2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
The method of neutralizing the increased acidity of the soil is called "liming". Refers to the main methods of land reclamation, is the introduction of dolomite, slaked lime, calcite, limestone. As a result, the toxic effects of aluminum, manganese, hydrogen ions, which negatively affect the state of plants, are neutralized, the soil acquires a coherent structured appearance
Harm of acidic soils to plants
Most garden plants react negatively to acidic soil: growth slows down, the intake of nutrients is difficult, the root system does not develop well. Some fertilizers, for example, nitrogen, phosphorus, are modified and transformed into indigestible compounds. In acidic soil there is an excess of harmful substances, worms reproduce poorly, bacteria do not develop. At values below pH-4, the population of earthworms is completely destroyed.
Acidity is symbolized by pH, the number denotes the logarithm of the presence of hydrogen. Neutrality is pH-7, if below 7 the soil is acidic, above it is alkaline. PH-4 is considered overly acidic. With such indicators, the earth is heavy, dries poorly, and in a dry state it is covered with a strong impenetrable crust.
How to determine the need for liming
You can focus on the state of the earth by external signs: a podzolic layer of more than 10 cm of a gray-white hue, a whitish coating on the surface, the formation of a crust after drying. Information about the state of the soil is determined by the indicators of plants: weak formation of root crops, degradation of the root system. Poor growth of cultivated plants is observed, and the predominance of weed activity is noted.
Excessive acidity stimulates the spread of creeping buttercup, horsetail, sorrel, heather, pike, wild rosemary. If there are signs or the presence of any species of the listed plants, with an active distribution on the site, immediate liming is required.
For an accurate "diagnosis", it is recommended to purchase indicator paper strips in specialized stores and determine the acidity level, it is also useful to conduct an analysis in a laboratory.
The better to lime the soil
Calcareous substances are contained in dolomites, marl, belite sludge, limestone, shale ash, peat ash, cement dust, lime tuff. These derivatives contain calcium carbonate and chalk. What should a gardener choose?
Many years of experience determine the use of industrially produced lime fertilizers. They have a balanced calcium and magnesium. The introduction of such a complex normalizes the condition of the soil and increases productivity more efficiently than just lime without magnesium. Although the most common method is ground limestone, dolomite flour, carbide lime. Some summer residents prefer to make gypsum. I would like to note that this technique is erroneous - gypsum does not deacidify, but improves land reclamation, eliminates soil salinity.
Liming procedure
Experts in agricultural technology recommend summer residents to carry out measures for liming the soil at intervals of 6-8 years. This period is caused by a change in the reaction of the medium and a return to the original acid level. It is advisable to test the composition of the soil before laying the garden and add the required amount of lime components. It is preferable to apply under strawberries 1-2 years before planting. Fruit and berry plants are not susceptible to liming periods. Events are held during deep digging (spring, autumn).
If quicklime is used, it is important to know the correct application. Lime is crushed to a powdery state, wetted with water to obtain the desired oxidation reaction. The slaked mass is immediately introduced into the soil, with an embedment of 20 cm. Mixing with the ground is a prerequisite, which gives a good effect. By the way, when storing quicklime in air, wet vapors are absorbed and self-extinguishing occurs, with the formation of a fluff powder, which is applied in the usual way without preparatory procedures.
Lime application rate
The quantitative requirement and dose depend on the type of soil, acidity indicators, embedding depth, and the type of applied substances. High acidity (pH-4) requires large portions, if limestone is used, it is necessary to calculate 0.5 kg per square meter (loam, clay), on sandstones - 0.3 kg. Indicators, pH-5 - respectively 0, 2 - 0, 3 kg, in this state the sandy soil is not lime.
Overdose adversely affects plants. The harm manifests itself in a deterioration in the susceptibility and assimilation of some trace elements and potassium by fruits and vegetables.
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