: Make sure that the sprayer is calibrated properly so that the product is applied evenly across the entire field.
- Nozzle Selection: Choose the appropriate nozzle type for your sprayer to ensure uniform application. Incorrect nozzles can result in uneven distribution, leading to inconsistent soil calcium levels.
FAQs About Mixing and Applying Pro-Cal & Advanced-Cal
Here are some common questions farmers ask about using AgriTec’s liquid calcium products:
- Can I reduce the amount of water in the mix? Yes, but only after consulting with your soil advisor. Reducing the water ratio may impact the evenness of the application, so it’s important to ensure that enough water is being applied for optimal results.
- What is the ideal GPA for applying liquid calcium? The ideal GPA will depend on your sprayer’s capacity and how much product you are applying per acre. A GPA of around 15 gallons is typical, but your soil advisor may recommend adjustments based on specific field conditions.
- What happens if I don’t perform a jar test? Skipping a jar test can lead to incompatible mixtures, which may clog your sprayer or damage your crops. Always perform a jar test to prevent these issues.
Conclusion
To maximize the benefits of AgriTec’s Pro-Cal and Advanced-Cal, it’s essential to follow the recommended 5:1 water-to-product ratio, adjust application rates based on your soil advisor’s recommendations, and always perform a jar test before mixing liquid calcium with other products. By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your liquid calcium applications are efficient, cost-effective, and beneficial to your crops.
For any additional questions or specific recommendations for your field, don’t hesitate to contact your AgriTec soil advisor. Following these steps will help you get the most out of your liquid calcium applications, contributing to better soil health and higher crop yields.