The Calcium Cycle in Agriculture

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.)

Infographic of the calcium cycle in agriculture

Key Steps of the Calcium Cycle in Agriculture:

  1. First, companies produce calcium fertilizer. Calcium may come from organic sources, like EcoGEM gypsum, or come from a manufactured byproduct.
  2. Next, farmers apply calcium fertilizer, and weathering and dissolution occur.
  3. The cation exchange complex, or CEC, hold some calcium ions temporarily, while some of it is tied up as a soil mineral.
  4. 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).
  5. Some plants die and decay. Animals digest other plants.
  6. 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.