Ca/Mg ideal ratio

Horticulture
1

Hi everyone,

Having heard about the importance of Calcium/ Magnesium ratio on trees nutrition, I was wandering if anyone knows what would be the ideal Ca/Mg ratio, not only for a targeted supplement, but also for a general fertilizer.

Ca/Mg specific supplements to help with deficiencies, usually have a Ca:Mg ratio between 2.5 and 3.7 (meaning that Ca is 2.5 times more than Mg, regardless the concentration of each element). On the the other hand, that ratio of some organic, broad spectrum fertilizes is around 7, or sometimes even 9 (meaning that meaning that Ca is 9 times more than Mg).

Taking into account the emphasis given in Mirai Live (especially in Lectures), regarding the imbalance of Ca/Mg that causes toxicities and deficiencies in other elements, and the importance of Ca for growth (biogold Ca ratio of 13% is what makes it a good fertilizer, in comparison to others), I would like to know what would be ideal concertation/ ratio between them, when it comes to choose an organic fertilizer.

I haven’t found anything related yet. I know it takes lab testing to answer that, one solution is not applicable to any tree, but If I had to choose between 2 fertilizers, and one of them had better Calmag ratio, I’d go for it.

Thanks,

Manos

5

Chris, what a blast!

Thank you a lot for your time and recommendations.

I can understand the importance of sap testing, in order to provide nutrition needs, individually in every tree. Or at least at those which show some deficiency/ problem.

The thing is, that in EU there are just couple of labs providing this kind of testing, from what I hear. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t make lot of sense to spend more money to occasionally test some trees, than the objective value of trees themselves. But, I totally recognize the big advantage that way could provide to our practice.

As for the products you’re recommending, they seem pretty comprehensive and accurate (who else is providing 4th decimal to a metal content? :smile: ). In my case, those Eden products are not available here, though.

What I’m recently started using for trying to keep Ca/Mg ratio OK, is this calmag dedicated product, with the Ca/Mg content as shown in attached image. As you may see, the Ca:Mg ratio is 2.5.
20240923_095739
Additionally, I’ve started to provide plain Ca liquid fertilizer, with a product containing CaO 19%, both with foliar spraying as well as drenching. Every time, I try to adjust solution pH close to 6.4-6.5. I hope to see some good results.

From the products you’ve shared, it seems that Ca is 17 times greater in content, only in this wetting agent. What is the form of these products? I guess not a dry, pelletized, organic type of fertilizer.

If anyone else has experienced better results with an organic fertilizer containing specific Ca/Mg ratio, instead of some other, please share.

Regards

6

I agree with you that testing on a inexpensive tree may not be cost effective.

All the Eden products I use are liquids but many are actually like pudding in their consistency. I think in general Mirai and it students have found that powdered products do not work well in aggregate soils as they junk up and reduce air circulation, collect at the bottom of the pots etc.

Sorry I was not much help, but like you I am trying to find a better nutrition system to use and I am experimenting right now with all Eden products because that is what is available here in the states and they are a great company to deal with.

Ryan still seems to be recommending Bio Gold as long as your PH is above 7 or 7.5. Something about the acidity of a lower ph causes problems with Bio Gold but I am not sure exactly how it turns toxic. You could reach out to Mirai for clarification.

Have you reached out to Greenwood or Heron’s Bonsai in the UK?
They are doing things differently so they may have some additional insight on products available in Europe.

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Most lime sources contain a lot of Mg:
Dolomitic lime

Typically contains about 55% calcium carbonate and 35% magnesium carbonate
The soil in North Carolina is very high in Mg so I buy a low Mg (<0.5%) from a place that supplies commercial organic farms.

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