- What is calcium cyanamide?
- What is quicklime?
- How do I use calcium cyanamide as a herbicide?
- When can I use calcium cyanamide?
For many, gardening is a hobby that is great for relaxing. Weeding unwanted weeds is less popular. Liming the soil regularly is recommended by garden lovers as an environmentally friendly means that easily destroys dandelions, moss, goutweed and other weeds.

What is calcium cyanamide?
This fertilizer is also sold under the name "Perlka". It contains around 20 percent nitrogen in the form of calcium cyanamide (CaCn2). The lime content is about 55 percent, plus a low nitrate content.
Certain microorganisms and the water available in the soil convert the calcium cyanamide into substances that are available to plants. First, slaked lime and very toxic, water-soluble cyanamide are formed. This substance is responsible for the herbicidal effect of the fertilizer. Within two weeks, the microorganisms convert it into harmless urea and finally into nitrate. No residues remain in the earth.
What is quicklime?
This is calcium oxide, which is used in professional agriculture to improve heavy soils. Because of the strong corrosive effect, it is not easy to use. Quicklime can cause blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes and can damage soil life if used improperly. As a hobby gardener, you should therefore refrain from using it.
How do I use calcium cyanamide as a herbicide?
When liming the floor, you should definitely observe the following points:
- Follow the dosage printed on the packaging.
- Distribute the granules evenly over the entire surface.
- The earth or the lawn must not be too damp.
- Do not use the product on severely weakened plants or on newly seeded grass areas.
- Be sure to wear protective gloves and never inhale traces of the agent.
When used correctly, the product penetrates about two to three centimeters into the soil and reliably destroys shallow roots, seedlings and young plants.
When can I use calcium cyanamide?
You can spread Perlka in the garden from March to September. In the spring, you should apply it two weeks before you plan to plant it, and in the summer at least a week before you plan to plant it. Depending on the temperature, this is how long it takes for the toxins to be broken down.
If you want to use the preparation on existing cultures, you should do so with caution. Overdosing can severely damage the plants.
If you fertilize the lawn with this product, even the smallest overlaps with the spreader can result in not only moss and weeds being destroyed in these areas, but also the lawn plants. Young plants and freshly planted vegetables can die, as can unwanted weeds.
tips
In some years, slugs become a real nuisance. Calcium cyanamide is effective against both the hatched snails and their brood. 30 grams of calcium cyanamide per square meter are sufficient here. Repeat the application after a few weeks.