Values below 7 are listed as acidic and those above 7 are alkaline or basic. When you apply lime to the soil, spread it uniformly. Lime is insoluble and stays where you put it, either on the soil surface or at the depth which you till the soil. Overlapped areas are as bad as skipped areas, so get uniform coverage at the suggested application rate. For best coverage, try applying one half the recommended amount in one direction and the remainder at a right angle.
Most liming materials are light-colored and easy to see on the soil.
Since lime has no direct effect on growth, it can be applied almost any time. Fall applications let the lime break down over the winter for the next season's growth. However, if a spring soil test indicates a need for lime, apply the material then. Lime begins to react with the soil as soon as it is applied. A single application should be effective for 3 to 4 years.