Re: All about lime - Supercal 98G.
It's that time of year when we need to be putting lime down in preperation to plant spring plots and someone asked me about this product?
Calcium Products - Supercal 98G
I haven't heard of it but it seems like it would have merits for the small plotter unable to have tons of lime put on a small plot.
Here's some FAQ's
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Q: What is 98-G?
A: 98-G is a finely ground calcitic limestone, usually 99% CaCO3, mixed with a binder to produce a pellet. The pellets are the same size as fertilizer. Because the CaCO3 is so pure, and so fine, you can use 300-400 lbs. per acre in place of one ton of ag-lime. 98-G is the highest quality pelletized limestone in the midwest. Back to Top
Q: How can 400 lbs. of 98-G equate to one ton of Ag-Lime?
A: Table 1: The average particle size of 98-G is smaller than 100 mesh. Therefore, 20% of 199,000 is 39,800 sq. ft., which equates to 91.4% of an acre.
Q: What is limestone?
A: There are two types of limestone. (A) Calcitic, which is CaCO3 (B) Dolomitic, which is Ca Mg (CO3).
The addition of magnesium makes the difference in the two types. Using dolomite as an ag-lime creates a buildup of magnesium in the soil as plants do not use much magnesium, and the buildup of Mg will create "tight soil". Plants will have a more difficult time growing. Many growers look at a calcium to Mg ratio of 4 to 1. To insure they do not have too much magnesium you can use calcitic lime 98-G or gypsum SO4 to reduce the Mg. Or, better yet, use 98-G all the time.
Q: Is calcium the same as lime?
A: Calcium is only part of the formula for calcium carbonate (limestone) and the carbonate is the active part in the reaction to neutralize the acid (low pH) found in soils.
Calcium will seek out and attach to sites on organic and clay particulate in the soil, thereby releasing nutrients that may be tied up there.
Q: How does 98-G work?
A: Calcium carbonate will react in the soil to "bind" to hydrogen molecules and form compounds that will disperse in the air or soil and render them unable to affect the pH of that soil. The byproducts of this reaction include carbon dioxide and water.
Q: Can I use more than 400# of 98-G if my tests indicate I need more than one ton of ag-lime?
A: We don't advise using more than 500# per application, as calcium carbonate is not very soluble and will move only a very few inches into the soil. If you are using minimum tillage or no-till, that distance can be further reduced. Rather than over correct that shallow depth, we recommend applying more frequently, rather than applying more than 500# in any given application.
Q: What type of cultivation should I use to incorporate 98-G?
A: We recommend using the type of tillage that you are finding fits your operation. No variation in tillage is needed.
Q: Can 98-G be applied in furrow?
A: Yes. SuperCal is flexible in application methods. We have seen the best response to in furrow or banding when the product is applied in a "T" band over all the product going in furrow. Rates are figured using the normal banding formula.
Q: Can I use 98-G in my deep application operation?
A: Yes. We have seen satisfactory response to 98-G being deep placed. This can be done with or without accompanying fertilizer (dry only).
Q: Should I use 98-G before corn or soybeans?
A: Using 98-G before either crop will produce satisfactory results. Most will determine by which crop receives fertilizer application and then applying at the same time or in the same application with the fertilizer. It can be impregnated at that time also. In some extreme situations, we have recommended putting on 400# prior to corn and an additional 200# prior to soybeans to hasten the relief from very low pH's.
Q: How does buffer pH figure in?
A: The buffer pH is an indication of just how much lime will affect the soil pH. A high buffer reading usually indicates not as much correction will be needed if the buffer is low.
Q: Can I apply 98-G myself?
A: As 98-G can be applied by any normal fertilizer equipment, it is possible for you to apply this product by yourself. It is, however, recommended you follow your dealer's recommendations, and often they are better equipped to apply this material along with your fertilizer, especially if you are considering the use of variable rate technology.
Q: What should I expect to pay for 98-G?
A: Around the plant (Gilmore City, Iowa), $5.00 per 100 lbs. is a ballpark figure. As you get further away, the freight will increase the price. Back to Top
Q: At what pH should I consider liming?
A: Low pH creates two issues. First, is relative % yield.
Crop pH 4.7 pH 5 pH 5.7 pH 6.8 pH 7.5
Corn 34 73 83 100 85
Soybeans 65 79 80 100 93
Alfalfa 2 9 42 100 100
So, at a pH of 5.7 you will lose 17% of a 200bu./acre anticipated yield, 20% on beans and 58% of an alfalfa crop
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I saw a price of $7 a hundred mentioned on the QDMA forum so your looking at less then 30 bucks an acre. Might have possibles for many plotters who are close to a dealer.
Couple dealers a reasonable distance from me:
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NEW ALLIANCE FS / HEDRICK IA HEDRICK / SIGOURNY, IA 52563 800-677-2110
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Anyone hear of this product good bad or otherwise?? /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/confused.gif