In acidic soils, liming helps neutralize soil acidity by increasing the pH value, and also increases the amount of nutrients available to plants in the soil and reduces the concentrations of phytotoxic elements such as aluminum (Al3+) and iron (Fe3+). Liming has a positive effect on both the structure and physical properties of the soil, so plant roots can more easily absorb nutrients. Variable-rate liming of fields is particularly effective.
An agricultural company from Western Lithuania, a client of LAAS, who performed variable-rate liming, saw a positive effect already during liming. The biggest advantage of variable-rate liming, according to the client, is that applying a uniform lime rate results in expensive liming, since the soil pH in the company's fields varies greatly (4.5-6.5 pH), so there is no point in adding lime where it is not needed. This saves on lime and is cheaper in terms of money. After liming the fields with precise lime rates, growing plants became more uniform due to improved nutrient availability in individual areas of the fields, which also had a direct positive impact on the yield.
Soil liming at a variable rate
Content Author: LAAS