Norms and rules for soil liming. Tilling the soil with quicklime How to treat the soil with lime in the fall

The composition of the soil, and in particular its acidity, directly affects the normal development of crops. Since most plants feel comfortable in a neutral, alkaline and slightly acidic environment, periodic liming of the area will create optimal conditions for their growth, absorption of nutrients and abundant fruiting.

Soil deoxidation is a periodic measure, carried out approximately once every 5 years “according to indications.” Liming will benefit garden crops only if the soil is truly characterized by high acidity.

Soil pH can be determined using laboratory tests carried out by agricultural enterprises. You can independently determine the acidity of the soil in different areas of your land using a special device or litmus indicators.

In addition to the methods listed above, increased soil acidity and the need for liming can be determined by specific signs:

the earth takes on a whitish or grayish tint;
weeds are actively growing (horsetail, nettle, sorrel, sorrel, buttercup);
planted clover does not want to take root;
when digging, a whitish layer in the soil is discovered.

Why is it necessary to lime the soil if there are signs of increased acidity? Deoxidation is required because such an environment has a detrimental and depressing effect on the development processes of vegetable and garden crops:

In an acidic environment, plants cannot efficiently absorb phosphorus and nitrogen, which are necessary for their growth and development.
Increased acidity of the soil reduces the effectiveness of beneficial bacteria living in it and increases the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, which attack already weakened crop plants.

To help plants, it is necessary to periodically deoxidize the soil. A slightly acidic environment is most comfortable for many crops, so careful liming will allow you to create an optimal environment for their growth and development.

How to deoxidize the soil

Soil deoxidation can be carried out by any alkaline compounds and substances:

wood ash;
lake lime (dry drywall);
chalk;
dolomite flour;
peat ash;
crushed eggshells.

The most accessible means for deoxidation is slaked or ordinary lime. This substance has a constant composition, so it is easy to dose depending on pH readings in different areas of the earth and the nature of the soil.

It is important to consider that many substances used in liming, in addition to the deoxidation effect, introduce certain micro- and macroelements into the soil: wood ash contains up to 35% calcium, chalk and drywall contain calcium carbonate, dolomite flour contains magnesium, and eggshells contain a whole range of useful elements.

Optimal timing for liming

It is advisable to carry out liming in advance, before the start of sowing, in which case the pH of the soil will have time to level out to values that are comfortable for vegetable and garden crops. You can perform deoxidation:

Immediately after purchasing a plot, before planting a garden and distributing land for a vegetable garden.
In the fall, along with the application of fertilizers (except manure). In this case, the soil must be dug up after liming.
In winter - by scattering dolomite flour directly on the snow. Having melted, it will carry alkaline substances into the soil, evenly distributing them in depth.
In spring - no less than 3 weeks before sowing, and only in beds intended for beets and cabbage. Other crops are planted on limed soil only the next year.

If you need to deoxidize the soil throughout the entire area, it is better to do this in the fall, then in the spring the land will be completely ready for sowing.

It will be enriched with nutrients important for the development of crops, and the improved pH will activate the activity of beneficial bacteria and increase the efficiency of fertilizers applied during the season by 40%.

Autumn deacidification

So, autumn liming of the soil is the most optimal way to deoxidize it. Initial treatment in the presence of an acidic pH reaction is carried out using ordinary or slaked lime in the following proportions:

Timely radical autumn deoxidation allows you to solve a number of serious problems:

activate the work of beneficial bacteria;
increase the absorption of important microelements;
by breaking down acids into simple elements, improve the mineral composition of the soil;
increase the efficiency of mineral and organic fertilizers;
reduce the number of toxic elements in the soil due to their breakdown;
improve the physical properties of the soil in the beds, increasing water permeability.

To maintain the achieved pH value in the soil, it is necessary to regularly add substances that have an alkaline reaction.

Traditionally, gardeners scatter organic fertilizers and wood ash around the site before digging in the fall. The latter allows you to maintain a slightly acidic soil level and enriches it with elements useful for crops.

Features of garden crops

Undoubtedly, acidic soils negatively affect the development of vegetable and garden crops, but uncontrolled use of alkaline compounds can also harm plants. Excessive enthusiasm for soil deoxidation will lead to excess calcium, which will significantly impede the growth of root systems.

Drastic liming of the entire area in accordance with a certain pH level and soil type is not practical, since different crops require different types of soil. On the other hand, it is quite difficult to deoxidize different beds, taking into account crop rotation.

The easiest way is to reduce the consumption of lime during reclamation activities, making the soil moderately acidic, and then for each crop, “adjust” its composition in the spring, using wood ash. Some plants do not need to change their pH at all; they feel comfortable only in acidic conditions.

So, what are the requirements of various crops for the soil pH level:

Beans, tomatoes, dill, corn, kale and eggplants like a slightly acidic environment (PH 6-7). Beds intended for melons, watermelons, squash, zucchini and carrots, as well as for garlic, onions and radishes, do not need liming.
Medium acid soil (PH 5-6.5) is suitable for peppers, potatoes, beans, sorrel, parsnips and pumpkins.
Strongly acidic soil (PH<5) идеальна для рябины, можжевельника, а также ягодных кустиков — голубики, клюквы, брусники и черники.

When liming the soil, the main thing is not to overdo it with the added substances, since an alkaline environment will not be to the liking of any plant you cultivate.

Radical deoxidation must be carried out in the presence of obvious signs of an acidic environment or according to the results of tests, instrumental and laboratory measurements, and no more than once every 5 years.

Acidified soils are one of the common problems faced by summer residents. On such soil it is not possible to obtain the optimal amount of harvest, and some crops cannot take root at all. They deoxidize the earth using various substances; one of the most popular is lime. At the same time, it is important to know which soils require treatment and how much reagent needs to be applied to obtain the greatest effect.

Lime is a common and inexpensive fertilizer that is applied to acidic soil in certain quantities and with a certain frequency (usually every 5-6 years). Usually it is applied only in cases where the acidity of the soil is quite high.

Soils with increased acidification include:

sod-podzolic;
peat swamps;
red earth;
gray forest.

Important! Acidity research is carried out using special agrochemical analyses. However, it is quite possible to determine it yourself. One of the obvious indicators is the whitishness of the layers, which is revealed when digging. This clearly indicates an excess of acids. More precise methods available for use at home are given below.

Working with lime must be done carefully, since not every soil requires such an additive. In addition, the dose is determined individually, depending on the acidity level of a particular area. Finally, it is important to understand that high acidity on one side of the site does not necessarily mean that the other has the same problem.

Lime is a common and inexpensive fertilizer that is applied to acidic soil in certain quantities and with a certain frequency.

Therefore, before you start liming the soil, It is important to do several things:

Determine the acidity of the soil in the area (if it is large enough, then evenly over its area).
Find out for which plants this indicator is acceptable and even necessary, and for which it is not.
Calculate the required amount of lime.
Determine the timing and technology of its application to the ground.

Important! Not all lime is suitable for fertilizing. As you know, there are two types of lime - slaked and quicklime. Next we will look at what variety should be added to the soil and how to calculate the required amount.

How to measure soil acidity (video)

Determination of soil acidity

Soil acidity is a quantitative indicator of the acid content in it. It is determined in mg of these substances per 100 g of dry soil. Acidity is one of the most important soil indicators, on which the quality and quantity of the crop largely depends.

Plants in acidic soils

One of the simple and at the same time reliable signs that the soil is overly acidic is the successful growth of plants that just love acidic soil. There are quite a few species of such plants:

different types of mosses;
sorrel;
meadow herb and forest herb;
hairy sedge (similar in appearance to sedge).

Such plants like to grow in strongly acidic soils, where the acid content is highest.

One of the simple and at the same time reliable signs that the soil is overly acidic is the successful growth of plants that just like acidic soil

Plants that grow on moderately acidic soils are the following:

different types of violets;
garden buttercups;
cornflowers;
bloodroot;
bearberry;
wild rosemary;
berries: blueberries, cranberries, lingonberries;
low-growing grasses: wintergreen, maynik, sorrel, sedmichnik.

As for plants that grow well in moderately acidic (slightly acidic) soils, the list is much longer. Therefore, they will not help to determine acidity - on soils with a low acid content, with the correct application of fertilizers, many crops, including those that are demanding in terms of maintenance conditions, grow quite successfully.

Garden buttercups settle on moderately acidic soils

Strips of indicator paper

In the above description, soils were divided into 3 categories depending on the degree of acidification. This parameter is assessed not only qualitatively, but also quantitatively. Scientifically, it is called pH (read “pH”) and is accordingly:

for highly acidic soils from 2 to 4 units;
for averages 4-5;
for weak ones from 5 to 6 (values around 7+/-1 are considered normal).

Quantitative determination of the indicator is carried out using special indicator paper, which can be purchased in stores for summer residents. The degree of acidity is determined by the color scale that is included in the instructions: saturated red tones mean high concentrations, orange and yellow - weaker.

The degree of acidity is determined using special indicator paper

The method for determining the indicator is simple - you need to do this:

You need to take 4-5 or more soil samples (preferably at the same depth) and mix them with clean water. The amount of soil should be equal in each sample.
The mixture is thoroughly stirred and allowed to stand for an hour.
Next, strips of paper are immersed in each solution.
The paper takes on the appropriate color. by which the indicator is judged:

red: pH less than 4 – strong acidity;
orange pH 4-5 – average;
yellow 5-6 – weak;
green 6-7 is normal.

This is a simple and obvious method available to everyone. The main thing is to try to do the right sampling. To do this, you need to take as many samples as possible and ensure that all vessels are clean for the reliability of the result.

How to deoxidize the soil (video)

PH meter

A scientific, more accurate method of measurement that agronomists use is based on the use of a special device called a pH meter. If it is possible to put it into practice, you can conduct research using it. The technique is also simple:

Samples are taken as described above.
Dissolve in water in clean containers - each in its own.
The device is immersed in each vessel and shows the exact (up to hundredths) pH value, which is used to judge the acidity of the soil.

Important! If the soil in your area is acidic and constant monitoring of this indicator is required, it is better to purchase such a device in order to always be able to obtain accurate data. It is also necessary to have a special buffer solution against which the pH meter is adjusted (calibrated). This is necessary for the device to work correctly.

A pH meter is a more accurate measurement method used by agronomists

Traditional methods

If the described tools are not at hand, there are simpler (albeit less accurate) measurement options. Here are several ways to determine the indicator at home:

Take soil samples, dissolve them in water and add finely crushed chalk (all parts are taken in equal quantities).
Quickly and thoroughly stir all ingredients.
After stirring, immediately place a pre-prepared balloon or rubber glove on the neck of the bottle.
Next, you need to shake the bottle well and watch the reaction. If the ball swells, even if it just takes on an elastic shape, the acidity of the soil is clearly too high. It is because of the reaction of acid and chalk that carbon dioxide is formed, which swells it.

Using blackcurrant leaves you can determine the acidity of the soil

Another method is based on the use of blackcurrant foliage. The technique is as follows:

Brew a teaspoon of carefully crushed, dried leaves with 1 full glass of boiling water (250 ml).
Infuse the broth in a warm place for several hours.
Next, pour it onto a piece of land and observe the reaction.
If red spots appear, then the indicator is normal. If green, the soil is highly acidified, blue - weakly.

Soil liming technology

Before you start liming the soil, you need to decide on the doses, methods and timing of applying the reagent. Lime is often applied together with mineral or organic fertilizers. This is the right measure to save time and effort.

The method for adding lime is simple:

If there are many lumps in the lime, they must first be thoroughly crushed until smooth.
Next, the material is scattered in a small, translucent layer over the surface of the earth (in quantities based on the calculated norm).
Next, you need to dig up the entire area, but not very deeply: the substance should get to a depth of within 20 cm.

Lime is often applied together with mineral or organic fertilizers.

Features of liming in autumn and spring

After the preparatory stage (calculation of the dose and slaking of lime if necessary), you should proceed directly to adding the material. This is done either before planting (in spring) or after harvesting (in autumn).

Reclamation and maintenance liming

Depending on the mode, the liming procedure is divided into two types:

Reclamation– it is also called the main one. This is the initial procedure, which is carried out once for acidified soils. Lime easily dissolves in water and is strongly washed out by groundwater and rainwater. Accordingly, a one-time procedure will never be enough.
Maintenance liming essentially represents repeated treatments that are carried out at a certain interval (every 3, 4 or 5 years depending on the specific soil).

Which lime should I use, slaked or quicklime?

There are two types of lime - slaked and quicklime. They differ in chemical composition. Quicklime is calcium oxide, and slaked is its hydroxide. That is, slaking lime is adding water to it. The reaction proceeds violently, with a large release of heat. To lim the soil, you need to sprinkle only the slaked form, because:

it is slaked lime that neutralizes the acids in the soil;
slaked lime does not clump and is easily distributed throughout the entire thickness of the earth.

Important! To extinguish lime, you need to maintain the following proportion: 4-5 10-liter buckets of water per 100 g of reagent.

Calculation and strict adherence to the rate of lime application is the main requirement for liming

Lime application rates per hundred square meters

Calculation and strict adherence to the rate of lime application is the main requirement for liming. They directly depend on soil pH, soil type, and also on the depth of application. Approximate norms of slaked lime (in kilograms) that need to be applied per 1 hectare (100 square meters of surface) of soil to a depth of 20 cm are presented in the table.

soil acidity (pH)	clayey and loamy	sandy and sandy loam
extremely strong (less than 4)
strong (4-4.7)
average (4.8-5.2)

Increased acid content in the soil reduces crop yields. Optimal acidity is achieved by liming. The most effective chemical reclamation is carried out in the fall. The application rates of lime material can be calculated independently. You can learn when and how to lime the soil by watching the video.

To a large extent, the yield and quality of crops depends on the acidity of the soil. An increased acid content in the soil prevents the plants from fully absorbing microelements. Essential substances such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium do not reach the plants, even if fertilizers are applied. Plants grow poorly and do not bear fruit. The level of acids can be reduced by adding acid neutralizing substances. Such substances include:

slaked lime;
dolomite flour;
wood ash;
peat tuffs;
sugar production waste;
blast furnace slag.

Attention! You cannot lime the soil with gypsum; it crystallizes salts in the soil, which leads to increased acidity.

You can determine the increased acid content in the soil using traditional methods. If horsetail, sorrel, plantain, heather, and mint grow well on the site, then the soil is acidic. A more accurate scientific method for determining acidity can be done in a laboratory. An easier way to determine the acid content in points is possible using an indicator that is sold in flower shops. To do this, wrap a handful of soil in a cloth and lower it into water for a couple of minutes. We lower the indicator into the cloudy water. We compare the color change of the indicator with the color of the scale:

3-4 – very sour;
4-5 – sour;

Testing soil acidity

5-6 – slightly acidic;
7 – neutral;
8-9 - alkaline.

Soil acidity and composition are interdependent. The greatest amount of acid is found in clay; sandy soils are considered less acidic.

Optimal acidity, types of liming

Each plant reacts differently to acid levels:

Cabbage, as well as beets, grow poorly in soils with high acidity.
Tea and lupine grow well in acidic soils.
Legumes, as well as corn, lettuce, onions and cucumbers prefer neutral soil.

Liming the soil can lead to an improvement or deterioration in its quality. First you need to determine what crops will be grown on the site. It is possible to carry out partial liming of individual beds intended for specific crops.

Examples of optimal acidity for garden crops:

raspberry and gooseberry bushes – 5.5;
different types of currants – 6;
pear and apple tree – 6.5;
plum -7.

Different crops prefer different soil acidity

Liming can be basic or supporting. Gardeners do most of this once. Maintenance liming procedure - once every 4-5 years. To deoxidize the soil, choose the autumn or spring period. Carrying out chemical reclamation in the fall is most effective. We evenly distribute the required amount of lime material over the soil surface. At the same time, we apply fertilizers with a high content of magnesium and potassium.

Advice. The soil must be dug to a depth of 15-20 cm. Applying lime material to the surface without loosening reduces the effectiveness of liming.

Spring deoxidation is carried out before applying chemical fertilizers. Lime material is spread over the surface, then fertilizers are applied and the soil is dug to a depth of 4-6 cm.

Dosing of liming substances depending on the acid content in the soil

When liming the soil, it is important to follow the norms, since different liming materials have different percentages.

When adding fluff (slaked lime), the norms are distributed as follows:

500-600 g per 1 m² with high soil acidity (pH less than 4).
If the acid content in the soil is high (pH=4), add 400-500 g per 1 m².
If the acidity index varies from 4 to 5, add 300-400 g per 1 m².
In slightly acidic soils (pH = 5-6) add 200-300 g per 1 m².

Soil liming is carried out in the fall

These indicators are only suitable for slaked lime. Chalk, cement dust and other substances are added in different proportions, since their calcium content is different:

slaked lime – 130%;
chalk -100%;
dolomite flour – 90-95%;
crushed chalk – 90%;
lake lime -80%;
cement dust 75%;
marl – 70%;
peat ash – 50%.

determine the rate of slaked lime for the site;
multiply this indicator by 100;
then divide by the percentage of lime content in the substance.

Let's calculate the amount of lake lime per 1 m². Let's assume that the acidity of the soil is 4. 400-500 g of lime must be added per 1 m². 500 x 100: 80 = 625 g of lake lime per 1 m². For marl with soil acidity equal to 5: 200 x 100:70 = 285.7 g per 1 m². The fluff can be prepared at home. Quicklime is scattered on a hard surface and filled with water. As a result of a chemical reaction, lime is formed, which is safe for plants.

As a last resort, you can lime the soil without determining the acidity:

clay soils – 600-700 g of lime per 1 m²;
loams – 500 g per 1 m²;
sandy soils – 300-400 g per 1 m².

Adding lime has a beneficial effect on plants:

enriches the soil with microelements, including magnesium;
plants almost do not accumulate toxic substances;
the soil structure becomes looser;
has a beneficial effect on the proliferation of beneficial bacteria.

You can liming the soil yourself; the main thing is to know the acid content in the soil on the site and calculate the required amount of different liming materials. Each plant is adapted to a certain level of acidity. Liming an area or individual beds will help achieve a higher yield.

Soil deoxidation: video

Soil liming is the process of adding special additives to the soil to reduce acidity levels. For this purpose, you can use lime, chalk powder, calcareous tuff, marl, shale and peat ash, belite and dolomite flour, as well as cement dust and open-hearth slag. But, for example, sodium salts are not suitable for liming the soil, since it will become unsuitable for effective cultivation of crops.

Soil liming: when and what is it used for?

Adding lime to the soil not only leads to a decrease in soil acidity, but also to an increase in the proportion of calcium, magnesium and other useful micro- and macroelements. Therefore, liming the soil is not only a reduction in acidity, but also an important fertilizer for plants.

The advantages of liming also include increasing the looseness of the soil - such soil will absorb moisture well and retain it close to the surface. This way, the plant roots will receive optimal water penetration even in hot weather. In conditions of humidity and saturation with useful elements, soil microflora quickly develops, which leads to natural fertilization of the beds. At the same time, root crops will not absorb large amounts of toxic substances, as would be the case if liming was not carried out on time.

You cannot simultaneously lime the soil and fertilize it with manure, as the result will be an insoluble mixture that is useless for plants.

Too acidic soils have a bad effect on the development of crops. If the soil on the site is highly acidic, it will be difficult to achieve a good harvest of all types of beets, as well as cabbage, and legumes. If the soil is also sandy, then the plantings will lack magnesium and calcium. Manganese and aluminum compounds that are harmful to plants, on the contrary, will show increased activity.

Determination of soil acidity

At home, you can check for yourself whether liming of acidic soils is required on your site. The easiest way for this purpose is to use litmus papers or special devices to find the limit of soil acidity. If it is not possible to conduct an accurate analysis, you will have to rely on “folk remedies”:

Weeds like horsetail and dandelion grow very quickly on soil with a lack of alkali. Sorrel, mint and plantain prefer acidic soil. Clover, coltsfoot and quinoa grow well on alkaline or neutral soil.
The top layer of soil looks like wood ash; in some areas a grayish coating is even noticeable on the surface.
Pay attention to the natural puddles and depressions in the area - after rain, the water turns red, sometimes an inconspicuous film of rainbow colors appears on top.
Take a small handful of soil from the area and pour it with table vinegar. If nothing happens, this is also a sign of increased acidity (since vinegar is an acid, you should not expect a violent reaction when mixed with acidic soil). But if the soil begins to hiss and foam, then it is either neutral or alkaline, in which case there is no need to liming the soil.

Liming and gypsuming of soil

Gypsuming differs from liming the soil with lime in that it not only reduces acidity, but allows you to get rid of excess sodium in the soil. Sodium negatively affects the physical and chemical properties of the soil, and growing crops in such areas becomes much more difficult.

What chemical reactions occur after gypsum is added to the soil? The percentage of sodium decreases, and it is replaced by calcium abundantly added to the soil. Since calcium is beneficial for plants, its application has a positive effect on crop growth.

For gypsum, industrial waste with a high content of gypsum and phosphorus, as well as raw-ground gypsum, is usually used. To determine how much gypsum needs to be added, a biochemical analysis of the soil is first carried out, determining the amount of sodium it contains. On average, from 3 to 15 tons of fertilizer will be needed, and the greatest need for gypsum is found in solonetz and alkaline soils.

Plastering can be done during plowing, sowing perennial plants or irrigation. As a result, the yield of cultivated crops increases by 3-6 centners per hectare. It should be taken into account that gypsuming of irrigated areas is most effective, but the reclamation period of the site is also reduced.

Types of lime fertilizers

To carry out liming, both powders specially obtained by firing or grinding (chalk, dolomite, limestone) and industrial waste with a high percentage of lime can be used.

The main means of liming the soil is lime flour, which consists almost entirely of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3). If the mixture, in addition to calcium carbonate, contains a large amount of magnesium carbonate (MgCO 3), then such a mixture is called dolomite flour. Magnesium rocks are stronger, and it is somewhat more difficult to obtain flour from them, but the result is a more useful fertilizer for agricultural crops. Sandy soils are most deficient in magnesium salts, so pure lime is practically not used for them. To achieve a better result, marl and even ordinary cement dust can be added to the mixture.

The quality of powders added to the soil is determined by the percentage of calcium and magnesium carbonates (this is especially important for industrial waste) and how fine the grind is. Large particles have less solubility, so the soil “assimilates” them more slowly. For maximum efficiency, it is advisable to choose limestone flour with a grinding thickness of no more than 0.25 mm.

The means for effective liming is slaked. This is a powder obtained by burning limestone rocks, combined with water. In the first few years, slaked lime or fluff neutralizes the soil faster than ordinary lime flour. After several courses of liming, the effectiveness of these two compositions becomes approximately the same.

If it is not possible to carry out classical liming, you can use stove ash at home - it is sprinkled under the roots of acid-sensitive plants.

Soil liming: application rate

Usually, when calculating, they are guided by the so-called full norm - the amount of lime (tons per hectare), at which the acidity indicators are reduced to a slightly acidic reaction.

Before calculating how much lime will be needed per site, it is necessary to determine not only the area occupied by plantings, but also the following characteristics:

Mechanical composition of the soil.
Natural acidity of the soil on the site.
Features of crops grown in this area. For example, clover, cabbage and beets respond sensitively to the application of lime fertilizers, so it is advisable to provide the full amount of lime in the areas occupied by them. But lupine or acidity is practically not affected - there is no point in overloading the soil with lime, and therefore you can reduce the rate by one to two thirds.

The rate of liming of soil with any specific mixture is calculated using the following formula: H = Rate of lime based on pre-calculated acidity * 10,000 and divided by the percentage of lime in the mixture * (100 is the percentage of large particles).

Here the lime rate is taken into account in tons per hectare. Large particles are particles with a diameter greater than 1 mm.

If it is necessary to liming acidic soil on a large scale, you can first draw up a map of the area indicating the crops. Some areas may be more acidic and vice versa, so for optimal placement of beds you need to take into account the differences between soils.

Methods and timing of soil liming

It is best to lim the soil in the spring before planting crops or in the autumn before digging the bed so that the introduced substances do not remain on the surface. If spring liming is planned, then the procedure must be carried out no later than three weeks before planting.

Dolomite flour can be used for liming even in winter - for this it is scattered on the fields directly on top of the snow cover.

Primary liming is carried out before planting table and fodder beets or cabbage. Other types of crops make it possible not to re-fertilize the soil with lime and alternate plantings, without reducing the effectiveness of the fertilizer.

During the season, part of the applied lime is lost, so repeated liming is carried out periodically (not necessarily every year). For the first time, such an amount of lime or dolomite flour is added to completely neutralize the acidity of the soil. Repeatedly - only small doses, constantly monitoring the acidity level and maintaining the optimal calcium and magnesium content.

How to properly fertilize the soil with lime:

If the lime or dolomite mixture is not finely ground enough, it should be crushed to a powder state before being added to the soil.
The finished composition is evenly distributed throughout the area.
Manually or using agricultural machinery, mix lime with the soil at a depth of 20-25 cm. If the procedure is repeated and not the full amount of lime is applied, then the depth of the loosened soil should not exceed 4-6 cm.

Autumn liming allows you to more accurately adjust the ratio of acids and alkalis in the soil, and the result will last for a longer period than when applying lime in the spring. Fertilizing with lime in the fall is also safer, since some compounds (for example, slaked lime or wood ash) are quite caustic and can damage plant roots upon direct contact. In this case, there is no need to deeply loosen the soil - after rain and snowfall, the mixtures naturally reach the required depth.

With correct preliminary calculations, a repeat procedure will need to be carried out no earlier than in 5-7 years.

If desired, you can mix lime or dolomite flour, as well as gypsum powder with boron, copper, cobalt, potassium or even bacterial fertilizers. To ensure greater fertility, they are also suitable

Results of regularly carried out liming

Liming acidic soils is a simple and environmentally friendly way to increase the fertility of the land on your site. Factors due to which a positive effect is achieved:

activation of the vital activity of some microorganisms useful for garden plants, such as nodule bacteria, etc.;
increasing water resistance and mechanical loosening of the soil, due to which water along with fertilizers does not leave the roots and tubers for a long time;
enrichment of the earth with useful elements (calcium, magnesium, fluorine);
preventing plants from absorbing toxic substances - this is especially important for areas adjacent to industrial zones;
faster absorption of mineral elements.

All of these factors make it possible to harvest an environmentally friendly and rich harvest with the onset of autumn.

To ensure the need for timely liming of the soil, you can calculate the economic benefits of the procedure - payback time and net profit. To do this, you need to calculate the costs of purchasing lime mixtures and distributing them throughout the territory, as well as the growth of crops in the years following liming. Obviously, the fastest payback can be achieved if liming is carried out on highly acidic soils and subsequently planted crops that are sensitive to liming (vegetables, forage plants and potatoes). As a result of soil neutralization, plants no longer suffer from the harmful effects of acids and receive much more nutrients than before.

Liming the soil in autumn - video

Soil liming is a common method of chemical reclamation on acidic soils and consists of applying lime fertilizers, most often represented by calcite, dolomite or limestone. Periodic liming of the soil is carried out in order to equalize the acid-base balance and eliminate the causes inhibiting plant growth.

What is the purpose of liming?

Acidic soils, with rare exceptions, require proper and timely liming. Such soil treatment in the garden is very necessary for several reasons:

the acidic soil environment disrupts the activity of phosphorus and nitrogen, as well as such an important microelement for plant growth and development as molybdenum;
a significant amount of fertilizer must be added to acidic soil, which is due to a decrease in the effectiveness of beneficial microorganisms and an increase in the amount of pathogenic microflora and bacteria that have a negative effect on plants;
fertilizers do not reach the root system in sufficient quantities, and as a result, growth, development and vegetation are severely disrupted.

To neutralize acid in soils, they are deoxidized. As a rule, liming is performed for deoxidation, as a result of which calcium and magnesium are replaced. Lime causes the acid to break down into salt, and the catalyst for this reaction is carbon dioxide.

However, you need to remember that uncontrolled spreading of lime fertilizers is very dangerous. This can cause excess calcium in the soil and impede the growth of the root system. Among other things, for growing some vegetable crops and fruit trees, liming the soil is absolutely unnecessary. A slightly acidic environment with pH 6-7 is necessary for the following crops:

beans;
dill;
tomatoes;
eggplant;
corn;
melon;
zucchini;
squash;
horseradish;
spinach;
rhubarb;
carrot;
garlic;
kale;
radish;
chicory;
watermelon;

Slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.0-6.5 is necessary for the following crops:

potato
pepper;
beans;
sorrel;
parsnip;
pumpkin.

Strongly acidic soil with a pH of less than 5 is necessary for crops such as blueberries, cranberries, rowan berries, blueberries, lingonberries and junipers.

How to recognize acidic soils: proven methods

To know which deoxidizers need to be added to the soil and how much, it is necessary to determine the acidity level. For this purpose, the following methods are used:

litmus strips treated with a special reagent and changing color depending on the acidity of the soil;
Alyamovsky’s device, represented by a set of reagents intended for the analysis of water and salt extracts of soil;
a soil meter, which is a multifunctional device that allows you to determine the reaction of the soil, its humidity, temperature indicators and light levels.

The most accurate and expensive method is to determine acidity in a specialized laboratory. Less effective methods are folk methods using acetic acid, currant or cherry leaves, as well as grape juice or chalk. Experienced gardeners and gardeners are able to determine acidity through weeds on the site. Weeds in acidic soils include horsetail, plantain, heather, horse sorrel, nettle, white grass, wood sorrel, buttercup and pope grass.

In what form and how much lime should be added?

The best option for agricultural activities are slightly acidic soils, but in our country, soils with high acidity predominate. Such properties are typical for sod-podzolic soils, many peat-bog soils, gray forest lands, red soils and some leached chernozems. Deoxidation is most often performed with quicklime, but agents such as slaked lime or lime water can also be added. The rate of lime application per hundred square meters varies depending on the type of soil and acidity indicators:

pH = 4 and lower on clay and loamy soils requires deoxidation with ground limestone in an amount of 500-600 g per square meter;
pH = 4 and below on sandy and sandy loam soils requires deoxidation with ground limestone in an amount of 300-400 g per square meter;
pH = 4.1-4.5 on clay and loamy soils requires deoxidation with ground limestone in an amount of 400-500 g per square meter;
pH = 4.1-4.5 on sandy and sandy loam soils requires deoxidation with ground limestone in an amount of 250-300 g per square meter;
pH = 4.6-5.0 on clay and loamy soils requires deoxidation with ground limestone in an amount of 300-400 g per square meter;
pH = 4.6-5.0 on sandy and sandy loam soils requires deoxidation with ground limestone in an amount of 200-300 g per square meter;
pH = 5.1-5.5 on clay and loamy soils requires deoxidation with ground limestone in an amount of 250-300 g per square meter.

The full dose should be applied to a depth of 20 cm, and partial deoxidation is carried out at a depth of 4-6 cm.

How to lim the soil in the fall

Deoxidation of the soil in the fall helps to effectively solve a number of very serious problems in a personal or garden plot:

activation of the vital activity of beneficial microorganisms, including nodule bacteria;
enrichment of the soil with basic nutrients in the most accessible form for garden and vegetable plants;
improving the physical properties of the land, including permeability and structural features;
increasing the efficiency of fertilizers of mineral and organic origin by 30-40%;
reduction in the amount of the most toxic and harmful elements in grown garden and vegetable products.

In the autumn, experienced gardeners and gardeners recommend using an available deoxidizer in the form of ordinary wood ash, which contains about 30-35% calcium. This option is popular due to the fairly high content of phosphorus, potassium and other microelements in wood ash, which have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of garden plants.

Technology for treating a site with lime in spring

It is better to plan the event approximately three weeks before sowing or planting vegetable garden crops;
for liming, it is optimal to use powdered products that are well distributed over the soil layers;
A good result is achieved by adding lime in early spring, immediately before the first loosening of the soil, adding deoxidizers in small portions.

Important to remember, that any fertilizers, as well as basic biologically active additives, are applied to the soil only after liming. As practice shows, adding a couple of kilograms of pure lime mixed with high-quality humus is more effective than ten kilograms of lime flour simply scattered over the garden area.

Features of primary and repeated liming

The best and most effective way to liming the soil is to carry out liming at the initial stage of developing a personal plot or when laying out the territory of garden plantings. If for some reason liming was not previously carried out, it is allowed to carry out high-quality deoxidation in areas that are already occupied by fruit and berry crops or garden and flowering plants.

A significant part of plants grown in home gardening and vegetable gardening can easily tolerate liming, regardless of the time of year. The only exception is garden strawberries. The beds intended for growing such a berry crop can be limed about a year and a half before planting. On beds with already planted garden strawberries, deoxidation is carried out no earlier than a couple of months after planting.

Repeated liming of the soil must be carried out in full doses once every ten years. Small doses of deoxidizers can be applied somewhat more often. Very important correctly determine the need for re-liming in accordance with the characteristics of the soil and the characteristics of its care. With frequent use of fertilizers with manure, repeated liming can be neglected, and the frequent use of mineral fertilizers makes deoxidation a necessary measure.

The most uniform liming of soils is most effective, so it is recommended to add deoxidizers in the form of powdered compounds to the soil, and also be sure to accompany such activities with digging with uniform mixing.