Lime begins to react with the soil as soon as it is applied. A single application should be effective for 3 to 4 years. A soil test within this period will help you track the progress of the lime in altering or maintaining the soil pH. Fertilizer applied with the lime will also alter the soil pH. Most nitrogen fertilizers used on garden or turf areas have an acidic reaction on the soil. Heavy applications of fertilizer can speed the loss of lime in the soil and lower the pH faster. Liming materials come in a variety of forms, each with its own value, potential use and application problems.
Lime is available in calcitic, dolomitic, burned, hydrated and pelletized forms.
Select the one that best meets your needs as well as those of the soil. Calcitic lime is mined from natural limestone bedrock deposits. After the rock is crushed and pulverized it is run through screens to meet certain specifications. This is generally labeled as either ground or pulverized limestone. Depending on the quality of the bedrock, the material has an 85 to 100 percent neutralizing value.