greenhouses I shade net I hydroponics I aquaponics
Pioneering the Future of Calcium Nitrate Nutrigation™ Haifa Chemicals is
All greenhouse growers will know that calcium (Ca2+) is an element that is required in large volumes by most plants. These include tomato, pepper, lettuce and cut flowers etc. However, calcium can be a very delicate nutrient to manage, not only in the nutrient solution, but also in the plant itself. Calcium is specifically known to cause chemical interactions with other nutrients when present in high concentrations, e.g. phosphates and/ or sulphates, within the same nutrient solution stock tank.
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urthermore, certain growing systems and environments tends to create abiotic conditions that predispose a potential calcium deficiency within the plant or fruit. Selecting the correct fertilizer product for your unique farming system will ensure that your plants have the best possible fertilizer which promote nutrient uptake and results in optimal yield and quality. All greenhouse growers will know that calcium (Ca2+) is an element that is required in large volumes by most plants. These include tomato, pepper, lettuce and cut flowers etc. However, calcium can be a very delicate nutrient to manage, not only in the nutrient solution, but also in the plant itself. Calcium is specifically known to cause chemical interactions with other nutrients when present in high concentrations, e.g. phosphates and/ or sulphates, within the same nutrient solution stock tank. Furthermore, certain growing systems and environments tends to create abiotic conditions that predispose a potential calcium deficiency within the plant or fruit. Selecting the correct fertilizer product for your unique farming system will ensure that your plants have the best possible fertilizer which promote nutrient uptake and results in optimal yield and quality.
Haifa Cal™ Prime is the new improved and concentrated calcium nitrate fertilizer from Haifa South Africa. Haifa Cal™ Prime is 100% water soluble and is setting new standards with its near zero ammonium (N-NH4+) level. Standard calcium nitrate typically contains between from 1.1 – 1.5% ammonium nitrogen. Haifa Cal™ Prime contains 0.3% N-NH4. This unique property becomes very important when growing soilless crops, especially in NFT or soilless systems which have low buffering properties. Research by Kafkafi (1990) has clearly shown that elevated N-NH4+ levels and subsequent plant uptake becomes dangerous and detrimental within the plant at high temperatures and radiation levels. These challenging growing conditions, coupled with a dry/ low humidity climate, are typical to most of South Africa’s production areas.
12 Undercover farming I July/August 2021 I Volume 18 No 4
With elevated plant transpiration and subsequent water uptake, it is even more important to ensure a nutrient solution with near zero levels of N-NH4+ to reduce the potential toxic effect thereof within the plant. Haifa Cal™ Prime is highly concentrated and offers a 10% increase in nitrate (N-NO3-) contents and 24% increase in calcium compared to other calcium nitrate products. The higher level of nitrate nitrogen (N-NO3-) further promotes the uptake of other important cations, including Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+. The superior solubility compared to other calcium nitrate products, makes Haifa Cal™ Prime extra convenient to apply by Nutrigation™ or foliar spray. Further improvements with regards to hygroscopicity also ensures that Haifa Cal™ Prime remains dryer for longer when exposed to air. These characteristics make Haifa Cal™ Prime the ideal option when needing to supply you crop with the best source of watersoluble calcium nitrate on the market. Contact your closest Haifa distributor for details about this unique product offering.
