Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Agrochemical Functions
- Technologies
Features & Benefits
- Agrochemicals Features
- Benefits
- CaTs conditions the soil by chemically loosening the soil colloids, which increases water filtration.
- CaTs efficiently delivers calcium and sulfur to the soil to support your crops’ immune systems and overall health.
- The thiosulfate sulfur in CaTs releases fixed calcium in calcareous soils.
- CaTs helps reduce ammonia loss from ureabased nitrogen fertilizer.
- CaTs also solubilizes other nutrients in the soil, including potassium, magnesium, iron and manganese.
- Has been designated as a Nitrogen Stabilizer by the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO).
- Contains the thiosulfate molecule that enters the plant quickly.
- Improves cell structure and increases disease resistance.
- Works with most irrigation systems.
- Can be used as a foliar fertilizer.
- Is slightly acidifying in the soil which can help reduce the harmful effects of high bicarbonate irrigation water.
- Contains no nitrogen or chlorides.
- Is compatible with many liquid fertilizers.
- Is easy to handle
- Conditions soils by leaching harmful salts and improving water infiltration
- Does not contain nitrogen or chlorides, but can be tank mixed with UAN or liquid urea
- Improves the density, firmness and appearance of fruits, vegetables and nuts
- Extends crop storability and shelf life
- Can be applied through all types of irrigation systems
- Calcium and Sulfur are critical nutrients for healthy plant growth. In fact, calcium is a major component of cell walls and often associated with higher fruit quality. The combination of calcium and Sulfur in a readily available form provide the structural building blocks that are necessary for ensuring a healthy crop. CaTs is a 100% soluble form of calcium and Sulfur that is able to both quickly and efficiently displace salts from the root zone, improve water filtration and help to reduce ammonia loss from urea. The American Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) recognizes CaTs as a “nitrogen stabilizer” due to its ability to reduce nitrogen volatilization.
- Product Highlights
CaTs is a neutral to basic, chloride-free, clear solution, containing 6% calcium and 10% thiosulfate sulfur. Each gallon of CaTs contains 0.63 pound of calcium (Ca) and 1.0 pound of thiosulfate sulfur (S). CaTs may be applied by drip, sprinkler, flood irrigation, surface broadcast, banded or watered in. It may be blended with other fertilizers or applied as a foliar treatment on selected crops. When used as a foliar fertilizer, CaTs should first be diluted with water before applying. Blends of CaTs should not be acidified below a pH of 6.0. CaTs may be used as a fertilizer for the correction of calcium and sulfur deficiency a well as a soil amendment. As a soil amendment, CaTs may be used to improve water infiltration and aid in leaching of harmful soil salts. CaTs is compatible with most fertilizer solutions. CaTs is not compatible with phosphate, sulfate and ammonium thiosulfate fertilizers. In absence of specific recommendations and data, do a jar test before mixing large quantities. The addition of water to the mixture may be helpful to maintain blend stability. When blending with micronutrients and pesticides, trial blends should be made before mixing large amounts. When mixing other liquid fertilizers and/or pesticides with CaTs, the blend sequence should be as follows: water, pesticide, CaTs and/or other fertilizer.
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Applications
- Application Technique
- Application & Use Recommendations
CaTs may be applied to a variety of soils as an amendment to aid in displacing sodium or as a fertilizer for crops, including turf, ornamental, greenhouse, fruit, row and other commercial agricultural crops. Calcium requirements for most crops increases during periods of rapid growth and early fruit development. Applications of CaTs should be made based on soil, fruit and/or plant tissue analysis for calcium. CaTs can be blended with UAN or urea solution in any ratio to supply nitrogen. CaTs is recognized by the American Association of Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) as a nitrogen stabilizer. When applied in a surface band or with drip irrigation, CaTs can reduce ammonia loss from urea-based fertilizers. For more information, please contact a Crop Vitality Specialist.
Soil Amendment
- The Calcium in CaTs is 100% soluble making it a more efficient soil amendment at displacing sodium than gypsum. CaTs may be broadcast or band applied to the soil surface to reduce crusting problems and improve water infiltration. For pre-plant applications to improve soil tilth and water infiltration, apply 30 to 40 gallons of CaTs per acre with irrigation water. For band applications, apply at the rate of 1 gallon per acre per inch of bandwidth. (An 8-inch band would require an 8 gallon per acre rate.) CaTs may be used in-season as a soil amendment to reduce the harmful effects of sodium. CaTs may be applied with irrigation water or directly to the soil before irrigation. The rate of application is dependent on the severity of the sodium problem, which should be determined by lab analysis.
Irrigation Water Treatment
- Irrigation water derived from snowmelt or rainwater may contain low levels of salts (low electrical conductivity). While this is good for crops, it can have a negative effect on water infiltration in many soils, resulting in puddling, runoff and/or soil erosion. Crops become moisture stressed during periods of high temperatures due to a lack of deep moisture and/or a shallow root system.
- Applications of CaTs can:
- Improve water infiltration
- Increase deep moisture
- Displace harmful salts
- Reduce moisture stress
- Application rates are dependent on field conditions.
Soil Application
- For pre-plant treatment, apply 30 to 40 gallons per acre with irrigation water depending on the salt content in the soil that requires leaching. CaTs may be broadcast, banded or knife injected as a source of calcium and sulfur. Rates may vary between 15 to 40 gallons per acre. CaTs can be used in a program to reduce problems related to calcium disorders in tree fruit. Soil application of CaTs should be used (and is more effective) in conjunction with a foliar calcium program.
- Apples, Pears, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches, Filberts: Producing trees (at least 5 years old) on sandy loam soil – apply 20 to 30 gallons per acre in a 4-foot band under the drip line. Irrigate after application.
- Young Trees, Vine Crops or Planted to Sandy Soils: Apply 15 to 20 gallons per acre. Irrigate after application.
- Example: A 10-acre orchard at 20 gallons per acre would require 200 gallons applied in a 4-foot band.
Fertigation
- Fertigation is the practice of injecting soluble fertilizers through irrigation systems using water as a nutrient delivery system to the crop. Before injecting CaTs into an irrigation system, make sure that the irrigation system is in good condition and provides uniform distribution to the field. Application of nutrients like CaTs should be made in the middle third or second half of an irrigation set.
- The injection of CaTs should be done slowly and should last at least as long as it takes irrigation water to travel from the point of injection to the last emitter or sprinkler in the field.
- The injection of CaTs should be done with a fertilizer injection pump and should be done over a 1 to 4 hour time period.
- Rapid injection of CaTs may lead to uneven distribution of fertilizer and may cause crop damage.
- For additional information about the injection of nutrients into an irrigation system, consult with your local agronomist and review University of California publication 21620 “Fertigation with Microirrigation,” or University of Florida Bulletin #250 “Injection of Chemicals Into Irrigation Systems: Rates, Volumes, and Injection Periods.” All rates listed are for established crops on medium to fine-textured soils (suggested rates are for trees and vines at least 4 years old or older). Avoid application to new plantings until the crop is well established. For sandy soils, suggested rates should be reduced by 50%. Do not apply CaTs when crops are experiencing heat or moisture stress.
Sprinkler/Center Pivot Irrigation
- Apples: Apply 5 to 10 gallons per acre per application. Repeat as needed to achieve the calcium tissue levels desired.
- Young Tree and Vine Crops: Apply 3 to 8 gallons per acre per application. Repeat as required.
- Mature Tree and Vine Crops: Apply 5 to 10 gallons per acre per application. Repeat as required.
- Potatoes: Apply 10 to 15 gallons per acre per application beginning at the hooking stage. Apply a second application when the potatoes are about golf ball size.
- Onions: Apply 10 to 12 gallons per acre beginning after the third leaf stage. Apply 2 to 3 times with at least 1-week intervals.
- Alfalfa: Apply 10 gallons per acre applied after the first cutting and again after the third cutting.
- Other crops: Apply 5 to 10 gallons per acre per application. Repeat as required.
- Ornamentals: Apply 1 quart of CaTs per 1000 square feet in irrigation water to growing plants. Rinse off any contact with foliage immediately.
- Turf: Apply CaTs in irrigation water at 30 to 40 ounces per 1000 square feet. Apply as needed during the growing season as indicated by soil and tissue testing.
Flood And Furrow
- Row Crops: Apply 10 to 15 gallons per acre per application with irrigation water to improve water infiltration and to reduce runoff. Apply as needed during the growing season.
- Tree Crops: Apply 10 to 15 gallons per acre per application with irrigation water to improve water infiltration and to reduce runoff. Apply as needed during the growing season.
Drip Irrigation/Micro-sprinklers
- Young Tree and Vine Crops: Apply 4 to 8 gallons per acre per application during the growing season. Allow 10 to 14 days between applications. Mature Trees and Vine
- Crops: Apply 5 to 10 gallons per acre per application. Repeat two to three times during the growing season or as needed. Allow 7 to 8 days between applications.
- Vegetable and Row Crops: Apply 3 to 5 gallons per acre per application. Repeat 4 to 5 times during the growing season as needed.
Foliar Application
- Apply in sufficient volume to achieve good plant coverage, usually 20 to 30 gallons per acre for row crops.
- Field Crops
- Alfalfa: Apply 2 to 4 gallons per acre per application. Apply on stubble of previous cutting.
- Dry Peas: Apply 1 to 1.5 gallons per acre per application at 1/10th bloom stage.
- Lentils: Apply 1 to 1.5 gallons per acre per application at 1/10th bloom stage.
- Onions: Apply 6 to 8 gallons per acre after the 3rd leaf stage when the crop is well established. Apply 2 to 4 times during the season.
- Other Crops: Apply 1/2 to 1 gallon per acre per application. Repeat applications as required.
- Tree Crops
- For calcium related disorders, begin applications at petal fall.
- Apples (Gala and Red Delicious): Apply 2 to 3 quarts/100 gallons per acre. Apply 4 to 6 times during the growing season.
- Pears (Bartlett, D’Anjou, Bosc, Concord and Arirang Asian): Apply 2 to 4 quarts/100 gallons per acre. Begin application at petal fall and continue through the season for 4 to 6 applications appropriately spaced during fruit growth.
- Cherries: Apply 2 to 3 quarts/100 gallons per acre beginning at petal fall. Apply every 7 to 10 days up to four times or at the beginning and during rainfall to reduce cracking.
- DO NOT apply CaTs with a crop oil spray. Allow at least 14 days before and/or after an oil spray before applying CaTs as a foliar.
Harvest The Value From 100% Soluble Calcium
- A combination of other fertilizers and pesticides with CaTs may increase the chances of foliar burn. It is beyond the capability of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. to test all combinations of foliar fertilizers and/or pesticides. The dealer/grower should conduct a test plot when applying with multiple products before beginning large scale applications. When mixing with unfamiliar products, always do a jar test to check compatibility between all products.
Phytotoxicity
- Plant and leaf injury may occur on some crops when certain weather and growing conditions are present. The user assumes all risks of use and handling.
pH and Crop Productivity Soil
- pH has a direct effect on nutrient availability as well as soil microbial activity. A low soil pH can indicate the presence of high levels of toxic ions such as manganese, iron and/or aluminum while a high pH can indicate the presence of free lime in the soil. Most crops do best with a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimum nutrient uptake. Periodic testing of soils using lab analysis is the only way to determine soil pH and the appropriate course of action to maintain soils at their full productive potential. Minimize or avoid applications of CaTs if the pH of the soil is below 6.0.
- Examples Of Blends With CaTs
Product Lbs / Ton Analysis CaTs 1,600 0-0-9-8S-4.8Ca
KCl (Dry 62%) 290 Water 110 CaTs 1,000 4.5-0-0-5S-8.5Ca
CN-9 1,000 CaTs 1,667 7-0-0-8S-5Ca
Urea (Dry) 304 Water 29
Properties
- Physical Form
- Appearance
- Colorless
- Typical Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Calcium Content (Ca) | 6.0 | % | — |
| Total Sulfur Content (S) | 10.0 | % | — |
| Specific Gravity | 1.25 | g/cc | — |
| pH | 6.5 - 8.0 | — | — |
| Salt-Out Temperature | 32.0 | °F | — |
| Density (at 68°F) | 10.4 | lb/gallon | — |
| Volume (at 68°F) | 192.0 | gallon/ton | — |
| Calcium (at 68°F) | 0.63 | lb/gallon | — |
| Sulfur (at 68°F) | 1.0 | lb/gallon | — |
Safety & Health
- Application Precautions
Caution: Plant and leaf injury may occur on some crops when certain weather and growing conditions are present. The user assumes all risks of use and handling.
- DO NOT apply CaTs to foliage of crops sensitive (foliar burn) to sulfur.
- DO NOT use high-pressure sprays (greater than 60 psi) when applying CaTs over the top of a crop.
- Use caution when applying fertilizer to crops experiencing extreme heat or moisture stress. Fertilizers are salts which compete with the crop for water. Crops should be hydrated before applying any fertilizer.
- The total rate of fertilizer applied should be split among several irrigations and/or at lower rates per application as temperatures increase.
- DO NOT apply CaTs with knife injectors or other types of fertilizer injecting equipment that may cause root pruning.
- DO NOT apply CaTs foliar with crop oil sprays. Allow at least 14 days before and/or after an application of crop oil before applying CaTs as a foliar.
- DO NOT apply CaTs while chlorinating irrigation system. CaTs will neutralize chlorine.
- Do NOT mix CaTs with acid or acidic fertilizers below a pH of 6.0.
- Avoid injecting acids into irrigation water while injecting CaTs. If the water pH is below 6.0 or the injection point to close, the product could decompose and potentially plug drip system.
- Recommendations are for CaTs only; the addition of other fertilizers at or near the same time could increase the chance of phytotoxicity to the crop. Please allow a minimum of 7 days between injections.
- When mixing CaTs or any liquid fertilizer with pesticides always keep agitators running during filling and spraying operations. Failure to maintain agitation may cause separation of products resulting in uneven spray application.
- Many crops are sensitive to salts during germination. When soil moisture is low, delayed crop emergence and/ or phytotoxicity may occur when fertilizer is placed too close to the seed. Do not use CaTs in pop-up fertilizer when soil moisture is limited, soil salinity is above an electrical conductivity of 1.0 or when irrigation is delayed such that germination may be affected.
- Fertigation application of CaTs and other liquid fertilizers to an established crop may cause injury to a crop if:
- Injection period is less than 60 minutes, which may cause an uneven distribution of CaTs to the crop
- CaTs rates are higher than suggested
- Ample irrigation water is not applied immediately before and after the injection of CaTs
- Crop injury may result from unusual weather conditions (heat wave, drought, or hot drying wind), or improper application practices such as injecting fertilizer to quickly all of which are out of control of the manufacturer or seller.
- DO NOT apply CaTs in drip or micro-irrigation systems where calcium and magnesium levels in irrigation water are greater than 100 ppm due to potential plugging of emitters. For further information contact a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), Pest Control Advisor (PCA), fertilizer dealer or Crop Vitality Specialist.