The effectiveness of liming materials When comparing different liming materials, it is important to know the neutralizing value and the lime particle size. When comparing the costs of liming materials, make sure you determine the cost per ton of effective neutralizing value. Neutralizing value is expressed in two ways, calcium carbonate equivalent or percentage oxides. In Maryland all agricultural liming products should bear a statement of the total 'percent of oxides of calcium and oxides of magnesium'. The size of lime particles in a liming material will effect how quickly pH is adjusted.
Fine particles react quickly, large particles react more slowly.
Liming materials are often a mixture of particles of various sizes. The size of lime particles is expressed as the percentage of the material that passes through several sieve sizes. Fineness information is given on liming materials and includes the proportion of different particle sizes present. Dangers of over liming Optimal lime application rate can only be determined by soil testing for lime requirement. Over-liming can cause micronutrient deficiences and may delay herbicide breakdown.