Agricultural requirements for crop production target specific pH ranges for soil to optimize production. Calcium carbonate for agricultural is widely used to neutralize soil acidity (pH control) and also supply valuable calcium (Ca) for plant nutrition.
An agricultural liming material (ag lime) is broadly defined as any substance containing Ca or magnesium (Mg) and capable of neutralizing acidity. Many materials can be classified as ag lime. The term “lime” can refer to several products, but for agricultural use it generally refers to ground limestone.
The primary use of ag lime is to raise the pH of acid soils and reduce the
concentration of aluminum (Al) in soil solution. Poor crop growth in acid soils
largely results from too much soluble Al, which is toxic to the root system of many plants.
Some secondary benefits of neutralizing soil acidity with ag lime (calcium carbonate) include:
· Increased phosphorus (P) availability
· Improved nitrogen (N) fixation by legumes
· Enhanced N mineralization and nitrification
· Water use efficiency, nutrient recovery, and encourage roots to grow deeper and quicker (plant performance with a healthier root system).