A: Contact a Plant Tuff Sales Rep.
A: Plant Tuff AgLime has been shown to be available to plants immediately following application. The key is its unique chemistry that gives it the added advantage of containing a variety of nutrients and micronutrients that are beneficial to the plants. It has also been shown to aid in the availability of phosphorous.
A: The following chart compares the two products:
Compare Plant Tuff AgLime and Plant Tuff Silicon pHertilizer | Plant Tuff AgLime | Plant Tuff Silicon pHertilizer |
---|---|---|
Neutralizes soil pH | • | • |
Improves nutrient uptake | • | • |
Improves soil structure | • | • |
Aids water flow | • | • |
Provides calcium, magnesium, iron & manganese | • | • |
Contains Silicon | • | |
Aids drought tolerance | • | |
Increases resistance to diseases | • | |
Increases resistance to insects | • | |
Is eco-friendly | • | • |
Is easy to apply | • | • |
A: The frequency of testing varies depending upon several factors: soil type, crop, rainfall, fertilizer and many other factors. As a general rule, experts recommend testing your soil a minimum of every two to three years. Soil samples should be taken from at least three locations for every two acres.
A: Yes it does. The size of the particles determines the rate at which the material reacts with the soil.
Particles passing through the #8 sieve may not produce results for up to one or two years after application.
Particles passing through the #60 sieve can have an immediate effect upon the soil and are typically fully used within one year. Acidic soils needing an immediate pH balance adjustment call for a high percent of fine particles small enough to pass through #60 sieve. Particles passing through the #100 sieve are fully used within one month.
A: Midwest farms typically use less AgLime than they actually need. A few of the benefits of AgLime are:
A: The purity of lime is expressed as its calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE). Pure calcium carbonate has a CCE of 100%. Liming materials such as dolomite or hydrated lime may have a CCE greater than 100%. Other liming materials may tend to have a lower CCE, sometimes only 65 – 75%. With this wide variability, it is essential to adjust a lime recommendation according to the CCE.
A: Lime quality and application rates can be evaluated using RNV (Relative Neutralizing Value) and ECC (Effective Calcium Carbonate Content). Many states use different terms; RNV is used in Indiana while ECC is used in Michigan. All states in the Great Lakes Region take CCE into account when evaluating liming agents.
A: These materials were used as early as the 1930s as an agricultural conditioner. They can improve the efficiency of fertilizers, therefore potentially requiring reduced application. They also have been shown to resist fungal infection and disease, reducing the amount of chemical applications needed. The materials are approved liming agents in both Indiana and Michigan. They also meet all applicable environmental requirements. The EPA has promoted the use of slag for agricultural applications. Please visit this site for more information.
A: No. Plant Tuff’s in-house guidelines follow California’s guidelines – the strictest in the country. Concentrations of all metals fall far below areas of concern, even at extremely high application rates..
A: No. In fact, Plant Tuff AgLime alleviates the issue of Aluminum Toxicity due to its liming actions. When used at appropriate application rates, the pH of the soil will remain above 6 and alleviate this issue. Aluminum Toxicity occurs in strongly acidic soils. Plants in this environment may also exhibit symptoms of Calcium, Magnesium, or other nutrient deficiency and may also exhibit symptoms of Manganese toxicity. Aluminum solubility begins when the soil pH drops below 6.
A: No — if the Neutralizing Values are comparable with the current material you are using, the application rates should be the same. In many cases the Plant Tuff AgLime may actually reduce application rates due to its high neutralizing value.
A: Yes — due to its unique chemical make-up, Plant Tuff AgLime can actually be easier to apply than lime. It spreads nicely, even at moistures up to 6% utilizing standard equipment.
A: The timing for applying Plant Tuff is the same as lime, although early applications can make better use of its unique chemistry. One thing that’s been noticed in northern climates is that due to its darker color, it is actually easier to spread with snow on the ground because of the contrast in colors.