This page is for fertilizer formulators: how calcium lignosulfonate is used in granular, liquid and suspension fertilizers, which properties to specify, and which tests confirm it works in your product before you scale up.
- Functions: binder, dispersant, micronutrient complexing, wetting aid.
- Specify: lignosulfonate content, insolubles, pH, calcium, sugar, moisture.
- Test: jar test, granule strength, storage stability.
- Grade: GAC-CaLS-AGRI, 60% min lignosulfonate content (dry basis).
Functions in Fertilizer Formulations
| Fertilizer type | Function | Key test |
|---|---|---|
| Granular NPK and blends | Binder, anti-dust | Crushing strength, attrition, caking |
| Suspension fertilizers | Dispersant | Sedimentation and redispersion |
| Liquid micronutrients | Complexing agent | Stability on dilution and storage |
| Water-soluble and foliar products | Wetting and dispersing aid | Jar test and filter test |
Specification to Ask For
| 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.
Testing Before Scale-Up
1. Compatibility (jar test)
Mix all ingredients at use concentration in your water and look for precipitation, sediment, foam and viscosity change at 30 minutes and 24 hours. See jar test for lignosulfonate fertilizer tank mixes.
2. Granulation performance
Compare three or four binder additions with a no-binder control on crushing strength, attrition, size distribution and caking. See pellet binder for fertilizer granules.
3. Micronutrient stability
Store the concentrate at room and elevated temperature, then check appearance, metal in solution and stability on dilution. See micronutrient complexes and lignosulfonate vs EDTA.
4. Storage stability of liquids
The agricultural grade contains about 15% sugar, which can support microbial growth in dilute stored solutions. Check odour, viscosity and pH over the intended shelf life.
Calcium Lignosulfonate vs Other Organic Additives
Humic substances and lignosulfonates are often confused. They come from different sources and behave differently in fertilizers; see lignosulfonate vs humic acid. A broader overview of lignosulfonate in fertilizers is in lignosulfonate fertilizer.
FAQ
How is calcium lignosulfonate used in fertilizers?
As a granulation binder, a dispersant in suspensions, a complexing agent for micronutrients and a wetting aid in sprays.
What tests should I run before using it in a fertilizer?
A jar test for compatibility, granule strength and attrition tests for granulation, and storage-stability checks for liquids.
Can it be mixed with micronutrients?
Yes, lignosulfonates complex Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu. Stability depends on pH, the metal and the ratio, so test the exact mix.
Does it count toward the nutrient content?
Its calcium, sulfur and any NPK must be analysed and declared under local fertilizer rules; it is used for formulation functions, not as a nutrient source.
Grades and Documents
Related: what is calcium lignosulfonate · properties for fertilizers and soil
