Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) is rapidly gaining popularity as a valuable soil amendment for Canadian Prairie farmers. Depending on your field, CKD products such as NorCal30 can be a powerful tool for enhancing soil fertility and remediation. Before filling your spreader, there are a few key points to keep in mind.
Read on with us at Norstar Agriculture, as we delve into some must-knows before applying Cement Kiln Dust to your fields. Let’s dive in.
#1: Results Are Not Instant
Cement kiln dust doesn’t work in the same way as traditional NPK fertilizer. It’s a long-term conditioner that gradually builds soil fertility. Cement kiln dust contains several minerals, including a high concentration of calcium. In turn, CKD works to improve soil aggregation, neutralizing pH levels, and raise available calcium levels. The calcium found in CKD’s free lime ions requires moisture to dissolve. As a result, its nutrients aren’t immediately available for use in soil. While some improvements will be seen in the first year, it often takes three years in total to reach its full potential.
#2: Application Rate is Crucial
How much you add to your fields is just as important as what you add. In most cases, cement kiln dust has a recommended initial application which is dependant on the current conditions of the soil. Norstar takes into consideration soil tests, water table levels, and crop rotations before making an initial application recommendation.
A maintenance application is then typically recommended five to seven years later for nutrient replenishment. This application rate can change depending on factors such as field conditions, location, and current soil management practices. So while the standard application rate of CKD is typically one to two metric tons per acre, it is advisable to consider soil testing and professional guidance beforehand.
It’s also important to note that even if from the same base, not all CKD amendments are the same. Different formulations may require different application rates. At Norstar, our NorCal30 soil amendment has an application rate of 0.5 – 2.5 tons per acre.
#3: Get Soil Testing Done If It’s Been a Few Seasons
In the world of sustainable agriculture, soil testing has rapidly grown to become an essential field-health strategy. Without science-backed soil testing, the best that can be done is an educated guess. After all, you can’t support what you can’t see. As a result, most farmers have their fields tested at least once every few years. Field health changes every single year. Nutrients leach, fertilizers are spread, tilling happens, and more. All of these field management practices change soil balance. As a result, it’s rarely reliable to use a field test from five years ago to guide today’s decisions. Before investing in CKD for your soil, it’s best to have it tested first.
#4: Not All Lime Is Made Equal
It’s a common misconception that agricultural lime and cement kiln dust can be used interchangeably. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. As a result, these two soil inputs are not mutually substitutable.
Although both agricultural lime and cement kiln dust may originate from similar elements, these two soil inputs behave completely differently in soil. Cement kiln dust is composed of calcium oxide (CaO). Similar to quicklime, calcium oxide is highly reactive. Due to its calcium content, CKD reacts strongly with acidic soil. It has an Effective Neutralizing Value (ENV) of 135 % to 170%. Agricultural limestone, on the other hand, primarily contains calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Unlike the faster-reacting calcium oxide, Calcium carbonate is not water-soluble. Agricultural limestone has a lower ENV of 95%.
Revitalize Your Soil with Norstar Agriculture
Before applying cement kiln dust to your fields, consider contacting a professional crop consultant for support. At Norstar Agriculture, we visit farms throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, offering science-backed agronomy solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our process and schedule your field consultation.
