Calcium contributes to soil fertility by helping maintain a flocculated clay and therefore with good aeration. Soil structure and water holding capacity are improved if the amount of exchangeable sodium (ESP) is kept below 5% of the cation exchange capacity of the soil.

How does calcium affect soil structure?

Ensuring the presence of adequate soil calcium will provide the best soil structure. Calcium cations, with their double positive charge, improve soil structure by bridging soil organic matter with clay particles resulting in better aggregation of soil particles.

Does calcium raise soil pH?

Calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and calcium sulfate are all considered to be neutral salts, in that they will not directly raise or lower the soil pH.