FoliMAX Cal-Mag Liquid Fertiliser

FoliMAX Cal-Mag is a liquid sodium turf fertiliser fighter containing 13% calcium and 3.4% magnesium in a very soluble nitrate form for rapid flushing of sodium from the root-zone. With ideal calcium to magnesium ratio, FoliMAX Cal-Mag can also be used in a maintenance program for prevention of calcium and magnesium deficiencies within the turfgrass.

The FoliMAX Cal-Mag guaranteed minimum analysis:

• Nitrogen (N) as Nitrate: 11.2%
• Calcium (Ca) as Nitrate: 13%
• Magnesium (Mg) as Nitrate: 3.4%
• Boron (B) as borate: 0.1%

The FoliMAX Cal-Mag product characteristics:

• pH: 4.0 - 6.0
• Specific Gravity: 1.48
• Appearance: Clear liquid
• Solubility: Very soluble

Key benefits of FoliMAX Cal-Mag

• Highly soluble forms of calcium and magnesium for quick and effective flushing of sodium.
• Chloride and sulphate free formulation.
• Ideal ratio of calcium to magnesium (4:1), for routine maintenance applications.
• Useful formulation for injection into irrigation systems with light water.
• Can be used in fertigation systems.
• Flexible application rates to modify the nitrogen output.
• Free flowing formulation, making it easier to decant into spray equipment and mixing tanks.
• Boron in the formulation aids in maximising calcium uptake within the plant.
• Manufactured in Australia.

Sodium impact on the soil profile

Sodium has a significant impact on soil conditions and turfgrass health. The primary problem posed by high sodium is a rapid decline in soil structure that can begin when sodium base saturation exceeds the critical 3% level. High sodium reduces soil permeability, resulting in drainage and compaction problems that cause a decline in turf vigour.

Sodium displacement

The principal of Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) is the exchanging of one cation for another that has a higher preference or charge. As sodium is a single charged cation it can be removed by a divalent cation with a higher molecular weight.

The most effective cations for displacing sodium are calcium and magnesium (due to their molecular weight and valence). Sodium is attracted to the negatively charged sites on soil colloids. As these levels rise with persistent input, usually due to high levels in irrigation water, binding of other cations into exchange sites can become restricted. Sodium at high concentrations itself can be toxic to turfgrass and with increased accumulation, can cause a number of deleterious effects to both turfgrass soils and plant vigour. To offset sodium, high concentrations of soluble calcium and magnesium must fl ood the exchange sites which forces the sodium off these exchange sites and is then removed from the root-zone by irrigation or rainfall.

Solubility of calcium and magnesium nitrate in FoliMAX Cal-Mag

The below table highlights the solubility of several soil amendments. The higher the number, the greater the solubility of the product in water. The table clearly shows that calcium nitrate is the most soluble form of calcium, ensuring its ability to quickly enter the soil environment and flush sodium off exchange sites. Likewise of the magnesium sources, magnesium nitrate is the most soluble form, again ensuring maximum ability to flush sodium from the profile.

SOLUBILITY OF SEVERAL SOIL AMENDMENTS