Lime type needed - Ask Extension
I have a soil test showing my ph to be 5.8 and a lime index of 69. The test says to add 92 lbs. of lime per 1,000 sq feet. Which type should I use a...
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Lime type needed #858251
Asked February 01, 2024, 9:40 AM EST
I have a soil test showing my ph to be 5.8 and a lime index of 69. The test says to add 92 lbs. of lime per 1,000 sq feet. Which type should I use as there are several different types of lime on the market? Dolmetic lime, garden lime, barn lime, pelleted or powder. Lots of options. I am growing vegetables in a hoop house.
Arenac County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Jeffery,
There are a few key points to consider when applying lime to increase the pH of vegetable garden soil.
- Tillage for lime rates provided are assumed to be 9 inches of depth. If you do not till in the lime deeply enough, you may be over-neutralizing the surface soil.
- Dolomitic lime, garden lime, and barn lime are all generally the same form of “agricultural” limestone product. Pelleted is generally easier to handle and spread as opposed to a powder. What you do not want to use is Hydrated Lime. This is caustic, very basic, very fast acting and is generally used in stone work.
- Once you have chosen your “agricultural lime” product, notice its “Neutralizing Value.” The amount of required lime specified in your soil test results is given for a lime product having a neutralizing value of 90. If your product has a neutralizing value different from 90, you will need to modify the amount of liming product accordingly. For example, if your lime product has a neutralizing value of 120, the you will need (90/120)*90 = 67.5 lbs of lime per 1000 sq ft.
Here are some good references concerning liming garden soil for vegetables:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/facts_about_soil_acidity_and_lime_e1566
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/making_the_most_out_of_your_soil_test_ph_factsheet_now_available
Tillage depth:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/fertrec/about/detailed-instructions
