Consider applying lime soon
Applying lime to pastures, gardens, ponds, orchards, lawns, flowers, etc. is an extremely important component to plant health. Lime is made from limestone which naturally contain calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.
Additionally, lime is vital in adjusting your soil pH.
Seeing as how most of Georgia’s soils are fairly acidic, lime is able to lower the acid level in the soil. High acidic levels in the soil tend to promote a higher aluminum and manganese level which can be toxic to plants, prevents cell division in plant roots, and reduces plant growth. When lime is applied to an acidic soil nutrient availability for plants increases, microbial activity improves, and fertilizer efficacy increases. No matter what you’re growing, starting with the correct soil pH is the first step to achieving optimal plant health. However, accurately determining pH is not a guessing game. The best-case scenario is to have your soil analyzed which will determine nutrients needed and pH.
There are several different types of lime that can be applied depending on the results of the soil analysis: agricultural lime, hydrated lime, dolomitic lime, etc., and determining which lime to apply is dependent on availability, cost, and amount. Agricultural lime is the most commonly used, but hydrated lime tends to react in the soil more quickly.
Dolomitic lime, or dolomite, will have more magnesium content where agricultural lime will have more calcium content, but selecting a lime will depend on soil deficiencies. Also, there are by-products such as wood ash that has calcium and magnesium along with phosphorous, potassium and micro-nutrients.
Knowing what the needs of your soil is important as well. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0-6.5, but plants like blueberries prefer more acidic soils.
However, one of the most important aspects of applying lime is when you apply it. In general, lime takes about two years to full incorporate in the soil, but best practice is apply lime roughly 4-5 months prior to plants so that the lime has begun to react and provide benefits to your plants. Waiting to apply lime until you are planting is far too late.
Lime can be purchased in bags for smaller areas and in bulk for larger areas. Regardless of the size of the area you are planting, submitting a soil test now will give you time to receive your results and apply lime for the beginning of the growing season. For more information please contact the Jones County Extension office by phone at 478-986-3958 or email brennan4@uga.edu.