Inspired by his previous work explaining The Calcium Cycle, we partnered again with Dr. Davidson to create an infographic explaining the calcium cycle in agriculture. Since calcium plays a critical role as a crop nutrient and as a soil amendment, farmers who understand the natural cycle can better manage the calcium in their soils. (Click on the image to the below for the full-size, downloadable infographic.)
Key Steps of the Calcium Cycle in Agriculture:
- First, companies produce calcium fertilizer. Calcium may come from organic sources, like EcoGEM gypsum, or come from a manufactured byproduct.
- Next, farmers apply calcium fertilizer, and weathering and dissolution occur.
- The cation exchange complex, or CEC, hold some calcium ions temporarily, while some of it is tied up as a soil mineral.
- Plants take up the calcium. Calcium is essential for crops since it ensures proper cell wall formation and cell division (a few of the many benefits of calcium).
- Some plants die and decay. Animals digest other plants.
- Finally, calcium recycles into mineral form. The calcium cycle in agriculture continues when companies create fertilizers from mineral deposits.
Get the full scoop on the calcium cycle here.
