When killed or mixed back into the soil prior to planting, they can supply up to 100 lbs of nitrogen per acre. For small gardens, this would be about 2 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Mixing a cover crop into the soil also adds organic matter to the soil, making clay soils easier to work and sandy soils more able to retain nutrients. Lime Lime is a naturally occurring material produced by crushing rock containing high amounts of calcium and magnesium carbonates. Because it is not chemically altered, it can be used by organic growers.
Lime is also the primary source of calcium and magnesium.
Management Considerations Never fertilize without knowing the nutrient status of your soil and of the organic source you intend to apply. A soil test report is good for at least two years and contains recommendations for lime and fertilizer applications, including micronutrients. For lawns and gardens, the fertilizer rate suggested on the soil report can be applied more than one time per growing season. For field crop situations, however, the suggested rate is for the entire growing season and should not be exceeded. The total amount of fertilizer applied during the growing season will depend on soil type, crop, and weather conditions.