Many lime treatments are derived from limestone.
If your soil is too acidic to grow a certain kind of plant, you can add lime to make it more alkaline. This effectively raises the soil's pH, a measure of alkalinity based on a scale of 0 to 14.0, with higher values more alkaline and 7.0 completely neutral. Lime, which is a calcium carbonate, comes in several forms, each with different quantities of calcium carbonate and means of application.
Burnt Lime
Burnt lime comes from lime that is heated to make it more reactive and more effective at raising the soil's pH value. It's best to apply burnt lime to soil where no plants are growing, as the intense alkalinity may damage any living roots. In addition, because of the extreme alkalinity of burnt lime, it can be hazardous to handle, making distribution more complicated. Burnt lime works well for soils with a high liming requirement, needing 180 pounds of calcium carbonate per acre. On average, you should use no more than 440 pounds of burnt lime per acre. Expect a fast change in the ground's pH balance.
Ground Lime
Ground limestone, also known as agricultural lime, is a gentler material than burnt lime. Compared with pelletized lime, ground limestone is relatively inexpensive. However, ground limestone is slightly more time-consuming to apply, as it must be tilled under the soil. In order to till it into the ground, first scatter the powder equally across the area to be treated. Next, use a spade to turn it into the soil, down to a depth of 6 inches. Soil with a calcium carbonate requirement of 70 to 95 pounds per acre may benefit from ground limestone. Compared with other liming techniques, it is relatively slow-acting. You should apply no more than 2200 pounds of the material per acre.
Dolomitic Limestone
Dolomitic limestone varies from other liming materials in its magnesium content. While calcitic limestone is almost entirely composed of calcium compounds, dolomitic lime contains calcium and magnesium. On average, it contains between 40 and 45 percent magnesium carbonate and between 54 and 58 percent calcium carbonate. To be sold as "dolomitic limestone," the material usually contains at least 20 percent magnesium carbonate. In some states, stricter standards apply, requiring as much as 36 percent. Dolomitic limestone works well on soils with a liming requirement of 70 to 95 pounds of calcium carbonate per acre. The substance is slow to act and should not be applied in quantities exceeding 50 pounds per acre.
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