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
| Soil Acidity | Percent Utilized | Fertilizer Wasted | Cost of Fertilizer Wasted | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | Phosphate | Potash | |||
| Extremely Acid – 4.5pH | 30% | 23% | 33% | 75% | $172.50/ac |
| Very Strong Acid – 5.0pH | 53% | 34% | 52% | 54% | $124.20/ac |
| Strong Acid – 5.5pH | 77% | 48% | 77% | 33% | $75.90/ac |
| Medium Acid – 6.0pH | 89% | 52% | 100% | 20% | $46.00/ac |
| Neutral – 7.0pH | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0% | $0/ac |
Based on a conservative applicaiton of 200N, 100P and 100K at $230 per acre – July 2013 pricing
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
| Physical Description and Use | Particle Size | Within 1 Year | Within 4 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
Coarse: like sand with fine particles
|
Between the #8 and #60 sieve | ~50% | 100% |
Fine: very fine to pulverized
|
Passing the #60 sieve | 100% | Offers no sustained benefit after first year |
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.
