How Aglime
works - Soil pH - Why Aglime?
Technical Bulletin
|
|
This document is available as a
PDF (portable document file) -
Click Here |
| Soils today have the tendency to become
acidic. This is the result of the continuing use of fertilizers,
the leaching of cations from the soil, the removal of crops, and
the decomposing of residues. As soil pH decreases, nutrients
become less available to plants. The overall results are reduced
crop yields and profits. |
|
Soil pH |
| Soil pH is the measure of Hydrogen (H+) ion
activity in the soil solution and reflects soil acidity. A pH of
7.0 is considered neutral; less than 7.0 pH is considered
acidic. A pH greater than 7.0 is considered alkaline. |
|
Table 1: Soil pH in Relation to Fertilizer Effectiveness |
|
 |
|
How Aglime Works |
|
ALL LIMESTONES are made up of calcium and
magnesium carbonates responsible for neutralizing acids in the
soil. The CCE (calcium carbonate equivalent) represents the sum
of the calcium and magnesium carbonates in a liming material.
The higher the CCE, the more acid neutralizing power in the
lime. In order for aglime to work to it's maximum efficiency,
the carbonates must come in contact with the acids in the soil.
Therefore, smaller sized particles react faster to neutralize
the soil. |
|
Table 2: Aglime Particle Size and Rate of Effectiveness |
|
|
|
Why Aglime? |
$ Aglime
is the keystone to efficient
crop production.
$ Aglime
can improve the physical structure of the soil by reducing
surface crusting, increasing a soils water holding capacity, and
reducing soil erosion. This is largely the result of an increase
in the organic matter content of the soil along with calcium
saturated soil colloids. This allows crops to better tolerate
drought and wet conditions by increasing both root penetration
and water percolation through the soil.
$ Aglime
reduces toxic conditions caused by iron, aluminum, and
manganese. Manganese and iron exhibit toxicity to plants at a
low soil pH. Aluminum increases in solubility as soil pH
decreases. Too much aluminum can restrict root and plant
development.
$ Aglime
increases herbicide effectiveness by the removal of Hydrogen
from the soil site and/or an increase in the micro-organism
activity.
$ Aglime
can increase nutrient availability to plants. Soil
micro-organisms do not function as effectively when soil pH
drops below 6.0. These micro-organisms are responsible for the
break down of organic matter and for nitrification ( the
conversion of ammonia to nitrate for uptake by plants). |
|
Table 3: Effects of Soil pH on Plant Nutrients |
|
 |
$ Aglime
adds Calcium and Magnesium to the soil. Most micro-organisms
responsible for the conversion of ammonia to nitrates require
large amounts of Calcium. Magnesium is an essential component of
the
chlorophyll molecule
necessary in photosynthesis.
$ Aglime
is the most cost effective method available to correct soil
acidity, provide calcium and /or magnesium, and maintain a
proper environment for organic materials to decompose. Have your
soil tested on a regular basis, and apply aglime as required. |
