Why would a crop turn yellow after lime is applied?
If plants appear chlorotic after a lime application, low manganese is usually the problem. Applying lime raises the soil pH and reduces the availability of manganese. In such cases, manganese should be applied to the soil. Soils with adequate manganese levels should not show symptoms following lime application. The yield increase attributable to lime should more than pay for applying manganese as well—not to mention the residual benefits to be received in following years.
If plants appear chlorotic after a lime application, low manganese is usually the problem. Applying lime raises the soil pH and reduces the availability of manganese. Apply manganese if the soil test indicates low manganese. Soils with adequate manganese levels should not show symptoms following lime application. A local expert may know if low manganese is a common problem for that location. Most soils in the piedmont and mountains have very high levels of manganese.
