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Sulfocalcic solution

Sulfocalcic solution

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Calcium polysulfide

Natural animal care Plant vitality Bio-input
commercialized
Decoction Most requested

Decoction

Extraction by prolonged boiling, used for hard plant parts (roots, bark, woody stems, seeds) whose active compounds need more time and heat to release than a simple infusion provides.

Process summary

1) Finely chop the hard plant material. 2) Cover with cold water in a pot. 3) Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 30 minutes (sometimes longer, depending on the material). 4) Let cool, strain and use the resulting liquid.

See all preparation methods

✅ Authorised (some countries)

Valid for both plant and livestock use

Crop: Peach tree

Species: Sheep — Sex: Both / either

A traditional preparation made from sulfur and quicklime, produced by decoction, and referenced for generations in the literature on organic agriculture and livestock farming: in crop cultivation, it is applied during the tree’s winter dormancy; for livestock, it is traditionally used in baths or as a skin lotion. It adheres well to the surface if it does not rain after application.

Application

When to use: Routinely Occasionally

Application description: Apply as a foliar spray during the coolest part of the day (evening), avoiding direct sunlight and temperatures above 28–30 °C (risk of phytotoxicity). Wear full protective gear during preparation and application (caustic product). Repeat every 10–15 days depending on the season and crop needs, observing the pre-harvest interval.

Sulfocalcic solution — Application

Tips

Apply preferably in the winter, when the tree is dormant (leafless), to prevent leaf burn—never during flowering or in high temperatures. Dilute before use (typically 1 part concentrate to 10–20 parts water, depending on the crop) and apply during the coolest hours of the day. For use on livestock (baths or skin lotions), dilute to a higher ratio and always test on a small area of skin before applying to the entire animal—avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when handling it, due to its strong odor and concentrated corrosive nature.

Preparation process

In a heat-resistant pot, combine 2 kg of powdered sulfur and 1 kg of quicklime for every 10 liters of water. First, add a little water to the quicklime to slake it, then gradually stir in the sulfur, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the remaining water and bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 to 60 minutes over medium heat, stirring every few minutes, until the mixture takes on a characteristic reddish-orange color. Let it cool and sit overnight—the next day, decant the clear liquid (the sulfocalcic solution itself) by separating it from the sediment at the bottom. Filter it through a strainer or cheesecloth before transferring it to a dark or opaque glass container with a tight-fitting lid.

Ingredients

  • Sulfur powder [S] ⓘ
  • Quicklime (calcium oxide) [CaO] ⓘ
  • Water ⓘ

Tools and equipment

  • Heat-resistant pot or cauldron
  • Wooden stirring paddle
  • Strainer or filter cloth
  • Dark glass or opaque plastic storage container
  • Protective gloves, goggles and mask
  • Manual or backpack sprayer

Product obtained

A reddish-orange to dark brown liquid with a strong, pungent odor (sulfur/rotten eggs) and a slightly cloudy texture. It keeps well in a sealed container protected from light, although sediment may form over time—shake well before use.

Source / Reference

Traditional practices in organic farming and livestock raising, documented in numerous manuals on traditional farming and livestock raising—which have been in the public domain for over a century. Reference content—the creator of this entry may add a specific source here; López, Juanfran (2022). The Biofertiliser Manual, 2nd edition. www.juanfranlopez.com; SADER and INIFAP (2021). Manuales prácticos para la elaboración de bioinsumos, no. 5: Caldo sulfocálcico (in Spanish). Technical Support Strategy, Mexican Ministry of Agriculture; Prybys, Grégory. Field technical notes (in French); Chilean Ministry of the Environment, GEF Montaña project and INDAP (2021). Manual de bioinsumos para biofábrica (in Spanish).

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Country: Argentina

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Regulatory status

✅ Authorised in Burundi, in Brazil, in Colombia, in India, in Japan, in Kenya, in South Korea, in Mexico, in Peru, in the Philippines, in Rwanda, in Tunisia, in Tanzania and in Uganda

Authorised bio-preparations: Burundi
Bio-preparations authorised in Brazil
Authorised bio-preparations: Colombia
Authorised bio-preparations: India
Authorised bio-preparations: Japan
Authorised bio-preparations: Kenya
Authorised bio-preparations: South Korea
Bio-preparations authorised in Mexico
Authorised bio-preparations: Peru
Authorised bio-preparations: Philippines
Authorised bio-preparations: Rwanda
Authorised bio-preparations: Tunisia
Authorised bio-preparations: Tanzania
Authorised bio-preparations: Uganda

In the European Union, calcium polysulfide is an approved active ingredient, but only authorized commercial plant protection products may be used: homemade preparations are not permitted. In Brazil, the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) publishes an agroecological fact sheet on lime sulphur for organic production; its use must be included in the organic management plan or approved by the certification body (OAC or OCS), and preparations made solely for the farmer’s own use are exempt from registration (Decree 6.913/2009). In Mexico, calcium polysulfide (“caldo sulfocálcico”) is included in the national list of substances permitted in organic production (DOF, 2023), to be used preferably in the absence of other inputs. For animals, a preparation intended to prevent or treat a condition remains a veterinary drug subject to authorization. Caustic product. Its ingredients also appear on the official lists of inputs permitted in organic farming of: Burundi, Colombia, India, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Tunisia, Tanzania, Uganda. Depending on the country, some are only allowed under conditions (certification body approval, maximum doses): see each country's page.

Official texts

What the icons mean: ✅ Authorised ⚠️ Tolerated 🟠 Not prohibited ⛔ Not authorised EU 🔎 Status being verified Full details →

Documentary information, checked on 19/10/2026. Not a substitute for legal advice; regulations may vary from country to country. See the regulations · Substances authorised in Europe

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