Liming is the practice of adding agricultural lime (Calcium carbonate) to soils to raise the pH to the level that optimizes pasture and crop production. Plant productivity falls when soil pH (Calcium Chloride CaC12) drops below 4.8. Low pH values indicate soil acidity where major elements required for plant growth (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) are less available to plants.
The vast majority of soils in Southwest Victoria are considered strongly acidic. Therefore, lime applications are essential on most farms for increasing pasture production and soil health. Our agronomists are stand-by to provide advice on the best lime application. Webber and Chivell can deliver lime in bulk as well per ton. Meeting the specific needs of your business. Our fertiliser spreaders can save you time and labour costs, ensuring an efficient, even application of lime and gypsum across your farmland.
Acidic soils stunt root growth, preventing plants from absorbing the required nutrients for healthy development. Acidic soil also restricts the benefits of fertilisers, so it’s important to address your soil health before applying fertiliser.
Agricultural lime supplies calcium to combat soil acidity and reduce metal toxicities, increasing nutrient availability and stimulating plant growth.
Our fertiliser spreaders can also save you time and labour costs, ensuring an efficient, even application of lime and gypsum across your farmland.
Excess hydrogen ions in the soil solution cause soil acidity. When agricultural lime is applied, carbonate from calcium carbonate neutralizes acid in the soil. The carbonate content of lime determines the capacity of the lime to neutralize acidity. Neutralizing value of lime is expressed as a percentage relative to pure lime carbonate, which is given a value of 100%. With higher neutralizing value, lime can be spread over a greater area, or less tonnes per hectare used, for the same pH change.
The size of the lime particles determines how quickly the lime can neutralize acid. Lime with a higher proportion of finer particles has a larger surface area to react with the acid soil. Research shows that finer limes (A high proportion of particles less than 0.5 mm) increase pH faster, which is necessary for rapid amelioration of acid soil.
Increasing soil pH increases availability of essential plant nutrients including Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium.
Significantly increases biological activity of soil microbes, whose activity allows greater nutrient recycling.
Increased Rhizobia bacteria activity which improves legume production in the pasture sward.
Reduction in available aluminum and manganese levels in soil, which can increase pasture production.
Soil testing is recommended to customize your lime requirements. This will allow landholders to develop a comprehensive soil management plan. Contact our agronomist to discuss the best possibilities for lime supply.
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