West of the Mississippi, where less rainfall occurs, soils are more alkaline. These rules aren't carved in stone, but it does mean that wherever you live in the United States, you can easily find either the lime or sulfur you need. All cooperative extension offices, any soil laboratory, and many lawn and garden centers have charts showing how much lime or sulfur to add to correct your pH balance. These simple machines don't cost very much, and they do help you spread materials more evenly. Follow the instructions on your machine and make the necessary adjustments to spread the right amount over the area.
Pulverized limestone is the most common and inexpensive acid neutralizer.
Dolomitic limestone contains magnesium, as well as calcium, and is used when a test indicates that your soil is low in magnesium. Pelletized pulverized limestone is a little more expensive than ordinary powdered limestone, but it's cleaner and easier to use. Because its particles aren't as fine as the ground limestone, pulverized limstone is not as dusty. The soil uses limestone most efficiently when you till it into the soil to a depth of 4 to 8 inches. You can add both soil sulfur and limestone to existing lawns.