Lime Application Calculator
Free lime application calculator. Determine how much agricultural lime to apply to raise soil pH, improve crop yields, and optimize nutrient availability based on soil type and lime quality (CCE%).
Soil pH Levels
Field Information
Soil and Lime Properties
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Optimize Soil pH with Proper Lime Application
Soil pH affects nutrient availability, microbial activity, and crop performance. Our lime application calculator helps farmers and gardeners determine exactly how much agricultural lime to apply based on current pH, target pH, soil type, and lime quality. Get accurate recommendations in tons per acre or pounds per acre for your specific conditions.
Understanding Lime Application Calculations
Agricultural lime (calcium carbonate) is applied to neutralize soil acidity and raise pH levels. The amount needed depends on the pH change required, soil buffering capacity (resistance to pH change), and lime quality measured as Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (CCE%). Different soil types require different amounts of lime for the same pH change.
Lime Requirement Formula
Lime Required (tons/acre) = (Soil Buffer Factor × pH Change) ÷ (Lime CCE% ÷ 100) × Field AcresWhy Apply Agricultural Lime?
Nutrient Availability
Most nutrients are optimally available at pH 6.0-7.0. Acidic soils lock up phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and molybdenum.
Crop Yield Improvement
Proper pH increases fertilizer efficiency, root development, and crop yields by 10-30% in acidic soils.
Microbial Activity
Beneficial soil bacteria and nitrogen-fixing organisms thrive in near-neutral pH, improving soil health.
Aluminum Toxicity Reduction
Liming reduces toxic aluminum and manganese levels that harm plant roots in acidic conditions.
How to Use This Calculator
Common Applications
New Field Preparation
Calculate lime needs when converting new land to cropland or establishing pastures and hayfields.
Crop Rotation Planning
Adjust pH for different crop requirements, especially when rotating from acid-tolerant to pH-sensitive crops.
Pasture Renovation
Improve legume establishment and nitrogen fixation by raising pH to 6.5-7.0 for alfalfa and clover.
Garden Soil Amendment
Calculate exact lime amounts for vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and ornamental plantings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (CCE%) measures the neutralizing power of lime relative to pure calcium carbonate (100%). If your lime has 85% CCE, you'll need to apply more than if using 100% CCE lime. Agricultural lime typically ranges from 85-95% CCE, while dolomitic lime can exceed 100% CCE.