Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Effectiveness Of Two Lime Sources With Different Relative Neutralizing Values (Rnv), Greg Henson, Lloyd W. Murdock

Soil Science News and Views

Quality of agricultural lime (ground limestone) is an important factor in maintaining proper soil pH. The quality of lime is determined by its purity and fineness of grind. Purity is the amount of calcium and magnesium carbonate present in the limestone. Clay, silt, sand, organic matter, and other materials present in limestone rock dilute its purity. Since limestone is slowly soluble, it must be finely ground to be effective. The more finely ground the lime, the more rapidly it will dissolve in the soil.