Betacal: Calcium Carbonate for Soil pH Management

Sap from sugar beets is processed with limestone and water into milk of lime, followed by CO2 addition to form Betacal precipitate. Autumn application is optimal due to rapid action, though spring application is also feasible depending on the specific lime fertilizer. On average, pH drops by 0.1 annually, equivalent to 1,000 kg CaO. To maintain pH stability, application every four years—around 5 tons of Betacal—is sufficient. For repair liming, 10–20 tons per four years is recommended. Betacal supplies essential nutrients, enhances water retention, strengthens cell walls, increases pH in sandy soils, and improves soil structure in clay soils. It promotes soil life, enhances workability, and acts quickly. The processing involves slicing beets, extracting juice, pressing pulp, treating the juice with lime and CO2, concentrating the thin juice into thick juice, and finally crystallizing it into sugar. Betacal or sugar beet pulp residue leads to molasses. Betacal SL is the fast-acting variant. The project aims to highlight the added value of integrated sustainability and share knowledge on innovative farming strategies and sustainable business models in arable farming, permanent crops, fruit growing, and bulb cultivation in North Brabant. Funded by the Provincial Government of North Brabant, implemented by Delphy with contributions from teams in legume cultivation, permanent crops, arable farming, fruit growing, and bulb and flower crops. Cosun Beet Company is involved.