Therefore, the water normally needs to be analyzed only once. Lime Lime should be used for establishment and high yields the first 2 years after seeding in the eastern third of Nebraska where the pH of the topsoil is 6.2 or less. Once alfalfa roots penetrate deep enough to reach soil materials with a high pH, there will be no further growth response from applied lime. Many of the sandy soils in Nebraska are acid, and lime may be needed. When needed, lime is essential for successful establishment of alfalfa on either dryland or irrigationd sandy soils.
Fine materials produce a rapid change.
Changes are slower when coarse materials are applied. The amount of lime needed is determined directly from the results of a soil test. However, since research conducted up to this time has shown that Mg does not increase alfalfa production on the soils of Nebraska, there is no need to purchase dolomitic limestone instead of the normal agricultural limestone at this time. The amounts applied with the water can easily be determined from the results of an analysis of a sample of irrigation water. All liming materials should be broadcast and incorporated before the alfalfa is seeded.