How lime quality is determined. Factors affecting the reactivity of lime. Each state has its own lime laws. Although the intent of the following text is to discuss the properties of common lime materials, some of the definitions are dependent on Florida state laws. T he most common material used for liming agricultural soils is finely ground limestone, a material composed of varying concentrations of calcium and magnesium carbonates.
Limestone has all the desired characteristics of an agricultural liming material.
As with any widely used material, there is considerable room for confusion. Natural materials can differ considerably in composition from one mine to the next. Technically correct definitions are frequently cumbersome, so everyday-use definitions develop which may be fine in local situations but which can cause confusion when used elsewhere. Legal definitions, as found in state aglime laws, are frequently different from one state to the next. Although brief definitions are also subject to the limitations stated above, here's an attempt at clarifying some common aglime terms used in Florida.