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This often improves plant growth and increases the activity of soil bacteria, [1] but oversupply may result in harm to plant life. Modern liming was preceded by marling, a process of spreading raw chalk and lime debris across soil, in an attempt to modify pH or aggregate size. [ 2 ]
Some effects of agricultural lime on soil are: it increases the pH of acidic soil, reducing soil acidity and increasing alkalinity [1] it provides a source of calcium for plants; it improves water penetration for acidic soils; it improves the uptake of major plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) of plants growing on acid soils. [2]
Iron deficiency can be avoided by choosing appropriate soil for the growing conditions (e.g., avoid growing acid loving plants on lime soils), or by adding well-rotted manure or compost. If iron deficit chlorosis is suspected then check the pH of the soil with an appropriate test kit or instrument. Take a soil sample at surface and at depth.
To see if a plant is being affected by soil acidification, one can closely observe the plant leaves. If the leaves are green and look healthy, the soil pH is normal and acceptable for plant life. But if the plant leaves have yellowing between the veins on their leaves, that means the plant is suffering from acidification and is unhealthy.
Then, using the initial soil pH and the aluminium content, the amount of lime needed to raise the pH to a desired level can be calculated. [68] Amendments other than agricultural lime that can be used to increase the pH of soil include wood ash, industrial calcium oxide , magnesium oxide, basic slag (calcium silicate), and oyster shells.
Calcium deficiency can sometimes be rectified by adding agricultural lime to acid soils, aiming at a pH of 6.5, [10] unless the subject plants specifically prefer acidic soil. Organic matter should be added to the soil to improve its moisture-retaining capacity. [10]