Why Healthy Soil Means Healthy Crop: How Calciprill Restores Fertility in Western Ghana
In Ghana’s Western South and Western North, cocoa is a major crop and vital source of income. These areas have high rainfall and extensive farming communities. However, many farmers are struggling with acidic soils, which limit crop productivity.
When soil becomes acidic, the pH falls below the range needed for crops like cocoa, maize, cassava and rice to thrive. Cocoa performs best between pH 5.5 and 6.5. Below this, aluminium toxicity damages roots, soil structure weakens, and waterlogging becomes common. Fertilisers no longer work effectively, and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are locked away. Leaves yellow, crops stagnate, and yields remain low.
A Proven Solution: Calciprill
Encouraging results have come from trials with Omya Calciprill, a premium soil conditioner made from ultra-pure calcium carbonate.
In one Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) study, farmers in Western and Western North applied Calciprill for two years. Yields increased by about 70 percent once soil acidity was corrected (beftgrp.com).
Farmers also noticed healthier leaves, better fertiliser responses, and improved results in food crops grown alongside cocoa. At training sessions in Kejebril and Wassa Akropong, several farmers said land that had been unproductive became fertile again after treatment with Calciprill (myjoyonline.com).
How Calciprill Works
Calciprill improves soil health through a clear process:
- Granules dissolve quickly in soil moisture, releasing fine calcium carbonate particles.
- Carbonate ions neutralise acidity, while calcium ions replace toxic aluminium and hydrogen on soil exchange sites (omya-agriculture.com).
- This balances soil pH, unlocks nutrients, supports microbial life, and improves root growth.
Because the particles are fine, Calciprill acts within weeks, unlike traditional lime which can take months to show results.
Soil pH vs Nutrient Availability Curve:
Farmers’ Experiences
- Janet in Kejebril: Before using Calciprill, her land was waterlogged and acidic, with uneven cocoa pod maturity. Four years later, her pods are larger and harvests are now monthly instead of irregular (thebftonline.com).
- Christian Amegbono: His yield rose from 8–10 bags per acre to about 20 after using Calciprill. His cassava and plantain intercrops also improved in size and leaf colour.
Cocoa Yields Before vs After Calciprill Use:
Why This Matters for Ghana
Correcting soil acidity benefits both farmers and the wider agricultural sector:
- Stronger fertiliser efficiency: nutrients are absorbed more effectively.
- Better resilience: strong root systems withstand heavy rain and drought.
- Higher yields and incomes: more produce per acre supports farmer livelihoods.
- Sustainability: healthier soils store nutrients, resist erosion, and promote beneficial microorganisms.
Practical Steps for Farmers
To achieve the best results with Calciprill, farmers should:
- Test soils regularly to know pH levels.
- Apply the right amount based on soil tests and crop needs. Calciprill’s granular form spreads easily with standard equipment.
- Apply at the right time: before planting for annuals, and early for perennials like cocoa.
- Maintain soil health with smaller periodic applications, adding organic matter, and limiting acidifying fertilisers.
Conclusion
Soil health is the foundation of Ghana’s agriculture. In the Western South and Western North, acidity has long reduced productivity, but proven solutions exist. Calciprill restores soil balance, unlocks nutrients, and improves yields.
When soil is healthy, crops grow better. And when crops thrive, farmers and their communities benefit.
