Precision Foliar Nutrition
Precision Foliar Nutrition with ProCal™ 3-0-0
Article 2, Ferticell® Calcium Products
ProCal™ 3-0-0 is a high-performance foliar calcium fertilizer designed to meet the unique in-season nutritional needs of fruiting and flowering crops. Engineered for rapid uptake, this organic certified product combines ultra-soluble calcium carbonate with soy protein hydrolysate to deliver two essential nutrients, calcium and nitrogen, in a format optimized for tissue absorption by utilizing the amino acids in our nitrogen for transport.
As a dry, 100% water-soluble formulation, ProCal™ offers a non-residual, clog-free delivery system that is ideal for tank mixes and foliar programs. With 20% calcium and 3% nitrogen (entirely plant-based), it stands out as one of the cleanest, most efficient tools available for correcting calcium deficiencies in organic and low-salt systems.
Targeted Delivery for Critical Growth Phases
Unlike calcium applied to the soil, which must navigate complex interactions and root uptake barriers, ProCal™ provides a direct pathway to plant tissues through foliar absorption. This mode of delivery is especially effective during key phenological stages when calcium demand peaks, such as bloom, early fruit set, and periods of rapid cell expansion. By supplying highly soluble calcium directly to expanding leaf and fruit tissues, ProCal™ helps prevent common disorders linked to calcium deficiency, including blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers, bitter pit in apples, tip burn in lettuce, and fruit cracking in cherries and grapes.
Biologically Active Formulation
ProCal™ is formulated with soy protein hydrolysate, which serves dual functions as both a nitrogen source and a bioenhancer. The amino acids in the protein hydrolysate act as natural chelators, improving the mobility and assimilation of calcium into plant tissues. This synergy enhances the structural integrity of cells while promoting overall growth, protein synthesis, and enzyme activity. The nitrogen component, though modest at 3%, is highly efficient and safe, with no risk of salt injury or leaf burn, a frequent limitation of nitrate or ammonium-based foliar sprays.
Technical Features
- 20% fully soluble calcium (CaCO3)
- 3% nitrogen from plant-derived amino acids
- Dry powder; 100% soluble with no residues or clogging
- Organic and compliant with organic production systems
- Particle size <1 micron for maximum surface coverage
- Free of chloride, sodium, and sulfates
Agronomic Benefits
- Rapid Foliar Uptake: Calcium and nitrogen reach target tissues quickly, correcting deficiencies with visible results.
- Disorder Prevention: Reduces incidence of physiological disorders linked to calcium deficiency.
- Improved Shelf Life: Enhances fruit firmness and resilience during postharvest handling.
- Stress Mitigation: Strengthens plant structure to better withstand abiotic stressors like heat and drought.
- Enhanced Protein Synthesis: Supports key metabolic functions involved in vegetative and reproductive growth.
- Organic & Sustainable: Clean, plant-based formulation that aligns with regenerative agriculture practices.
Application Strategy
ProCal™ is ideal for use throughout critical calcium demand windows:
- Pre-bloom to fruit set: Supports cell division and reduces early fruit loss.
- Rapid fruit development: Enhances calcium loading for quality and shelf life.
- Rotational foliar feeds: Pairs well with potassium products (e.g. Ferticell® Pro K™ 0-0-20) for balanced nutrient supply.
Use rates should be calibrated based on crop type, canopy size, and tissue analysis.
Always conduct a jar test before mixing with other foliar nutrients or pesticides.
Conclusion
ProCal™ 3-0-0 is a precision-calcium tool that delivers more than just a nutrient boost. It provides structural reinforcement, physiological stability, and metabolic support exactly when plants need it most. Whether you’re cultivating high-value vegetables, fruits, or flowering crops, ProCal™ offers an efficient, organic-compatible strategy for ensuring calcium sufficiency and optimizing plant performance.
Comparative Summary: Ferticell Calcium 880Plus™ vs. ProCal™ 3-0-0
Ferticell®’s two complementary calcium nutrition solutions are Calcium 880™ and ProCal™ 3-0-0, each designed to meet specific agronomic needs. Calcium 880™ is a liquid 40% calcium formulation ideal for soil improvement, salinity management, and biological stimulation. It combines ultra-fine calcium carbonate with 25% freshwater algae and beneficial bacteria, making it a powerful tool for both correcting deficiencies and enhancing soil health. Calcium 880™ excels in fertigation and soil conditioning programs, especially where water infiltration, sodium displacement, or soil porosity are limiting factors. It is also an effective source of calcium during early crop stages and pre-plant applications.
ProCal™ 3-0-0 , is a dry, water-soluble calcium formulation focused on fast foliar correction. Containing 20% calcium and 3% soy-based protein nitrogen (Explorer™ 16-0-0), ProCal™ is optimized for rapid tissue assimilation, particularly during flowering, fruit set, or when deficiency symptoms arise. It leaves no residue and is ideal for crops where fruit quality, firmness, and postharvest performance are essential. ProCal™ is designed to integrate seamlessly into in-season foliar programs and complements soil-based calcium applications by filling critical uptake gaps in high-demand periods.
In practical terms, Calcium 880™ is best used to address root zone conditions, improve soil structure, and enhance early plant development, while ProCal™ serves as a fast, clean, and efficient foliar calcium source for targeted correction and crop quality enhancement. Many growers benefit from using both products in combination: Calcium 880™ to prepare and sustain the soil environment, and ProCal™ to deliver high-speed calcium directly to foliage and fruit during critical growth phases.
