What is the difference between industrial lime and natural lime?
Some industrial sources such as burnt-lime, the off-product from cement production, is more reactive in soils and the atmosphere than natural limestone or lime sand. Burnt-lime is more reactive because it contains hydroxide forms of calcium rather than the less reactive carbonate forms that are found in limestone and limesand. Calcium carbonate is a more stable, slower reacting lime source needing larger rates of application less often. Burnt-lime that has been exposed to the atmosphere for long periods may have already reacted with the air to form less reactive compounds of calcium carbonate. Quality tests should be done regularly by the supplier and asked for by the buyer to ensure the product is value for money.
