Comparison · fertilizer
Calcium amendments: agricultural lime vs gypsum vs calcium nitrate
Compare materials that supply calcium and their differing effects on pH and other nutrients.
| Dimension | Agricultural lime | Gypsum | Calcium nitrate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Fertilizer | Fertilizer | Fertilizer |
| Class | secondary-micronutrient | secondary-micronutrient | mineral-nitrogen |
| Typical grade (N-P₂O₅-K₂O) | Variable — calcitic lime is mostly calcium carbonate; dolomitic lime also supplies magnesium carbonate | ~23% Ca, ~18% S | 15.5-0-0 (+19% Ca) |
Methodology
Class/description read from each entry.
Limitations
- Educational only; lime raises pH, gypsum does not, and calcium nitrate also supplies N.
Sources
This article draws on the following authoritative sources. See our sources & methodology for how they are selected.
- [1]IFA — International Fertilizer Association (opens in a new tab)Moderate
International Fertilizer Association (IFA)
- Type:
- Standards body
- Jurisdiction:
- Global
- Accessed:
- 2026-07-12