Calcium-rich compost, lime and gypsum are natural sources of calcium for pasture soil.
Calcium occurs naturally in many pasture soils, though the ratio of calcium to other vital nutrients differs greatly depending on the type of bedrock and pasture practices. Animals raised on the pasture also have varying calcium needs. For example, young grazers, laying chickens and milking animals need more available calcium in the soil and a higher concentration of forage plants that carry a lot of calcium in their edible leaves. Once you've determined the calcium requirements for your stock, you have several natural avenues for enriching the soil with calcium.
Limestone Bedrock
Limestone bedrock under a pasture is a constant supply of calcium for the pasture, since limestone is primarily made up of calcium carbonate. However, some pasture plants must have roots deep enough to reach the limestone in order to mine the calcium from the bedrock. Trees and perennials with deep roots, such as yarrow, plantain and chicory are mineral mining plants with deep roots. When these plants shed their leaves, the leaves decompose and release their calcium content to the surface of the soil. This makes the calcium accessible to the shallower-rooted grazing grasses and forbes of the pasture.
Adding Lime
Many natural organic fertilizers and soil amendments, such as calcitic lime and gypsum, will provide calcium for a pasture. Use amendments carefully, since calcitic lime will raise the pH of the soil, while gypsum will not affect the pH much. Once the plants have absorbed the calcium, it will continue to return to the soil through plant decomposition and pasture animal manure. However, some calcium is lost via the pasture animals themselves once they die or are sold.
Eggshells, Bones and Compost
Composting eggshells, bones, and other plant and animal matter with calcium content is vital to ensuring minimal calcium loss from the pasture. Add this calcium-rich compost to the pasture when it is finished as often as it is available. Supplemental calcium sources include bones from a local butcher or slaughterhouse, or eggs from food factories or restaurants willing to set them aside for you to pick up.
Plants that Cycle Calcium
Certain plants absorb more calcium than others. Those that are also edible for pasture animals are essential for ensuring that pasture animals benefit from the calcium content in the pasture soil. Pasture plants such as alfalfa and clovers are high in calcium and are good for grazing.
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