Calcium is an essential nutrient for plant health, strength and resilience, however, the most common source, calcium nitrate, delivers calcium alongside nitrate nitrogen and this has presented challenges for growers because the nitrogen component can negatively impact crop production.
In sensitive crops or during key fruiting stages, excess nitrogen can disrupt nutrient balance, reduce fruit quality and shorten shelf life.
Haifa Cal Absolute, from specialty fertiliser supplier, Haifa Group, is an alternative, high calcium fertiliser based on calcium formate and is nitrogen-free.
Compared with other calcium nitrate products, it contains nearly twice the amount of calcium, and it can be blended with a wide range of nutrients.
Haifa Cal Absolute is fully water soluble and contains nearly 31 per cent calcium, while it also is virtually free of sodium and chloride. Typical calcium nitrate fertilisers supply around 17pc calcium.
Haifa Australia northern sales agronomist Malcolm Otto says the arrival of Haifa Cal Absolute means growers now have new freedom in how they manage calcium nutrition, without having to consider unwanted elements or impurities.
“Until now, growers have had to compromise. If they wanted calcium, they often had to take the nitrate with it – even when it wasn’t ideal for the crop or timing,” Malcolm says.
“We’ve seen calcium deficiencies cause real issues in the field, from soft fruit and bitter end rot to lost shelf life and breakdown in transit,” he says.
“When fruiting, too much nitrate can accelerate tissue softening. A product such as Haifa Cal Absolute gives growers the calcium they need, without the nitrate they don’t. That means firmer fruit, stronger skin and better marketable yields.”
Malcolm says there is a clear trend in horticulture toward more balanced crop nutrition and reduced nitrogen use, and calcium formate suits this shift perfectly.
“Crops like zucchini, citrus and watermelon are especially sensitive to calcium deficiency,” he explains.
“We’re seeing losses of 20 per cent to 50 per cent in some cases.
“Getting calcium right can make or break your bottom line.”
Haifa Group evaluated more than 20 calcium sources before identifying a formulation which it says delivers a reliable, concentrated and flexible option for Australian growers.
Haifa Cal Absolute represents a larger upfront investment than typical calcium nitrate fertilisers, however, Malcolm says the value proposition was clear – more calcium per application, fewer compatibility issues and potential for higher returns through reduced losses and improved fruit quality.
Haifa Cal Absolute has already been successfully launched in Europe and will be available to Australian growers in coming months from Lindsay Rural and Nutrien Ag Solutions outlets.
