Is it important to have the proper ratio of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in the soil? Producers may ask this question as they have their soil tested for nutrient levels in the summer before wheat planting begins. This question may also arise at the moment of lime purchase, which can be an important source of Ca and Mg.
Calcium and Mg are plant-essential nutrients. All soils contain Ca and Mg in the form of cations (positively charged ions, Ca++ and Mg++) that attach to the soil clay and organic matter; these are also the forms taken up by crops. The relative proportion of these elements, as well as the total amount in the soil, depends mainly on the soil parent material. In Kansas soils, the levels of Ca and Mg are typically high and crop deficiencies are rare.
Soils typically have higher Ca levels than Mg. Table 1 gives the amount and ratios of Ca and Mg for some soils in Kansas. Both nutrients are present in large quantities. Unusual cases of Ca or Mg deficiencies may be found in areas of very sandy soils.
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Table 1. Calcium, magnesium, and Ca:Mg ratio for several Kansas soils |
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Ca |
Mg |
Ca:Mg ratio |
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Soil |
cmol/kg |
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Canadian-Waldeck |
42 |
11 |
3.7 |
|
Carwile |
22 |
4 |
5.2 |
|
Chase |
198 |
30 |
6.7 |
|
Crete |
111 |
29 |
3.8 |
|
Harney |
202 |
15 |
13.2 |
|
Harney-Uly |
200 |
12 |
16.1 |
|
Keith |
127 |
38 |
3.3 |
|
Las |
176 |
37 |
4.8 |
|
McCook |
35 |
8 |
4.5 |
|
Onawa |
163 |
28 |
5.8 |
|
Ortello |
19 |
6 |
3.3 |
|
Parsons |
80 |
23 |
3.5 |
|
Tully |
158 |
38 |
4.2 |
Why would the ratio of Ca to Mg be important? The concept of an optimum Ca:Mg ratio started in the 1940s under the “basic cation saturation ratio” theory. The theory is that an “ideal soil” will have a balanced ratio of Ca, Mg, and potassium (K). According to this theory, fertilization should be based on the soil’s needs rather than crop’s needs -- focusing on the ratio of crop nutrients present in the soil. This concept of an ideal Ca:Mg ratio has been debated by agronomists over the years. The suggested ideal ratio according to the theory is between 3.5 and 6.0, but this has never proven to be of significance.
There is very little research evidence to support any effect, either positive or negative, of the soil Ca:Mg ratio on crop production and yield. What research studies have been conducted in the laboratory and in the field show no effect of Ca:Mg ratio on crop yield. Despite this, the promotion of the ratio concept persists today. Furthermore, the initial work that derived this concept did not differentiate between crop response (alfalfa) due to the change in Ca:Mg ratio and the improvement in soil pH from lime application. It is reasonable to conclude that crop response can be expected from changes in soil pH rather than any change in the ratio of Ca:Mg.
One example of research conducted on this topic over the years is shown in Table 2. In that experiment, McLean and coworkers demonstrated the lack of relationship between Ca:Mg ratio and crop yield for several crops. The range of Ca:Mg ratios observed for the highest yields were not different from those observed for the lowest yields. The conclusion from that study was that to achieve maximum crop yield, attention should center on providing sufficient levels of these nutrients rather than attempting to find an adequate ratio. Therefore when these nutrients are present in optimum levels for plant growth, the relative ratio in the soil seems irrelevant.
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Table 2. Ratio of Ca:Mg for five crop-years comparing the highest and lowest yields obtained |
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Corn |
Corn |
Soybean |
Wheat |
Alfalfa |
Alfalfa |
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Yield level |
Ca;Mg ratio |
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Highest five |
5.7 – 26.8 |
5.7 – 14.2 |
5.7 – 24.9 |
5.7 – 14.0 |
5.7 – 26.8 |
6.8 – 26.8 |
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Lowest five |
5.8 – 21.5 |
5.0 – 16.1 |
2.3 – 16.1 |
6.8 – 21.5 |
8.2 – 21.5 |
5.7 – 21.5 |
Adapted from: McLean, E.O., R.C. Hartwig, D.J. Eckert, and G.B. Triplett. 1983. Basic cation saturation ratios as a basis for fertilizing and liming agronomic crops. II. Field studies. Agronomy Journal 75: 635-639.Ada - 21.veeio of Ca:Mg for five crop-years comparing the highest and lowest yields obtainedto the diseaseeo produced by Dan Don
In conclusion, trying to manage the ratio of Ca:Mg should not be used for a nutrient application or liming program. The center of attention should be to ensure that levels of Ca and Mg in the soil will not limit optimum plant growth. The relative concentration of Ca and Mg in commercial ag lime can be highly variable, and application should be based on the effective calcium carbonate (ECC) to achieve a target soil pH.
Dorivar Ruiz-Diaz, Nutrient Management Specialist
ruizdiaz@ksu.edu
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