The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-02-19
Lime.


The subject of the use and value of
lime in agriculture is both interesting and
important, says Indiana Farmer.
1t is strange. though, how
opinions differ as to this ma
terial In some sections of the United
States, for example, at certain seasons
of the year. the lands are white with
lime, whereas in other sections, this ma
terial is seldom, if ever, used. These diff
ferences are due many to the lack of in
innate knowledge as to the true functions
of lime in agriculture.
From a theoretical point of view, lime
is as important for the growth of plants
as nitrogen, phosphoric acid. potash or
any other element of plant food. From a
practical standpoint there is hardly Gull
tivable soil which does not contain in it
self sufficient lime to meet the demands
of the crop. The soils which are most apt
to be deficient in lime are those which
are light and sandy in character, and
which have been formed by the decompo-
sition of sandstone rocks. At the same
time, these light soils are usually deficient
in phosphoric acid and potash. AS the fer
tilizing materials which are used to fur
nish phosphorlc acid and potash contain
some lime, the farmer does not have to
concern himself about making an appli-
cation of lime to serve as plant food.
Lime has its sphere of usefulness in
agriculture, and it is a very important
one Briefly stated, it's value is in the
following properties:
If land is sour, a dose of lime will
sweeten it, and make it more productive.
If a soil is too heavy, lime will make 1t
lighter, and on the ether hand, if the land
is very light and loose, a dressing of lime
will bind the particles of the soil more
closely together and thus render it more
compact.
If a soil contains an abundance Of or
ganic matter, lime will tend to hasten its
decomposition, which, of course, means
that the pant food will become more avail
able.
Many lands contain an abundance OF
small rocks and stones, which owing to
their composition, are slow to disintegra te,
and become part OF the soil itself 1t has
the disintegration Of these rocks and
stones is FASTENED by an occasional dress
ing of lime.
When properly used. lime is a valuable
constituent OF plant food, but when its
use is abused can bring field to state
of sterility. 1t Is in no sense a substitute
for manures or fertilizers, and il used
alone the plants will take up the entire
store of available nitrogen, phosphoric
acid and potash which Is In the soil II
is an unwise practice to apply lime to
really poor land, as this material cannot
very well do good unless the soil is al
ready well flied with plant food The
function of lime is to alter and improve
the plant food ingredients already In the
soil, and to make them more available
for crops; furthermore one of the great
est advantages of the use of lime is that
it brings the soil into such a condition
that if additional fertilizer ingredients be
supplied, they can serve the plant to bet
ter advantage.
As to the amount to be applied, this will
depend on circumstances. 1t may be stat
ed. as general rule, that dose of lime
about once In five years is sufficient.
About forty bushels per acre of slaked
lime would be considered a fair applica-
ton. 1t can be broadcasted over the plow-
ed surface Of the soil and will work In
OF It's own accord.