Healthy, fertile soil should be slightly acidic and, depending on the crops you are growing, have a pH balance between 6 and 7.5. Over time, the addition of fertilizers, excess rainfall, and grazing can cause soils to become too acidic. This makes it harder for plants to pull nutrients from the soil, and crop yield declines as a result. In these instances, liming is a useful strategy to restore soil pH and crop health.

What Is Lime?

Sedimentary rock limestone contains a high amount of calcium and sometimes magnesium, which are alkaline minerals both required for plant health. When fertilizer causes soil becomes too acidic, adding lime — crushed or pulverized limestone — will neutralize the acidity and restore balance.

Measure the soil to determine which minerals it lacks and determine the best form of lime to add. Usually, agricultural lime, a form of calcium carbonate, will suffice, but sometimes the soil might also need a boost in magnesium. In these cases, add dolomite — another limestone compound — instead.

What Are the Benefits of Lime?

The main goal of adding agricultural lime and dolomite is to restore or provide a balance of minerals in the soil. Sometimes, soils are naturally heavy in iron, manganese, and aluminum, which make the area more acidic than others. However, rain and irrigation can pull these nutrients away from plants, and fertilizer slowly lowers the pH over time.

Adding lime reduces acidic minerals and replaces calcium and magnesium. It facilitates the survival of microorganisms needed to maintain soil fertility, and it improves plants’ ability to absorb nutrients. These improvements help crops reproduce and meet yield goals. 

If recent soil tests show your land is more acidic than you’d like, visit Bolivar Farmers Exchange. For almost a century, this agricultural company has provided Bolivar, MO, with quality livestock feed, fertilizer, and farming supplies. They also provide custom seeding and spraying. Call them today at (417) 326-2664 to speak with a staff member, and follow them on Facebook for updates.