The ultra-fine particles (95% below 45 micron, ave 20 micron) contained in every granule of Ozcal, OzcalMag and Ozgyp are more efficient and reactive due to the increased surface area that a high volume of ultra-fine particles deliver. 250 kg of Ozcal has an exposed surface area of 6.8 ha, whereas a typical bulk lime of 2.5 T will have an exposed surface area of 6.7 ha.
Consider a solid 1 T lime block sitting in a 1 Ha paddock. How effective will that block of lime be in breaking down and raising the pH? Now if this 1T block of lime is ground down into an average of 20-micron particles and spread over 1 Ha, how effective would this be in raising the pH?
All Advantage Agri products can become fully effective in a matter of weeks providing there is significant moisture present. Our granules react quickly when they come in contact with moisture (rain or heavy dew), releasing the ultra-fine particles into the soil. If the granules are surface applied and there is no significant rainfall, they will not volatilise or blow away; they will remain in place until there is significant moisture present.
Try looking at this from a different angle, lasting power depends on the rate of release and reaction and ultimately, how much you have amended the soil.
When it comes to acidic soils, we apply lime to lift our pH. On average the pH of these soils will drop by approximately 0.1 per year through natural processes such as alkalizing element leaching and plant roots, animals’ manure and through the action of fertilisers. The quicker you lift the pH to a higher level, the longer it will take the pH to drop to damaging levels. The user-friendly nature offered by granulated products over bulk products also allows for more regular applications of lime, meaning you can keep the pH within a more favourable range for longer. With regular maintenance applications of Ozcal lime, we can keep the pH and soil balance at its optimum.
No. Despite containing ultra-fine particles, the lime or gypsum contained in Advantage Agri Granular products will not pass out of the targeted root zone any more than bulk products. In fact, bulk lime is more likely to wash away on the surface as the larger particles are unable to penetrate into the root zone as readily as the finer particles in Advantage Agri Granular products.
Regarding liming with calcium carbonate (limestone), this is a chemical reaction where the carbonate portion reacts with the soil acids to produce carbon dioxide and water. This reaction releases the relatively immobile calcium cation. Leaching of the calcium cation through soils does not occur to any significant extent due to its strong attraction to the surface of clay particles.
The products will however work to a greater depth than bulk applied products, and so are a great option for sub surface amendments (without the need for physical ripping).
Our granules are strong enough to be drilled directly into the soil and this application method has been used in various places across the east coast. The one thing to consider is that our products are not synthetically made, and they can have a higher dust level than regular fertilisers. This may or may not build up over the sowing period.
The short answer is no, we only supply in bulk bags and 25kg bags. The main reason that we do not dispatch in bulk is to ensure granule strength is not compromised. When our granules come in contact with moisture, they break down quickly. This is what makes them so reactive and fast working in the soil. Our rates are a fraction of what you would use with traditional bulk amendments, meaning, for example, you would only need to transport approximately 10T of Ozcal compared to 100T of Lime.
Gypsum isn’t used specifically to reduce soil pH. People can use elemental sulphur as a more effective way to reduce alkalinity (reduce pH), however it is best to talk to an agronomist first before implementing any pH reducing strategy. They may also be able to advise what crops are suited to your specific soil type.
The maximum rate we advise for our two liming products, Ozcal and OzcalMag, is 500 kg/ha in any one application. Raising soil pH is self-limiting. If the soil pH increases from acid to neutral (pH 7), then there are no soil acids left to break down any excess lime that may be left. However, this unreacted lime can interfere with nutrient uptake if there is a significant excess left in the soil. Take a soil test and talk to an agronomist or one of our team to come up with a rate most effective for you.
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