It has long been appreciated that low pH acid soils have to be neutralised with ‘lime’ to raise the pH and allow the uptake of the major nutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium and the secondary nutrients Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur. For the production of high quality crops it is increasing apparent that these Secondary nutrients have to be further supplemented.

Calcium is probably the most important Secondary element. It is essential for cell wall integrity and when in adequate supply can improve the physical quality of a number of fruit and vegetable crops such as lettuce, potatoes, apples, citrus and a number of other crops. It also helps with extending the shelf life and marketability.

Magnesium is a major constituent of the chlorophyll molecule and if this is deficient the plant is unable to photosynthesis to its maximum potential, which severely reduces potential yield.

Sulphur deficient soils are becoming increasingly more common, particularly where industrial countries are gradually reducing polluting emissions from power generation and industrial processes which traditionally have deposited relatively large quantities of Sulphur on agricultural land.

Sulphur, like Nitrogen, is a major constituent of plant amino acids and proteins and its deficiency can lead to low yields and poor protein levels in crops.