Why is liquid lime quicker to act than limestone or lime-sand?
A suspension of calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime) in water has a pH of 13 compared to pH 7 for limestone and lime-sand. Liquid lime therefore gives quicker results when used on acid soils. Plants respond to liquid lime not only because calcium becomes available, but also because microbial activity is increased, releasing tied up phosphate and potash. An economical amount of hydrated lime (10 to 20 kilograms per hectare) in water can be injected along the furrow at sowing to protect the seed during germination from soil acids. An agitation tank to carry the liquid lime, a stainless steel electric pump, and an injector manifold and tubing are needed. Liquid lime used this way is economical compared to broadcast limestone, where up to a ton per hectare is usually applied. However, because only a small amount of hydrated lime is applied this way, yearly applications are needed. The change in soil pH should be monitored each year, and more used if needed. Large applications of the highly al
