As another growing season approaches the Buchanan County MU Extension is bringing up the benefits of liming soils. Wayne Flanary Field Specialist in Agronomy points out that liming acid soils can significantly increase crop yields. Research indicates that raising soil pH from 4.5 to 6.0 can boost soybean yields by 15%. The primary benefit of liming is bringing the soil pH into a favorable range for optimal crop growth.
Beyond yield improvements, liming offers several other advantages, including improved nutrient availability, increased fertilizer efficiency, enhanced microbial activity, and better soil structure and tilth.
Causes of Soil Acidity Soil acidity is a natural process influenced by both environmental factors and farming practices. Organic matter breakdown, dissolved nutrients, calcium and magnesium depletion, and nitrogen fertilizer applications all contribute to increasing soil acidity.
How Liming Works When limestone is applied to soil, it reacts with acidity. The calcium from the soluble limestone replaces hydrogen ions in the soil, which then combine with carbonate to form carbonic acid. This acid is unstable and quickly breaks down into carbon dioxide gas and water, reducing soil acidity.
Many assume that calcium alone is responsible for reducing acidity, but without carbonate, soil acidity remains unchanged. For example, gypsum, which lacks carbonate, does not reduce soil acidity.
Misconceptions About pH Adjusters Some commercially available liquid products claim to adjust soil pH, often containing chelated calcium. However, these products have little to no impact on soil pH and should not be relied upon as a substitute for traditional liming methods.
Understanding the science behind liming helps farmers make informed decisions to improve soil health and maximize crop productivity. For more information on the subject or questions you can contact Wayne Flanary -Field Specialist in Agronomy University of Missouri Extension at 816-279-1691 or email [email protected].