Release times may vary depending on product source and environmental conditions during time of application. Januaryįertilizer sources: Listed below are some common sources of magnesium. Magnesium should be applied when the turfgrass is actively growing. When to apply: Always have your soil tested and follow the recommendations before applying fertilizer. Magnesium deficiency can be corrected by adjusting soil pH or through fertilizer applications. Relative to calcium, magnesium deficiencies are more common. Over time turfgrass growth will become stunted and negatively affect root growth. Magnesium deficiency: Visual symptoms of magnesium deficiency include yellowing of older leaves and leaf edges turning a dark color. Leaching occurs when water moves nutrients downward through the soil, where it is inaccessible for root uptake. High calcium fertility can lead to magnesium deficiency due to leaching.

Deficiencies can occur in acidic soils or soils with excess calcium, potassium or sodium and in sandy soils. Magnesium is important to turfgrass because it is needed for production of chlorophyll, which is important for photosynthesis. Magnesium plant uptake: Magnesium is available for plant uptake in the form of Mg 2+. Magnesium/calcium carbonate (dolomitic limestone) SourceĬalcium carbonate (agricultural limestone) Read manufacturer’s label for more information before applying any product. Like most macronutrients, calcium should be applied when the turfgrass is actively growing.įertilizer sources: Listed below are some common sources of calcium. Calcium deficiency is not very common in most soils, but where present, it can be managed by altering soil pH or adding supplemental fertilizers or amendments. Soils with high concentrations of sodium require the addition of calcium because sodium affects calcium availability for plant uptake.Ĭalcium deficiency: Visual symptoms of calcium deficiency include deformed leaf formation, red to brown leaf coloring, leaf tip discoloration and stunted, discolored rooting. Soils with higher CEC (cation exchange capacity) are able to retain calcium for plant uptake. Calcium deficiencies in turfgrass are less common in finer-textured soils but do occur in highly acidic or sandy soils.

It is involved in cell wall formation and cell division and is particularly important in rooting and root function. Understanding the role and availability of calcium and magnesium is important for developing a sound fertility plan for your home lawn.Ĭalcium plant uptake: Calcium is available for plant uptake in the form of Ca 2+. They may need to be applied less frequently however, they are still essential for plant growth and function. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are secondary macronutrients relative to the primary macronutrients of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Ag source calcium