This is due to the fact that our dry environment has not resulted in the leaching of calcium and other salts from our soils. Some of these salts, such as sodium, can be toxic to plants at the level found in some New Mexico soils. Calcium, however, is not toxic, but it does alter the pH, or acidity, of the soil making it difficult for some plants to obtain the nutrients they need form the soil. Other plants, especially those native to calcareous soils, have no problem and flourish in our soils. The main message to remember is that we do not have to add lime to our soils.
Acidification replaces liming in our part of the country.