OBJECTIVE FORESTRY

Detailed explanation-1: -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-2: -Adding lime (Figure 1) increases soil pH (reduces acidity), adds calcium (Ca) and/or magnesium (Mg), and reduces the solubility of Al and Mn in the soil. aWhen soil pH is below the minimum value, crop yields may be reduced.

Detailed explanation-3: -Lime will neutralize this acidity by dissolving, whereupon it releases a base into the soil solution that reacts with the acidic components, hydrogen and aluminum. Soil pH is an indicator of “soil acidity” (Figure 1).

Detailed explanation-4: -Soil acidity can be corrected easily by liming the soil, or adding basic materials to neutralize the acid present. The most commonly used liming material is agricultural limestone, the most economical and relatively easy to manage source. The limestone is not very water-soluble, making it easy to handle.

Detailed explanation-5: -If the soil is acidic in nature, it not only decreases the solubility of minerals but also affects the availability of the nutrients. Thus, for converting the acidic soil into neutral soil, a small quantity of quicklime or slaked lime solution is added. Lime is alkaline in nature, which will neutralize the soil.