.png)
The Importance and Impact of Agricultural Lime on Soil Health
What is agricultural lime?
Agricultural lime, also known as ag lime, is a soil amendment made from crushed limestone or dolomite used to increase soil pH levels and reduce soil acidity. The use of agricultural lime has long been a common practice in farming, as it can improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability, and ultimately support healthier crops and higher yields.
Soil acidity can be a major limiting factor for plant growth and productivity. Most crops prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. When soil becomes too acidic, nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium become less available to plants, while toxic elements like aluminium and manganese become more soluble and may accumulate to harmful levels. This can result in stunted growth, nutrient deficiencies, and reduced yields.
Agricultural lime helps neutralise soil acidity by releasing calcium and magnesium ions, which replace the hydrogen and aluminium ions responsible for soil acidity. This reaction raises soil pH, improving nutrient availability, reducing the toxicity of certain elements, and fostering optimal plant development.
In addition to correcting pH, lime improves soil structure by promoting aggregation. Better soil structure means enhanced water infiltration, aeration, and root penetration—conditions that support strong and resilient plants.
Agricultural lime is typically applied before planting crops such as corn, citrus, canola, soybeans, and grains. The amount needed depends on initial soil pH, soil type, and the specific crop’s pH and nutrient requirements.
Dolomitic lime, a form of agricultural lime, contains both calcium and magnesium, making it especially useful in correcting magnesium deficiencies in soils. In contrast, high-calcium lime is applied when calcium supplementation is the priority.
It's important to note that lime application must be informed by soil testing. Over-liming can push the pH too high, leading to nutrient imbalances and potential toxicities (e.g., molybdenum or boron). As with all soil amendments, lime should be applied as part of a tailored, evidence-based management plan.
Lime Sales: Supporting Soil Health Across the Western Cape
Lime Sales is one of the leading producers and suppliers of agricultural dolomitic lime in the Western Cape. Operating from our Bridgetown Dolomite Mine in Moorreesburg, we have supplied over 750,000 tons of agricultural lime and more than 3 million tons of metallurgical dolomite since 1988.
Our high-quality dolomitic lime is trusted by farmers across the region to correct soil acidity, improve nutrient availability, and support long-term crop performance. We also supply a range of dolomite-based products for the construction and civil construction industries.
We are committed to delivering products that meet industry specifications and the specific needs of our clients.
Contact us today for more information or to request a tailored quote:
###
.svg)
