A deep dive into our Calcifert range: How to increase pH in soil
In modern agriculture, how to increase pH in soil is one of the most searched queries. Maintaining balanced soil chemistry is essential for healthy crops, high yields, and long-term soil productivity. The Calcifert range from LKAB Minerals offers a series of granulated soil conditioners that deliver vital nutrients – particularly calcium and sulphur – while improving soil structure, pH balance, and nutrient availability. Designed for efficient handling and consistent performance, these products support farmers in building more productive, resilient land.
Understanding the Calcifert range
Calcifert is a portfolio of calcium-based soil conditioners, developed to provide farmers with a simple, effective way to manage soil pH and nutrient balance. The range includes Calcifert Lime, Calcifert Sulphur, and Calcifert LS11. Each product is granulated for easy spreading and formulated to deliver targeted agronomic benefits depending on the needs of the soil.
Many soils across the UK and Europe are naturally acidic or have become depleted in essential nutrients through intensive cropping. Sulphur deficiency, in particular, has increased as industrial emissions have declined, leaving crops more vulnerable to nutrient imbalances. The Calcifert range addresses these challenges by offering quick-acting, easy-to-apply products that deliver precise doses of calcium and sulphur where they are most needed.
Calcifert Lime: Correcting soil acidity
Calcifert Lime is the foundation of the range and is specifically designed to neutralise acidic soils. Produced from finely ground limestone flour and formed into durable granules, it provides a highly reactive source of calcium carbonate that can be applied with standard fertiliser spreaders. Its granulated format allows for even distribution, minimal dust, and rapid dissolution once in contact with moisture.
By increasing soil pH, Calcifert Lime improves nutrient uptake and enhances microbial activity, both of which are crucial for crop growth. It is suitable for use throughout the year and approved for use in organic farming systems. Field trials, such as those conducted at Tiln Farm in Nottinghamshire, have shown its ability to deliver consistent pH correction across multiple soil depths, helping farmers create healthier, more productive soils.
Calcifert Sulphur: Restoring sulphur and calcium levels
For soils that already have an optimal pH but are low in sulphur, Calcifert Sulphur provides a reliable dual-nutrient solution. Composed of calcium sulphate, it supplies both calcium and sulphur in plant-available forms without significantly altering soil pH. The result is stronger plant tissue, improved nutrient efficiency, and better yields, especially in sulphur-responsive crops such as cereals, oilseed rape, and grass.
Trials have shown that Calcifert Sulphur can improve the protein content of grass silage and enhance crop quality in sulphur-deficient conditions. Its contribution to better soil structure is also notable: by helping reduce compaction and improving permeability, it supports long-term soil health, particularly in heavily trafficked or grazed fields.
Calcifert LS11: Combining lime and sulphur in one
Calcifert LS11 combines the best of both worlds – lime and sulphur – in a single granule. It is designed for farms that require both pH correction and sulphur supplementation, reducing the need for separate applications. The product works by neutralising acidity while simultaneously delivering essential sulphur for crop nutrition.
This balanced approach saves time and improves application efficiency. It’s especially valuable for farmers managing large acreages or mixed soil types, where acidity and sulphur deficiencies may vary across fields. By incorporating both elements in one pass, Calcifert LS11 helps streamline nutrient management without compromising precision or performance.
The practical advantages of granulated products
All Calcifert products are designed with practical application in mind. Their granulated form ensures consistent spreading – typically up to 36 metres using standard fertiliser equipment – and reduces dust compared to traditional powders. This makes handling easier and more efficient, especially in modern farming operations where time and accuracy are critical.
In addition to convenience, granulation helps with more controlled nutrient release and better integration into the soil profile. This leads to faster results and longer-lasting benefits, improving both soil chemistry and overall crop performance. The products are suitable for a wide variety of cropping systems, including grassland, cereals, vegetables, fruit, and horticultural applications.
Supporting crop performance and soil health
Across numerous trials and farm applications, the Calcifert range has proven its ability to enhance soil condition, support stronger crop growth, and increase nutrient-use efficiency. Whether correcting acidity with Calcifert Lime, restoring sulphur levels with Calcifert Sulphur, or managing both factors simultaneously with Calcifert LS11, farmers can rely on consistent, measurable results.
Choosing the right Calcifert product begins with understanding soil conditions. For acidic soils that already contain sufficient sulphur, Calcifert Lime provides the ideal solution. In contrast, for neutral soils lacking sulphur, Calcifert Sulphur is the most effective choice. Where both pH correction and sulphur replenishment are needed, Calcifert LS11 offers an efficient, combined approach.
Building long-term soil productivity
The Calcifert range reflects LKAB Minerals’ commitment to delivering high-quality agricultural minerals that support both productivity and environmental responsibility. By offering targeted, easy-to-use solutions for soil improvement, Calcifert products help farmers achieve more resilient and fertile soils over the long term. To learn more about Calcifert Lime, Sulphur, and LS11 – or to request technical advice tailored to your farm – contact the LKAB Minerals agricultural team. You can also follow LKAB Minerals on LinkedIn for the latest product updates, case studies, and expert insights on soil performance and crop nutrition.
