As fall weather settles across Alberta, farmers face the task of wrapping up the harvest season and preparing their land for the next grow cycle. Whether you had a productive yield or are looking to rectify some weak spots (or even rotate crops) next year, tending to your soil is one of the best ways to lay the groundwork for success come spring.
At Norstar Agriculture, we understand the importance of soil remediation in restoring lost nutrients and ensuring strong, sustainable yields in the long term. One of the most powerful tools farmers can use to help restore soil balance is Norstar’s NOR-Cal agricultural lime (otherwise known as Cement Kiln Dust (CKD)). AgLime is fantastic for reconditioning soil and aids with soil acidity as well as nutrient availability, helping with nutrient uptake for the following season. Norstar is proud to carry NOR-Cal in our inventory and partner with farmers across Alberta to ensure you have everything you need to prepare for a successful 2025 growing season.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of using NOR-Cal, as well as partnering with our team.
What is Cement Kiln Dust (Agricultural Lime) and NOR-Cal
Cement kiln dust (CKD) and NOR-Cal is a fine, powdery byproducts of cement production. It contains high levels of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is particularly useful for neutralizing soil acidity. As a liming agent, NOR-Cal raises and rebalances pH levels, increases viable nutrients, and promotes sustainable crop yields.
The direct benefits of CKD from NOR-Cal and agricultural lime in general include:
Neutralizes Soil Acidity
One of the primary benefits of NOR-Cal is its ability to neutralize soil acidity. While some crops prefer more acidic soil (potatoes, for example), overly acidic ground can lead to diminished availability of core nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. NOR-Cal raises soil pH to boost these nutrients, which promotes healthier plant growth for the next season.
Improves Nutrient Availability
Fixing nutrient deficiencies isn’t just about reintroducing nutrients to the ground; it’s also critical to ensure that they are viable for plant uptake once your crops are planted. The calcium in NOR-Cal helps to displace excess hydrogen ions (which cause soil acidity), which boosts nutrient availability and soil structure (more on that below), making it easier for roots to access water and minerals. This is particularly important during difficult growing seasons where drought conditions, wind, or other environmental factors may present additional factors that could make it harder for plants to get the nutrients they need.
Enhances Soil Structure
CKD as NOR-Cal significantly improves soil structure by promoting the formation of stable soil aggregates. Aggregates play a key role in improving soil porosity and help to reduce the risk of compaction, which often damages roots and inhibits growth, as well as limits plant access to water and nutrients. Maintaining a stable and porous soil structure is crucial for viable crops as well as sustainable yields.
Supports Sustainable Farming Practices
Applying CKD/Agricultural Lime through NOR-Cal reduces waste and promotes the efficient use of resources by creating a more viable soil environment for crops. NOR-Cal also helps to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, which can damage the surrounding environment over time. This means that lime helps to promote more sustainable and effective farming across Alberta!
Quick Tips for Preparing for a NOR-Cal Treatment
Before you apply NOR-Cal CKD to your fields, it’s important to know:
1. Conduct soil testing to understand the current condition of your soil and how much product you will need (and avoid over-liming) and nutrient imbalances. Consult with agronomists or soil specialists to ensure accurate application rates.
2. Apply NOR-Cal evenly. Uniform distribution ensures optimal absorption, and application should involve tillage or other methods that allow the products to reach as much of the soil as possible for the best pH balancing.
3. Monitor soil health throughout the growing season to identify any pH changes and nutrient variances that need to be addressed. Staying on top of soil conditions is one of the best ways to make sure your fields remain in optimal condition for crop growth.
NOR-Cal as CKD and More at Norstar Agriculture
At Norstar Agriculture, we’re here to help farmers develop a stable foundation for successful crop yields year after year. In addition to offering trusted products like CKD, humic acid, gypsum, and more, we now also offer our in-house brands to accommodate your needs for soil management. Plan ahead to get your extensive soil testing and agronomy services to ensure you know exactly how to treat your land for the best results.
Learn more about getting your fields ready for the next growing season by contacting our team today.
