Summary
- Soil pH affects plants' ability to take up soil nutrients, and changes the forms in which those nutrients exist. Maintenance of an ideal pH (around 6-7 for most common crops) ensures plant health and productivity.
- Liming materials have varying levels of efficacy, based on the purity, fineness, and Calcium Carbonate Equivalent.
- These data can be used to determine how much of a given liming material is needed, provided that the recommended liming requirements are known.
- Lime management tips
- Soil test to determine pH and liming needs
- Apply lime 1 year to 6 months ahead of the sensitive crops in rotation
- Mix lime thoroughly with the soil if possible; spread lime evenly
- For no-till, the pH should be optimum before eliminating tillage
- Split high rates of lime (more than 4 tons/acre)
- Fall is an excellent time to lime
- Pay attention to lime quality
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