soil ph
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 10
soil ph
Everybody knows soil ph is important. What nobody talks about is the time it takes to make a change in ph after liming.
I would like to hear from the limers what there ph was before liming, how much lime they used, and what there ph changed to after a period of time.
Thanks
I would like to hear from the limers what there ph was before liming, how much lime they used, and what there ph changed to after a period of time.
Thanks
#2
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Roanoke, VA
Posts: 730
RE: soil ph
Here's a quote from the Virginia Cooperative Extension Soil Test Report I received: " The lime recommendations are for a single application that will last from two to three years. After that time the soil should be retested. For best results, lime should be applied several months ahead of the crop to be planted to allow time for a more complete soil reaction." It is kind of general, but thank goodness I don't have to worry about it. My soils ph was 7.3 :-)
#5
RE: soil ph
ORIGINAL: hoosierdady
Everybody knows soil ph is important. What nobody talks about is the time it takes to make a change in ph after liming.
I would like to hear from the limers what there ph was before liming, how much lime they used, and what there ph changed to after a period of time. Thanks
Everybody knows soil ph is important. What nobody talks about is the time it takes to make a change in ph after liming.
I would like to hear from the limers what there ph was before liming, how much lime they used, and what there ph changed to after a period of time. Thanks
My last soil test came back at a ph of 6.4. To bring the soil up to a PH of 6.8 recommended 3 T/a of 60-69 limeOR 2.5 T/a of 80-89 lime. It also included the note: "If lime has been applied in the last two years, more lime may not be needed due to incomplete reaction." "Because of the low potassium buffering capacity of this soil, retest every 2 years."
If you really want optimum results as if you were a farmer and not just a foodplotter .... have your soil tests done at your State University Soil and Plant Analysis Lab. Usually your local county extension office will have forms and soil sample bags, and will even send the samples in for you. The Buffering capacity of the soil needs to be tested to determine required lime, not just a PH measurement.
#6
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 10
RE: soil ph
Thanks for the reply 1saqittarius. That is the kind of info I am looking for.
Hadyourph been 5.4 , would that amount of lime be able to move it to 5.8? Or would it take even more lime to move it .4 of a point in way more acidic soil?
Hadyourph been 5.4 , would that amount of lime be able to move it to 5.8? Or would it take even more lime to move it .4 of a point in way more acidic soil?
#7
RE: soil ph
Use the 5 Spade Method to check PH of soil. Take one spade from each coner of property and one from the middle and mix together. You can also use Dolomite according to PH instead of Lime.
DOLOMITE (Calcium Magnesium Carbonate)
DOLOMITE (Calcium Magnesium Carbonate)
#8
RE: soil ph
ORIGINAL: hoosierdady
Hadyourph been 5.4 , would that amount of lime be able to move it to 5.8? Or would it take even more lime to move it .4 of a point in way more acidic soil?
Hadyourph been 5.4 , would that amount of lime be able to move it to 5.8? Or would it take even more lime to move it .4 of a point in way more acidic soil?
#9
RE: soil ph
It's the buffering capacity of the soil that makes all the difference.
In sandy soil - 2 ton/acre of lime can move the Ph up a full point - but not move it at all In heavy clay.
It is just to too tough to talk in general terms - how much lime to apply without all the details.
In some soils - it just doesn't pay to try to raise the Ph to some Clover or Alfalfa levels- you might better plant BFO or Rye. Or apply enough Lime to plant an acid tolerant White clover. In 6 years - I have not been able to grow Alfalfa - even with decent Liming in some spots. I concentrate on clovers as a result.
In sandy soil - 2 ton/acre of lime can move the Ph up a full point - but not move it at all In heavy clay.
It is just to too tough to talk in general terms - how much lime to apply without all the details.
In some soils - it just doesn't pay to try to raise the Ph to some Clover or Alfalfa levels- you might better plant BFO or Rye. Or apply enough Lime to plant an acid tolerant White clover. In 6 years - I have not been able to grow Alfalfa - even with decent Liming in some spots. I concentrate on clovers as a result.