2. Lime
1.8 – 2
Agricultural lime, also called garden lime or liming
(soil), is a soil additive made from pulverized limestone or
chalk. The primary active component is calcium
carbonate.
Additional chemicals vary depending on the mineral
source and may include calcium oxide, magnesium oxide
and magnesium carbonate.
3. The concept of corrected lime potential to define
the degree of base saturation in soils became the basis
for procedures now used in soil testing laboratories to
determine the 'lime requirement' of soils.
Effects on soil: Lime may occur naturally in some
soils but may require addition of sulfuric acid for its
agricultural benefits to be realized. Gypsum is also
used to supply calcium for plant nutrition.
4. Other forms of lime have common applications in
agriculture and gardening, including dolomitic lime
and hydrated lime.
Dolomitic lime may be used as a soil input to provide
similar effects as agricultural lime, while supplying
magnesium in addition to calcium.
Some plants grow best in basic conditions. Lime is
added (calcium oxide) which reacts with water to form
slated lime (calcium hydroxide). This neutralizes the
acidity in the land and makes it suitable for beetroot
etc.
5. The pH of the soil is very important for a proper crop
yield. Salts such as carbonates, bicarbonates,
phosphates, and organic acids render the soils acidic
or basic.
Farmers and gardeners need to know how acidic or
basic the soil is so that they know which plants to
grow. The choice of fertilizers also depends upon pH
of the soil.
Most vegetables like carrot and cabbage like a neutral
soil (pH 7.0).
