Lime requirement and sourcing - Ask Extension
Hello,
We have recently acquired land in Talkeetna that we are hoping to apply lime this season in preparation for establishing pasture and a small...
Knowledgebase
Lime requirement and sourcing #894199
Asked March 12, 2025, 11:42 AM EDT
Hello,
We have recently acquired land in Talkeetna that we are hoping to apply lime this season in preparation for establishing pasture and a smaller area for vegetables the following year (2026). We believe we will need a large quantity of agricultural lime to allow for crops to grow (approximately 5 tons/acre). Do you know a good source a bulk quantities of ag lime that would ship to Alaska and general pricing? At Alaska Mill and Feed this quantity would be very expensive.
Also, we will be conducting soil tests this spring, so don't know the exact liming requirement yet. We have estimated based on information about soils in the area (pH of 5.0). Maybe you have a more accurate understanding of general ag lime requirements in the Talkeetna area?
Thank you for the guidance!
Matanuska-Susitna County Alaska
Expert Response
Hi Anne,
Congratulations on getting your new land. You are on the right track and this is obviously a major effort, so I will just start here with a few things.
Some good resources to help with your first questions are;
1) the NRCS Web Soil Survey (to identify information about your specific soils - can be searched by address or coordinates)
2) the UAF Extension soils webpage (to learn how to take good soil samples, sample handling and where to send for analysis).
When your soil test results are sent to you, then I can help determine recommended lime (and fertilizer) application rates.
That said, I have two colleagues who are better positioned (in proximity and specialized expertise) than myself to give you deeper insights on your questions about sourcing large quantities of lime in your area and other questions that you may have regarding your pasture management etc.
They are;
1) Phil Kaspari (Delta Extension Office), who works with ranchers and farmers closer to your region, so will likely better know transportation and sourcing options for your area, and,
2) Casey Matney (Kenai Extension Office), who is a pasture/rangeland specialist.
If/when you are needing more support with this or other specific elements of your venture and more detailed engagement, please contact Phil, Casey or myself directly. Their emails are linked above and mine is below.
Congratulations on getting your new land. You are on the right track and this is obviously a major effort, so I will just start here with a few things.
Some good resources to help with your first questions are;
1) the NRCS Web Soil Survey (to identify information about your specific soils - can be searched by address or coordinates)
2) the UAF Extension soils webpage (to learn how to take good soil samples, sample handling and where to send for analysis).
When your soil test results are sent to you, then I can help determine recommended lime (and fertilizer) application rates.
That said, I have two colleagues who are better positioned (in proximity and specialized expertise) than myself to give you deeper insights on your questions about sourcing large quantities of lime in your area and other questions that you may have regarding your pasture management etc.
They are;
1) Phil Kaspari (Delta Extension Office), who works with ranchers and farmers closer to your region, so will likely better know transportation and sourcing options for your area, and,
2) Casey Matney (Kenai Extension Office), who is a pasture/rangeland specialist.
If/when you are needing more support with this or other specific elements of your venture and more detailed engagement, please contact Phil, Casey or myself directly. Their emails are linked above and mine is below.
