Agricultural lime, more commonly referred to as ag lime, is a well-known soil amendment that plays a key role in helping farmers across Alberta manage soil acidity and improve their crop health. Despite being a vital tool that helps crops flourish during the growing season, lime, like most amendments, tends to be associated with a few misconceptions that can lead to incorrect application or farmers missing out on its benefits altogether.
At Norstar Agriculture, we know how important it is to find the right soil amendments to help your crops thrive, especially during the prolonged drought cycles that most of Western Canada has observed over the past few years. We’re proud to offer trusted soil amendments, including agricultural lime, to ensure your crops have their best chance at a strong yield each growing season.
Below, we’ll explore some of the top myths about ag lime so you know how to set your fields up for success. Read to learn more!
Myth One: Agricultural Lime is a Quick Fix
As much as we all want a “silver bullet” that can fix our soil as quickly as possible, the reality is that dealing with soil acidity takes time for optimal results. Like most soil amendments, Lime needs time to be worked into the soil, interact with the accumulated alkalinity, and slowly remediate effectively. Factors like soil texture, moisture levels, and the type of lime used (e.g., calcitic or dolomitic) all influence how quickly pH changes occur, which means that rather than being an immediate fix, you’ll want to plan ahead when using lime and should expect optimal results for the following growing season.
Agronomy experts can help schedule lime applications for maximum effectiveness, so you can manage soil pH proactively. You’ll also want to perform continuous soil testing to determine how often you need to reapply.
Myth Two: All Lime is the Same
Another common misunderstanding is the concept that all lime products are the same. In actuality, there are significant differences between compounds, and knowing which one is best suited to your field is essential to getting the right results. Calcitic lime, for example, is high in sodium, making it great for fields high in magnesium. Dolomitic lime, on the other hand, is best suited to soils that are deficient in lime. Mixing up compounds can do more harm than good, and thus, it’s crucial to integrate lime as part of a dedicated treatment plan.
It’s also worth noting that the quality of lime also varies based on its fineness and purity. Finer lime particles are more likely to react more quickly with soil acids, while coarser particles take longer to break down. The neutralizing value (NV) or calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) measures how effective a lime product is at neutralizing acidity. To know what compound is best for your needs, it’s essential to work alongside an agronomist to determine your soil’s exact pH levels, etc.
Myth Three: Liming is Only Necessary for Acidic Soils
While agricultural lime’s primary purpose is to raise pH in acidic soils, there are plenty of other benefits associated with it. Lime improves soil structure by helping to flocculate (or clump) soil particles, increasing aeration and water infiltration. This is particularly beneficial for clay-heavy soils often found in Northern Alberta, which struggle with drainage and compaction.
Lime also supplies essential nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium to crops, both of which help strengthen and facilitate plant growth. This means that even soils with a relatively neutral pH can benefit from the nutrient boost provided by agricultural lime!
Myth Four: Lime is Harmful to the Environment
With much of Canada being more concerned about environmental impact than ever before, it’s understandable that famers may worry that lime is harmful to the surrounding ecosystems of their property. Fortunately, when used correctly and in the appropriate amounts, this concern is invalid. In fact, Ag Lime is a safe and sustainable soil amendment that doesn’t accumulate in harmful concentrations, nor does it pose a risk to water quality when applied following best management practices
Thanks to its pH-balancing abilities, lime also reduces the solubility of toxic elements like aluminum, which can be detrimental to plant roots. Healthier soil conditions lead to more robust crops and less environmental stress, supporting long-term agricultural sustainability.
Learn More About Ag Lime With Norstar Agriculture
At Norstar Agriculture, we take a science-based approach, offering soil testing and expert advice to help farmers make the best choices for their fields. Our team ensures you have the right lime product, application rates, and timing for optimal results.
Contact our team today to learn more!
