Raising the pH near 6.5 stimulates the activity of microorganisms that helps decompose organic matter and unlocks nutrients bonded to the soil particles. Soil pH ranges are essential considerations for any fertilizer management program. The soil pH strongly influences plant growth, the availability of nutrients, and the activities of microorganisms in the soil. It is important to keep soil pH in the proper range for production of the best yields and high quality growth. The best pH range for most plant growth in the garden is 6.0 to 6.5.
Soils deficit in calcium or other alkaline substances are or can become too acidic.
A soil test, essential for deter-mining how much lime should be applied, should be done every two years. Calcium will not spread quickly throughout the soil profile. However, if application can not be made this early, liming will still be very beneficial if applied and incorporated at least one month prior to seeding or transplanting. The preferred liming material for Georgia gardeners is dolomitic limestone. In addition to calcium, dolomitic limestone also contains 6 to 12 percent magnesium in which all Georgia soils routinely become deficient.