Lime Application Guide (Current pH → Target pH, Soil Type)
Estimate a lime application range from current pH, target pH, and soil type.
This is a simplified starting point when no soil test is available, to avoid over-application.
What this tool does
- Instant range from pH gap and soil type.
- Adjust for tillage depth and neutralizing value (ECCE/CCE).
- Reuse with URL parameters and recent calculations.
Unosi
Range is shown with just pH gap and soil type.Required (fastest results)
pH (H2O) is ideal. Simple test kits are OK as a rough guide.
If target is below current, lime is not needed.
Choose the closest texture by feel.
Optional (detail settings)
Add detail only if needed.
Select if you know a more precise texture. If blank, we use the soil type above.
Deeper incorporation increases required amount (linear correction).
Auto-fills a typical neutralizing value.
Enter the neutralizing value/alkalinity % from the label.
All units are shown; only the primary unit is emphasized.
Rezultati
Čeka se unosRaščlamba
Napomene
- Avoid heavy single applications; consider split applications.
- Incorporate after application and re-test.
- If Mg is already high, be cautious with repeated dolomitic lime.
Recent calculations
No saved items yet.
Basis and assumptions (simplified)
Because pH alone does not show buffering capacity, we present a range.
- Lime requirement is approximated from texture-based coefficients and the pH gap (proportional).
- Texture coefficients are derived from sources such as UC ANR tables and approximated for field use.
- Reference depth is 18 cm (~7 inches); correction is linear as depth_cm/18.
- Lower ECCE/CCE materials require proportionally higher amounts.
Approximate coefficients by texture (t/acre per 1 pH at 18 cm)
Rounded approximation of extended references. See references for details.
| Texture | pH 4.5→5.5 | pH 5.5→6.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Sand / sandy loam | 0.5 | 0.6 |
| Sandy loam | 0.8 | 1.3 |
| Loam | 1.2 | 1.7 |
| Silt loam | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| Clay loam | 1.9 | 2.3 |
| Muck/peat | 3.8 | 4.3 |
References
Cautions (read first)
- This tool provides a simplified estimate from soil pH and type. Required lime varies widely with buffering capacity (CEC, organic matter, clay minerals, etc.).
- If possible, prioritize a soil test (buffer pH / lime requirement).
- Incorporate after application and re-test to see if you reached target pH (apply more if needed).
- Optimal values vary by crop, region, and soil conditions; consult local experts if unsure.
Često postavljana pitanja (FAQ)
No soil test (only pH known)
You can calculate with minimal inputs, but pH alone cannot capture buffering capacity, so error is possible. If possible, prioritize soil testing (buffer pH / lime requirement) and use this only as a rough starting point.
Material differs (dolomitic lime, hydrated lime, etc.)
Neutralizing value (CCE/ECCE) differs by material. Enter the % from the label to correct the application amount. ECCE depends on both neutralizing value and particle size.
What units are supported?
kg/ha and lb/acre are linked, and kg/10a and t/ha are also shown.