This page is for input manufacturers and distributors who want to use calcium lignosulfonate in products for organic crop production. It covers where it fits, how to prepare the review file, which product data to provide and how to test the formulation. For the short regulatory answer, see calcium lignosulfonate in organic farming: is it allowed?.
- Best fit: micronutrient products (complexing) and dust control, the two US-listed functions.
- Status: synthetic substance on the US National List, allowed for named functions.
- Review: the certifier or input-review body approves the product, not the substance.
- Grade: GAC-CaLS-AGRI with TDS, SDS and batch COA.
Where It Fits in Organic Crop Inputs
| Input type | Function | Status under US 205.601(j)(4) |
|---|---|---|
| Micronutrient liquids and powders (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu) | Complexing agent | Listed function: chelating agent |
| Farm road and yard dust control | Binder on the surface | Listed function: dust suppressant |
| Granular organic-mineral fertilizers | Granulation binder | Not named; needs certifier review |
| Seed coatings | Adhesion and dust-off control | Not named; needs certifier review |
Micronutrient product options include zinc lignosulfonate, iron lignosulfonate and trace element lignosulfonate blends.
Product Data for the Review File
| Parameter | GAC-CaLS-AGRI (TDS Rev. 2.0) |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow-brown powder |
| Lignosulfonate content | 60% min (dry basis) |
| Dry matter / moisture | 95% min / 5% max |
| Water-insoluble matter | 0.2% max |
| pH | 4–7 |
| Total calcium and magnesium (as sulfate) | 5–6% |
| Sulphate | About 5% |
| Sugar | 15% |
| Total NPK | About 10% |
Typical values from the current TDS. Each lot ships with a COA.
- Manufacturing-process statement: sulfite pulping, recovery, neutralisation and drying.
- Ingredient statement: all intentionally added components.
- Impurity data: heavy metals or other analytes the market requires, with methods and units.
- Intended use: function, crops, application route and rate.
Testing the Formulation
- Confirm compatibility with all ingredients in a jar test (jar test guide).
- For micronutrient products, check metal stability on dilution and during storage.
- For granules, measure strength, attrition and caking (granulation binder guide).
- Record lot numbers and keep retained samples for the review file.
Claims to Avoid
A US listing for two functions does not support claims about yield, soil health or plant nutrition. Keep label claims to the reviewed function, and get separate evidence for anything else.
FAQ
Which organic crop inputs use calcium lignosulfonate?
Mainly micronutrient products, where it acts as a complexing agent, and farm dust control. Other functions such as granulation need certifier review.
Can an input manufacturer list it as an ingredient?
Yes, if the certifier or input-review body accepts it for that function and the full ingredient statement is disclosed.
Does a natural origin make it organic-compliant?
No. Lignin sulfonate is classed as a synthetic substance on the US National List; it is allowed only for the listed functions.
What product data do reviewers look at?
Composition, manufacturing process, additives, impurity data and the intended use, supported by TDS, SDS and a batch COA.
Grades and Documents
Related: micronutrient complexes · fertilizer formulation and testing
