Top 5 Benefits of Agricultural Lime
Lime is a naturally occurring vital nutrient which is essential for the maintenance of healthy soil. It imparts a heavy role in higher crop yields. Naturally occurring limes are mostly compounds of CaCO3. Lime is very well known for its ability to minimize acidity of soil and increasing efficiency of fertilizers. It is also very cost effective. The key benefits of agricultural limes are as follows-
Raises pH, Reducing Acidity
Soil becomes too much acidic when concentration of positively charged hydrogen and aluminum ions intensifies. Leaching out of calcium and magnesium from soil can also cause acidity. Roots of plants cannot absorb necessary nutrients from acidic soils which results in slow plant growth. Application of lime reduces soil acidity. It combines with the aluminum and hydrogen cations to increase the pH of soil. Lime enhances the activity of Nitrogen fixing bacteria and reduces the quantity of many harmful fungi.
Increases the Efficiency of Fertilizers
Fertilizers are necessary for healthy plant growth. It accelerates the production of crops and also kills various pests. Application of lime improves the efficiency of fertilizers. The cost behind fertilizers can be reduced through the application of lime along with it, thus lowering the cost of fertilizers. Fertilizers work well in high pH environment and lime certainly helps the cause.
Accelerates Development of Plants
Lime increases the nutrition level of the soil. The mineral contents of calcium, magnesium, iron can be raised through the use of lime. These minerals are vital for the growth and development of plants. It also makes absorption of nutrients easier. Low pH value hinders the growth of crops. The use of lime helps to increase pH level of soil.
Stabilizes Soil Aggregates to Resist Erosion
Application of limestone helps stabilization of soil and makes it resistant to erosion. The soluble calcium ion present in lime replaces the sodium ion (salt) responsible for soil erosion and allows it to leach out through the drainage system. As a result, soil endurance is increased which in turns minimizes the damage during flood.
Efficiency of Insecticides
Insecticides are key ingredient in the development of plants. It is used to protect plants from various pest attacks. Lime enhances the performances of insecticides. Most insecticides work only under specific pH value. Without the optimum level of pH these pesticides turns ineffective. Agricultural lime helps to maintain pH level of soil at an optimum level thus safeguard plants against harmful pests.
The importance of agricultural lime is hard to put into words. Besides above mentioned ones, lime-
Reduces the need for costly fertilizers
Enhances the growth of beneficial bacteria
Helps regulate soil moisture
Supplies key plant nutrients
Helps in nitrogen fixation of soil
Increases the plants taste
Therefore use of lime in crop field is heavily recommended.