GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -For most acid soils, the most practical management option is to add lime to maintain current soil pH status or increase surface soil pH. For a better chance at successfully growing acid-sensitive species, consider liming once the pH drops below pHCa 5.0.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -Liming is the most common and effective practice to reduce soil acidity. Lime requirements of crops grown on acid soils are determined by the quality of liming material, status of soil fertility, crop species and cultivar within species, crop management practices, and economic considerations.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lime is a soil conditioner and controls the soil acidity by neutralising the effects of acids from nitrogen (N) fertiliser, slurry and high rainfall. Other benefits include an increase in earthworm activity, improvement in soil structure and grass is more palatable to livestock.