Soil balancing involves the use of high calcium amendments to manipulate the ratio of calcium, magnesium, and potassium in the soil. For decades, proponents have claimed that the right balance of these cation nutrients will improve field conditions and yields, but none of these effects have been replicated by modern university research.
Using a survey of certified organic corn growers in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, our Ohio State study found widespread use of soil balancing among organic farmers in the region. Despite the lack of scientific support, more than half of the surveyed growers used soil balancing. The survey, conducted in 2018, had a 57% response rate with a margin of error of +/- 2%. The survey also collected a rich and robust amount of information on organic corn grower practices. Additional details on the organic corn growers survey are available at go.osu.edu/orgcorn.
Through interviews, surveys, and literature reviews, the team gained a better understanding of why and how soil balancing is used by farmers and how it had been studied by researchers. The group found that while most researchers and university educators viewed soil balancing as an ineffective fertilization program; farmers and consultants who use soil balancing view it as a holistic method for improving soil health. After studying the results of multiple on-station and on-farm field trials, the research team found little evidence of soil balancing practices significantly improving soil or crop characteristics, but they also found enough inconsistent responses to feel further study was warranted.
Additional Resources including reports, presentations, recordings, and published academic articles, can be accessed at https://offer.osu.edu/soil-balancing/resources