Calcium is the plant's servant. It regulates opening and closing of stomates, removes toxins from the tissue, contributes to the development of shoots and roots, and keeps out unwelcome invaders. Many acidic soils do not contain enough calcium to support prolific plant growth. When soil pH is below 6.0, plants may show signs of calcium deficiency such as yellowing of leaves, retarded growth of roots and shoots, dieback of growing tips, and premature death of older leaves. Soil liming must not be ignored when planting a new lawn, pasture or hay field.
Soil liming increases microbial activity and the proliferation of earthworms and beneficial insects.