* M is number of 1000 square feet per tank of 300 gallons.

** or mg per liter

Note: For landscape soil preparation, the soil should be tilled first with the PAM solution added after the tillage.

This procedure assumes that large areas of soil are being prepared for planting like 1/6 acre or more so that a gypsum machine may be used. The gypsum machine cost and size are not justified for smaller areas.

Note: It is not necessary to continue the stirring or agitation of the gypsum machine once the gypsum-PAM slurry is fluid and stable. It will not settle out for several hours. It can be restirred if it does settle out.

3. CAL-PAM solution

Three 80- pound bags or 4-5 fifty-pound bags of solution-grade granular calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0-19 Ca) are dissolved in a 300-gallon tank gypsum machine like Turbo Mix and with stirring (agitation). Twenty-five pounds for 1% or 30 pounds for 1.2% "MP" (Micronized PAM) are blended in the tank. If the big tank Turbo Mix is used (600 gallons), four bags of the 80-pound calcium nitrate may be used with 50 (1%) or 60 (1.2%) pounds of PAM. Soil preparation is possible with this procedure (see Schedule "B").

Alternatively forty gallons Ca(NO₃)₂ (9-0-0-11 Ca) or equivalent CaCl₂ with at least some of the water are combined with 30 pounds of "MP" (Micronized PAM). The final volume to give 1.2% PAM in water (w/v) is 300 gallons. It may be easiest to add the PAM last (with stirring) but sooner could be better. With 25 pounds PAM the concentration is 1% (w/v). The solution may be done in a gypsum machine or at a dealership for transport to the field. If there is equipment in the field it may be done there. Although the solution is rapid it is smoother later and the potency also increases with time (to a limit).

At 100 or so ppm PAM, the solution may be used for transplanting trees and shrubs. At higher levels it can be used for soil preparation (see Schedule "B").

Caution: other forms of PAM will not go into near instantaneous solution in calcium solution; they may take several hours so cannot be used this way.

300 gallons are made up with three eighty-pound bags (4-5 50 lb. bags of dry solution-grade Ca(NO₃)_2). Some dilutions are as follows:

* M= number of 1000 square ft blocks

**Nitrate nitrogen rates may be decreased by cutting the amount of calcium nitrate in half or two-thirds. In this case the -100+150 particle size should be used.

When doing landscape soil preparation with solutions of "MP" (Micronized PAM), the soil should be tilled before applying the "MP" (Micronized PAM) so that the soil will be porous.

Note: If solutions are prepared at a dealership, "MP" and calcium nitrates rates can be adjusted to give volume wanted. The values given here assume use of gypsum machines in the field.

4. CAL-PAM in small containers

"MP" (Micronized PAM) is added to commercial calcium nitrate solution (9-0-0-11 Ca) at the rate of 18.9 grams (0.0416 pounds) per gallon; on the (w/v) basis this is 0.5%; 0.6, 0.7% concentrations may be made also, all without dilution of the calcium nitrate with water. Calcium chloride may be used alternatively. Five gallons may be injected with an acre-inch of water onto golf courses and other landscape areas with each inch of irrigation water to give 30 ppm calcium and 1 ppm PAM. Calcium nitrate is to be omitted in any fertilizer solution with phosphorus and sulfur as they precipitate calcium. PAM can also be added to 50% 9-0-0-11 Ca and 50% water (v/v) at rates of 45.4 [1.2%(w/v)] or 56.7 grams [1.5% (w/v)] per gallon to give more concentrated solutions. For home lawns and turf, ¼, ½, 1-gallon sizes may be connected to an irrigation hose with a spray system and sprayed over the area.

The idea may have to be implemented by producers of calcium nitrate or calcium chloride solutions who in turn will market it, and give their own directions.

We anticipate inclusion of "MP" (Micronized PAM) into other commercial products as well.

D. Example Application Rates of "MP" (Micronized PAM) to Achieve Desired Effects

For landscape work where effects are expected to last for many years.

a. With 20% "MP" (Micronized PAM) plus 80% gypsum in dry form for soil preparation at least 4 inches deep.

If possible, after tilling the dry mix into the soil and before irrigation, surface spraying or sprinkling with 1 or 2 gallons of CAL MP (1.0% "MP" (Micronized PAM) in calcium salt solution) per 1000 square feet is recommended but optional.

b. If gypsum and organics are applied separately, the "MP" can be applied separately and are tilled in for soil preparation. Application is best done with a drop spreader and with no wind for uniformity. Rates for the particle size can be around half of those used with conventional particle sizes because there are more than 1000 times as many particles per pound of soil.

c. The "MP" with gypsum and other carriers may be put into solution in a tanker truck. There are several ways in which this can be accomplished. If a stirring device is not part of the tanks, a portable stirrer may be used. A dealer may supply the tanker in solution ready to use. The Chem Lawn and Hydroseeding industries could meet the need. Rates of use of the "MP" can vary to deliver from 120 to 720 parts per million PAM (loamy sand to heavy clay). Calcium concentrations can be from 100 to 600 parts per million. This procedure is 5 to 6 times as efficient as that just above using the dry procedure. For soil preparation, 1000 gallons or more per 1000 square feet will be used.

d.For transplanting¾ 100-300 parts per million (mg/liter) "MP" in calcium solution or gypsum slurry in transplants holes are used.

E. Transplanting Trees and Shrubs in Landscape Areas

Before planting trees and shrubs in the landscape, be sure that slope and drainage problems have been solved.

Transplant holes should be much wider than rootballs or bareroots. Care should be taken to avoid interface problems between old soil and that created in transplanting. Large holes and roughening the sides of the holes will help. As the tree or shrub is placed in the hole, a solution of 100- 300 ppm (mg/kg) "MP" with either gypsum or calcium nitrate is added to the hole; after plant is placed, the hole is filled with backfill soil so that the "MP" solution completely covers all the soil. Ten pounds of 20% "MP"- 80% gypsum per 1000 gallons gives 240 ppm "MP" and 200 ppm calcium. Some users prefer to spread one tablespoon full (15 grams) into each cubic feet of soil in the transplant hole. Otherwise, planting directions should be followed. See transplant pictures below.

F. Hydroseeding: A Quick and Easy Solution to Your Most Difficult Planting Problems

1. Hydroseeding does the whole job in one pass. Using this method, just one machine and one crew can cover more acres per day then ever before. Precision seed, fertilize, and mulch all at once. It's not only faster- it does things you couldn't even attempt before such as plant steep slopes and hard to get to areas.

The method is simplicity itself. Just mix water, seed, fertilizer, mulch (and a stabilizer if needed) into a slurry and spray it over the surface.

Mix it. Spray it. Forget it. That's all there is to hydroseeding. Inclusion of up to 0.02 to 0.04 percent "MP" (Micronized PAM) with gypsum as the tackifier in water will help stabilize the soil against erosion damage especially before the seeds germinate. (Use 10 to 15 lbs 20% PAM 80% gypsum or six pounds of 50% PAM - 50% gypsum per 1000 gallons.)

Wood cellulose fibers protect the grass seeds, and help maintain soil stabilization while germination and seedling growth take place. These fibers will eventually decompose, but not until enough grass and ground cover have grown to assure continuous soil stabilization. The "MP" (Micronized PAM) can increase water infiltration from moderate rain but, if the rain is too intense, it will induce runoff which will further protect slopes (soil does not move).

Regardless of the type of plants you use, they'll get a better start with the hydroseeding. The protective mulch holds seeds on the soil, helping to retain the proper moisture, while insulating against temperature extremes. "MP" (Micronized PAM) helps the soil to hold the seed until they germinate and even longer. It also prevents crusting.

G. Creation of a Good Topsoil From a Suitable Subsoil Using "MP" (Micronized PAM)

1. The soil should not have a high EC (electrical conductivity (2 dS/m or less).

2. Its exchangeable sodium must be within reason. Less than 2% is best.

3. It is best to avoid calcareous soil.

4. It is best to avoid soils that shrink- swell excessively on drying and wetting.

5. The pH is best between 6 and 7 (or after modification, if necessary).

6. Neither the sand nor the clay portions should be excessive so that the soil has characteristics of a loam.

7. Soil should be free of toxins. Analysis for such is mandatory.

To become successful topsoil, the soil needs modifications.

1. Its organic matter concentration must be built up in a way that resembles stable soil organic matter as closely as possible. Merely blending with compost won't do it.

2. The modifications of soil organic matter must be done in a way in which the EC does not increase to where seeds will not germinate.

3. The increases in soil organic matter need be such that water-holding capacity is satisfactory and that cation-exchange capacity is satisfactory.

4. The modifications need to result in satisfactory available concentrations of nutrients.

5. The soil plus the soil organic matter needs to be stabilized with the water-soluble "MP" (Micronized PAM) soil conditioner. Maximum improvement should be made consistent with drainability of the soil without being too much like a sandy soil. One to three pounds of PAM together with 2 to 10 pounds gypsum per ton should suffice. Soil Prep "MP" can be used. One or two pounds of Micronized Gel may be added per ton to increase water-holding capacity.

6. The final soil needs to be so amended to contain suitable populations of appropriate microorganisms, including Mycorrhizae, Azotobacter, Thiobacillus, Rhizobium, and others. Properly prepared compost can supply these. Earthworms could even be present.

7. The bulk density of the soil should be between 1.3 and 1.4.

8. Harmful organisms should be absent. Potentially toxic heavy metals need to be very low. A suitable formula may be 80% soil, 10% mature compost that is composted to a C/N ratio of 20 to 30, two-pounds "MP" (Micronized PAM) per ton, 8 pounds gypsum per ton and a complete fertilizer to give ½ pound each of N_, P₂O₅ and K₂O per ton. Slow release nutrients could be best.

Effort should be made to have a consistent product, even from different sources of soil. Being able to prepare a soil preconditioned with PAM could provide many advantages, especially if it had excellent other qualities. It is also well to consider instructions of www.soilfoodweb.com regarding microbes and composts.

H. Aerating Turf

Following aeration of turf, immediately (before rain or other irrigation) irrigate with about ½ inch or more of water containing 10 to 20 parts per million of "MP" (Micronized PAM) prepared. There is reason for such application periodically other than after aeration. The "MP" (Micronized PAM) will best be in either a carrier with gypsum or with calcium nitrate. Applications can be with a solution gypsum machine through the irrigation system. Solutions may also be prepared at a dealership and transported to the application site. Suitable injection equipment is needed.

Alternatively, PAM 20% in 80% gypsum may be applied dry. Up to 15 pounds per acre of the blend may be dusted over the aerated turf followed by irrigation to improve the effects of the aeration.

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Any use of PAM will serve to decrease dust emission. Construction sites, bare soil, play, and athletic fields and other areas are required to have dust control. One commonly used procedure is to apply water with a sprinkler truck. Application of several times per day is a standard practice. The number of passes can be decreased considerably with inclusion of PAM in the sprinkler truck. From 2 to 4 pounds of "MP" (Micronized PAM) or better from 10-20 pounds of 20% "MP" plus 80% gypsum in each 1000 gallons of sprinkling water will control dust more effectively than water alone. Retreatments are not necessary until surface has been mechanically disturbed.

Compost containing both gypsum and "MP" may be used for dust control when a degree of longevity is important. Compost containing from 1 to 2 percent "MP" and from 4 to 20 percent gypsum will be useful at around one ton per acre. Application must be followed by sprinkling.