EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Liming materials are oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, and silicates of Ca and/or Mg. The anion in liming materials (chemically speaking, a “base”) reacts with soil acidity (H) to neutralize it (Figure 3). The most common liming material, “aglime, ” sup-plies carbonate as the base.

Detailed explanation-2: -Increasing the Soil pH. To make soils less acidic, the common practice is to apply a material that contains some form of lime. Ground agricultural limestone is most frequently used. The finer the limestone particles, the more rapidly it becomes effective.

Detailed explanation-3: -Lime (calcium carbonate) and other liming sources such as dolomite (magnesium carbonate) reduces soil acidity by neutralizing acid reactions in the soil. The carbonate component reacts with hydrogen ions in the soil solution and in doing so raises the soil pH.

Detailed explanation-4: -If the soil is acidic and unsuitable for farming, the farmer can neutralise the acidity with slaked lime, quick lime and chalk. Farmers typically use slaked lime, quick lime and chalk to boost fertility.

Detailed explanation-5: -When adding lime to bare soil, such as a vegetable garden or new lawn, till it into the top 6 inches of soil. Use pelletized lime and a fertilizer spreader to add it to an established garden bed or a lawn. Water the garden or lawn well to move the lime into the soil.