What is lime and how does it benefit the soil and plant growth?
Lime is any substance with the capability of neutralizing soil acidity. Most soils contain appreciable amounts of acidic components (hydrogen H+ and aluminum Al+++) that can be toxic to plants. Indeed, lime is the “anti-acid” for soils. No soil amendment provides as many benefits as lime. Lime raises soil pH, providing a more favorable environment for microorganisms. Dolomitic lime provides the major portion of calcium and magnesium required for plant growth. Furthermore, plants utilize applied fertilizers more efficiently on soils that are properly limed.
Lime is any substance with the capability of neutralizing soil acidity. Most soils contain appreciable amounts of acidic components – hydrogen (H+) and aluminum (Al+++) that can be toxic to plants. Indeed, lime is the “anti-acid” for soils. No soil amendment provides as many benefits as lime. Lime raises soil pH, providing a more favorable environment for microorganisms. Dolomitic lime provides the major portion of calcium and magnesium required for plant growth. Furthermore, plants utilize applied fertilizers more efficiently on soils that are properly limed. How often should lime be applied? Apply lime only when recommended by a soil test. Some soils need to be limed every 2 to 3 years, others every 3 to 4 years. In general, sandy-textured soils need to be limed more frequently than clays because sandy soils are more subject to pH changes caused by leaching and fertilizer treatments. Ideally, lime should be applied and mixed into the soil before a crop is planted. However, if the nee
