What is lime
Lime, in the sense of applying it to a lawn, is pulverized limestone or
chalk. The main component is calcium carbonate. Lime with a high calcium content
is referred to as calcite lime and has the added benefit of adding calcium to
the soil. Some limestone contains a significant amount of magnesium and is
referred to as dolomitic lime. Dolomitic lime adds magnesium to the soil and
could be used if soil tests indicate a magnesium deficiency.
Pulverized lime is powdery and messy to apply, often causing lime dust to
blow everywhere. Pelletized lime is more expensive but is made into dust-free
pellets which dissolve with subsequent rains or irrigation.
Why Lime?
You may need to add lime to your soil if a soil test indicates a pH level below the optimum of 6.0 or 7.0. Soil pH is a measure of a soils alkalinity or acidity. A soil is acidic, or "sour", if it
has a pH below 7.0 (neutral).
Soils can be naturally acidic but can also be acidified over time by natural
leaching, the use of some nitrogen based fertilizers, excessive rainfall or
irrigation, and acidic water sources.
A pH below 6.0 causes important plant growth nutrients to become "bound up" in the
soil making them unavailable to the plant. As a result, the turf can decline
including a loss of color, reduced vigor and diminished ability to recover from
heat and drought stress.
Is Liming Necessary?
The need to lime will be determined by soil tests. Working towards an ideal
pH level will help bring the soil into balance and allow for optimum nutrient
uptake.
How Much Lime is Necessary?
Soil tests will indicate the amount of pure calcium carbonate to apply in
pounds per thousand square feet. Match the needs of the soil test to the amount
of pure calcium carbonate indicated on the bag and apply with a lawn spreader. Results of liming are slow to take
affect and it can take four to six years to adequately increase the soil pH.
When Can it be Applied ?
Lime can be applied to a lawn any time of year. It is often done during
spring or fall when lawn stresses are minimal and more time is usually
available.
Lime, in the sense of applying it to a lawn, is pulverized limestone or
chalk. The main component is calcium carbonate. Lime with a high calcium content
is referred to as calcite lime and has the added benefit of adding calcium to
the soil. Some limestone contains a significant amount of magnesium and is
referred to as dolomitic lime. Dolomitic lime adds magnesium to the soil and
could be used if soil tests indicate a magnesium deficiency.
Pulverized lime is powdery and messy to apply, often causing lime dust to
blow everywhere. Pelletized lime is more expensive but is made into dust-free
pellets which dissolve with subsequent rains or irrigation.
Why Lime?
You may need to add lime to your soil if a soil test indicates a pH level below the optimum of 6.0 or 7.0. Soil pH is a measure of a soils alkalinity or acidity. A soil is acidic, or "sour", if it
has a pH below 7.0 (neutral).
Soils can be naturally acidic but can also be acidified over time by natural
leaching, the use of some nitrogen based fertilizers, excessive rainfall or
irrigation, and acidic water sources.
A pH below 6.0 causes important plant growth nutrients to become "bound up" in the
soil making them unavailable to the plant. As a result, the turf can decline
including a loss of color, reduced vigor and diminished ability to recover from
heat and drought stress.
Is Liming Necessary?
The need to lime will be determined by soil tests. Working towards an ideal
pH level will help bring the soil into balance and allow for optimum nutrient
uptake.
How Much Lime is Necessary?
Soil tests will indicate the amount of pure calcium carbonate to apply in
pounds per thousand square feet. Match the needs of the soil test to the amount
of pure calcium carbonate indicated on the bag and apply with a lawn spreader. Results of liming are slow to take
affect and it can take four to six years to adequately increase the soil pH.
When Can it be Applied ?
Lime can be applied to a lawn any time of year. It is often done during
spring or fall when lawn stresses are minimal and more time is usually
available.
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