Leena Watts
The pH level of soil is important for plant health as it affects a plant's ability to absorb nutrients. Most plants grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Soils can become acidic for several reasons, including the application of nitrogen fertiliser, the decomposition of plant residues and organic matter, and the addition of manure. To neutralise acidic soil, gardeners and farmers use agricultural lime, which is made from ground limestone rock and contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. These compounds work to increase the soil's pH, making it less acidic and more alkaline. The effectiveness of lime depends on its purity and particle size. The smaller the particle size, the faster it will react with the soil. While lime can be beneficial for soil health, it is important to test the soil before application to determine the exact needs, as applying too much can harm plants.
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What You'll Learn
How to test your soil's pH
Knowing how to test the pH of your soil is essential for proper plant growth. Most plants prefer a certain level of acidity or alkalinity in the soil, measured by a scale ranging from 0 (extremely acidic) to 14 (extremely alkaline); the midpoint (7) is neutral. When the pH is off balance, a plant may not be able to absorb nutrients correctly.
Testing with a kit
You can test the soil with test strips or a pH meter, which are available at most garden centres and local cooperative extension offices. The pH meter is a digital or analog probe that you push into the soil to get a reading. The analog probes are more affordable, ranging from $7 to $30, but the digital ones may be easier to read as they provide a specific number. Digital pH meters range from $20 to $100.
To use the test strips, collect a soil sample by digging four to six inches below the soil surface using a hand trowel. Take a blended sample from different parts of your planting area. Put the soil in a clean container, removing any debris and breaking up clumps. Pour distilled water into your container to the same level as the soil, stir the mixture, and then let it sit for 30 minutes. Pour the soil sample through a coffee filter and into another clean container. Dip the test strip into the liquid, paying close attention to the instructions on how long to leave the strip in the liquid.
Testing with vinegar and baking soda
This is one of the oldest and most accurate methods for assessing soil pH at home. First, take a soil sample and split it into two jars. Add enough distilled water to the soil to make a slurry with a milkshake texture. Add baking soda to one jar and mix. Then add vinegar to the other and mix. If the baking soda mixture bubbles, you likely have acidic soil; if the vinegar mixture bubbles, you likely have alkaline soil.
Sending a sample to a lab
For a precise measurement of soil pH, it is best to collect and submit a soil sample to a soil testing lab. This is also a good time to get a full laboratory analysis of your soil if an initial assessment has never been done. Soil testing can often be done for under $20 per sample, and the results should be available within a couple of weeks. Most laboratory professionals recommend testing your soil’s pH every two to five years.
Looking at what grows well in nearby gardens
For a rough indication of your local soil pH, observe what grows well in nearby gardens. If camellias and rhododendrons thrive, the soil is acidic, while flowering cherries, yew, and clematis prefer alkaline soils.
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The effect of soil type on lime application
The application of lime to the soil is a common practice to correct acidic soil pH. The amount of lime required to correct the soil pH depends on the type of soil, with clay soils requiring higher amounts of lime compared to sandy soils. The optimum pH range for cool-season turf soil is between 6.3 and 6.5, while warm-season grasses prefer a slightly lower, more acidic pH.
Soil type plays a significant role in determining the lime application rate. Certain soil types are more resistant to changes in pH than others. For example, it is generally more challenging to alter the pH of clay soil compared to sandy soil. When liming clay, higher quantities of lime are necessary to achieve the same effect that a smaller amount would have on sandy soils. Therefore, it is recommended to test the soil pH before applying lime. Soil pH should be measured at least annually, and the lower the pH, the more lime is required to correct it.
The rate of lime application also depends on the target pH range and the specific crop being grown. For instance, in Ethiopia, the application of lime to acidic Luvisols has been found to increase wheat grain yield significantly. The method of application, such as drilling or broadcasting, also influences the effectiveness of lime in mitigating soil acidity and increasing crop yields.
The time of lime application is another important consideration. Lime can be applied in the spring or fall, allowing freeze-thaw cycles, rain, and snow to aid in breaking down the lime and raising the soil's pH. However, lime should not be applied during the summer or when the lawn is stressed or dormant. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure proper incorporation of lime into the soil, especially in no-till cultivation, to effectively correct soil acidity and fertility issues.
Overall, the effect of soil type on lime application is significant, and factors such as soil type, target pH, crop type, application method, and timing should be considered when determining the appropriate lime application rate to achieve the desired soil pH.
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The role of lime in neutralising soil acidity
Soils become acidic due to the presence of hydrogen ions dissolved in the soil solution and held on clay and humus particles. This occurs due to the decomposition of plant residues and organic matter, or the addition of fertilisers, manure, or plant residues.
Lime is a source of calcium and, in the case of dolomitic limestone, magnesium. It can be used to neutralise the acidity of the soil by dissolving and releasing a base into the soil solution, which reacts with the acidic components, hydrogen and aluminium. This process increases nutrient solubility, creating an environment for the healthy function of microbes and increasing the levels of calcium or magnesium ions.
The optimum pH for most crops is between 5.8 and 6.8, with the specific range depending on the type of soil and crop. When the soil pH is below this range, some nutrients become less available, and certain elements, such as manganese and aluminium, become toxic to plants. Therefore, lime is added to the soil to raise its pH to the ideal range, improving nutrient availability and plant growth.
The amount of lime required to neutralise soil acidity depends on the initial pH of the soil, the target pH range, and the soil type. Clay soils, for example, generally require higher amounts of lime compared to sandy soils. It is recommended to test the soil pH before applying lime and periodically thereafter to ensure the optimal pH is maintained.
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How to apply lime to your soil
Lime can be applied to the soil to correct its pH level and make nutrients more available for plants to absorb. The ideal pH level for most plants is between 5.5 and 6.5, while grasses can tolerate a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5. When the soil pH becomes too acidic, certain nutrients become unavailable such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, and plants are unable to grow properly.
Before applying lime, it is important to test the soil's pH to determine if lime is needed and how much should be added. This can be done using a home pH test kit or by sending a soil sample to a professional soil testing laboratory. The amount of lime needed to correct the soil pH will depend on the soil type and the initial pH level. For example, sandy soil is generally more responsive to changes in pH than clay soil, which may require higher amounts of lime.
Once the soil has been tested and the amount of lime determined, the lime can be applied to the soil. The best time to add lime is in the fall, as this gives it several months to dissolve before spring planting. To apply lime, first prepare the bed by tilling or digging to a depth of 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm). Spread the lime evenly over the soil and then rake it to a depth of 2 inches (5 cm). For established lawns, it is recommended to aerate the lawn with a core aerator before applying lime to create space for the lime to move into the soil.
Lime should only be applied to dry soil and never to a lawn that is dormant, wilted, or stressed. It is also important to ensure that the lime is mixed with the top 5 inches of soil for maximum effectiveness. The type of lime used can also make a difference in how quickly the pH of the soil changes. Pulverized and pelletized limestone will change the pH of the soil relatively quickly, with pelletized limestone being the easiest to apply.
By following these steps, gardeners and farmers can effectively apply lime to their soil to correct pH levels and create optimal conditions for plant growth.
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The benefits of lime for your lawn
Lime, typically sold as ground agricultural limestone, is a natural soil amendment that can be used to correct acidic soil pH. It is made from finely ground natural limestone and contains calcium carbonate, which helps neutralise soil acidity. The more finely ground the limestone is, the faster it will react in the soil. Lime can also be found in the form of calcitic lime or dolomitic lime. Dolomitic lime is made from dolomitic limestone and contains both calcium carbonate and magnesium in the form of magnesium carbonate. Calcitic lime, on the other hand, has a higher calcium content and works faster than dolomitic lime.
By applying lime to your lawn, you can restore depleted nutrients and repair damage caused by drought, heat, or high foot traffic. Lime also helps nourish beneficial bacteria in the soil, especially when combined with compost. It promotes the regulation of nutrients such as zinc, copper, and phosphorus, which are vital for healthy grass growth and maintaining a lush, green lawn.
Before applying lime, it is important to test your soil's pH levels to determine if it is within the ideal range. The optimum pH range for cool-season turf soil is between 6.3 and 6.5, while a pH of 7.0 is considered neutral. If your lawn is patchy, discoloured, or full of weeds, it may be an indication that your pH levels are imbalanced, and a lime treatment can help restore the correct pH balance.
Lime can be applied throughout the year, but it is most effective in the fall when rain and cold temperatures help work the lime into the soil. However, it is important to note that lime should not be over-applied as it can cause issues with crops and grass. It is recommended to apply lime only every three to five years, as it can take time for the lime to move deeper into the soil.
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Frequently asked questions
Lime is a soil amendment made from ground limestone rock, which naturally contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. When added to the soil, these compounds increase the soil's pH, making it less acidic and more alkaline.
Lime neutralises the acidity in the soil by dissolving and releasing a base that reacts with the acidic components, hydrogen and aluminium.
It can take up to eight months for lime to break down and change the pH level of the soil. However, newer pelletised lime products can speed up this process.
The amount of lime required depends on the type of soil and the target pH range. Soil tests can be conducted to determine how much lime should be added.
Yes, in addition to altering the pH, lime also adds nutrients to the soil, such as calcium and magnesium, which are essential for healthy plant growth. It also helps grass grow stronger roots and boosts the effectiveness of herbicides and fertilisers.
