Reasons Lime Suppliers Recommend Liquid Lime to First-Time Farmers

If you recently bought a piece of land and want to use it for farming purposes, your yield hinges on various factors, soil pH being one. Crops grown in highly acidic soil do not do too well; therefore, increasing pH is essential. Notably, liming suppliers can provide you with either liquid lime or ground/pellet lime products. While each has its unique benefits, liquid lime's popularity is undisputed for the following reasons. 

High Relative Neutralising Value

Liming products' relative neutralising value is the most critical factor when shopping for agricultural lime. Most importantly, it refers to a carbonate's capacity to neutralise soil's acidity. Therefore, liming products with high neutralising value can manage soil acidity quickly when time is not on your side. For instance, it is advisable to apply liming material on your land a few weeks before the planting season begins. Notably, it allows liming enough time to neutralise the soil before planting commences. However, delays in a lime application can happen, preventing you from planting within the recommended window. Liquid lime's high neutralising value counters any delays by increasing the soil pH within a short time.

All-Weather Application

Agricultural suppliers often recommend all-weather liming products to farmers, with most vendors leaning towards liquid lime. When applying ground or powdered agricultural lime, you must first check the prevailing weather conditions. For example, strong winds might blow lime dust in all directions, reducing the quantity settling on the soil. Additionally, applying powder lime in windy conditions leads to wastage since most of it lands far away from the designated spots on a farm. On the other hand, liquid lime is weighty and is not easily blown by standards wind speeds. It makes liquid lime a cost-effective option, especially in unfavourable weather conditions. However, it does not mean that you should apply liquid lime when the sun is high in the sky. The best time to do so is early morning or late evening when evaporation rates are significantly low.

Suitable for Different Root Lengths

A liming product is only effective if it sinks deep enough into the soil. Notably, different crops have varying root sizes, with some being superficial while others grow deep. Characteristically, powdered or ground lime settles superficially on the soil, making it the most appropriate option for crops with shallow roots. However, plants with deep roots do not benefit from agricultural lime. On the other hand, liquid lime sinks into the soil, reaching the deepest spots. Most importantly, it ensures that crops with varying root lengths grow healthy.

For more information, contact an agricultural lime supplier.

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