Quicklime in horticulture. An interesting use of slaked lime. About the use of lime together with fertilizers

All gardeners and gardeners have long understood the fact that for good harvest any crops one planting of plants is not enough. All plantings require proper care. In order to protect plants from various pests and diseases, experienced summer residents use all kinds of chemicals. The most popular is fluff lime.

What is fluff lime?

In the garden and garden, when engaged in natural farming, they often use calcium lime, which can be of two types: quicklime (CaO) and hydrated Ca(OH)2. For plants and humans, both species are absolutely safe if used in accordance with all established rules. calcium lime in Food Industry used as an additive and labeled E529. Lime is obtained by processing chalk, limestone and other carbonate materials. The finished product is in powder form. white color, soluble in water. The main components are dolomite and calcite.

This tool is used as bait, as well as garden remedy to protect plants from harmful insects and various diseases. In addition, lime is used both as an independent component and as additional funds to improve soil quality.

"Slaking lime"

At home, getting fluff is very easy with the help of "extinguishing" quicklime. What you need to mix water and lime powder and leave for 2-3 minutes. So, a reaction occurs, during which the lime melts and turns into a form that is safe for plants. In this case, you need to know that for slaked lime, only cold water, since in a hot liquid they are neutralized beneficial features this tool.

Features of using fluff in the garden and garden

Vishnyakov at one time made an analysis of lime and revealed in it such elements as: calcium, magnesium, potassium. At the same time, the form of the latter substance (potassium) is oxide and is quickly absorbed by plants.

In the composition of the fluff, the main percentage is calcium. Experienced gardeners know that most horticultural crops do not tolerate excessive amounts of calcium. And yet it is required for the development of plants. In any soil must contain calcium. Due to it, hydrogen ions are preserved, providing a favorable environment.

In fact, it is calcium that protects plants from diseases, strengthens the immune system, promotes the activation of the activity of bacteria in the tubers and retains nitrogen in the soil, which the roots receive from the air during loosening. As a result, plant nutrition is improved, and resistance to negative factors. At the same time, due to calcium, the movement of carbohydrates in tissues improves. The root system is better and actively developing. The components that make up the fluff are required for the life processes of horticultural crops. From the foregoing, it becomes clear that when growing plants, lime for the soil is necessary.

Due to calcium useful microorganisms activate their activity, releasing nitrogen from organic matter, mineralizing it. In addition, with the help of this catalyst, the decomposition of organic matter and the formation of humus occur faster. One of positive properties fluff is the ability to reduce the acidity of the soil. During the application of lime fluff in the garden or vegetable garden upper layer the earth is normalized, while its chemical composition becomes better. Also, this substance has a neutralizing effect on such toxic metals as: aluminum, manganese, iron.

When is liming necessary?

Lime in agriculture have found great application. The most popular application is to neutralize the acidity of the soil. To do this, use fluff. For its use in the garden, the following terms must be observed: fluff is added to the soil once every 4 years. When the exploitation of the land is more active, then once every 3 years.

How to determine the increased acidity of the soil?

In order to determine the degree of "acidification" land, you need to look at the following changes:

• horsetail, wormwood, clover, wild rosemary, creeping buttercup, heather, sorrel begin to grow on the beds;
• appears green moss at the edges of the earth.

When these uninvited guests appeared in the garden, it means that it is necessary to start using fluff lime and apply it in the prescribed dosages. In addition, the acidity of the soil can be determined by poor growth beets and wheat, as well as the ash layer located on the surface of the earth.

In specialized stores, paper indicators are sold, with which you can determine the acidity.

Why should soil acidity be avoided?

In acidic soil, all conditions are created for the development various pathogenic bacteria and fungi, while in such a land there are not enough useful trace elements. Cultivated plants do not take root well on acidic soil, because they root system poorly developed. But it starts to grow a large number of weeds.

An elevated pH indicates elevated hydrogen ions. Fertilizers added to this land become useless, because by reacting with hydrogen, a composition is formed that is useless for crops. In order to reduce the level of manganese and aluminum, deoxidation of the earth is carried out in autumn and spring, thereby ensuring required quantity soil with phosphorus, calcium, molybdenum, magnesium, nitrogen.

In order to improve productivity, fluffy lime must be calculated correctly. There are certain rules for adding lime to the ground. Using fluff in the garden, you must follow the following rules:

• for the lightest, sandy soil - 260-480 gr./sq.m.;
• for light soils, alumina, loam - 450-605 gr./sq.m.;
• for clay, heavy soil - 550-800 gr./sq.m.

These rules must be followed, since an overdose is harmful to plants. The earth, which is oversaturated with lye, will not allow plants to fully absorb the required nutrients, including calcium. At the same time, poor liming is possible due to the simultaneous addition of manure and lime to the ground, during this reaction insoluble compounds are formed that are useless for plants. Garden crops lack micronutrients, which significantly affects the yield.

How to add lime to the soil?

Quicklime must be quenched. In order to do this, the powder is ground and mixed with water. Then powdered slaked lime must be mixed with the ground.

When is liming done in the beds?

As a rule, digging of the earth is carried out in the fall. At the same time, during plowing into the soil fluff lime is added. Most autumn digging is required early varieties vegetables. It is necessary to dig up the earth after the crop is harvested from the garden and all the roots of plants and tops are removed. Fertilizers are scattered throughout the site. The earth is turned over in such a way that the more dispersed upper layer falls down, and the structural lower layer is on top. Experienced gardeners it is not advised to level the surface and break up earthen clods in the fall, because this way moisture is better retained in the soil.

Processing is most often performed at a depth of 30-35 cm. When garden crops are perennial, plowing is done to a depth of up to 45 cm. When digging the earth, lime and organic fertilizers must be applied at the same time. Moreover, the fertile layer is removed, and the subsoil is loosened to a depth of 2 cm, adding 1 sq.m. 150 gr. lime. The loosened layer must be mixed with the soil. Organic fertilizers are added up to 12 kg per 1 sq.m. Then the furrow is covered with the top layer of earth.

Lime can also be used in spring. In this case, it is added to the ground in small doses and light digging is performed. As a rule, these measures are used for beds on which plants are going to be planted that tolerate painfully high soil acidity. These crops include: garlic, onion, turnip, mustard, radish, cabbage, lettuce. This procedure is performed a week before sowing. It is necessary that the soil moisture in spring time was preserved. Therefore, soil treatment begins to be carried out on time, when the soil is damp, but does not stick to the shovel and can crumble into small lumps.

How is fluff lime used simultaneously with fertilizers?

If you decide to add fluff along with organic fertilizers, then it is necessary to take into account certain nuances:

• crushed limestone may be mixed with natural fertilizers;
• do not mix lime, dolomite, cement dust, marl, lime tuff, chalk.

Weed control

effectively protects beds from weeds. Therefore, it is advisable to use it when the earth is very acidic and wood lice, an indicator grass, begin to grow on it. This weed is very tenacious and will need to be weeded out regularly. In order to get rid of wood lice, you need to use other methods in relation to it, or rather, make unbearable conditions. To do this, in the fall, ash, chalk or lime are added to the ground. The weed will disappear if the ground is less acidic. During use 200 gr. lime per 1 sq.m., you can prevent the "attack" of horsetail, wheatgrass and other weeds.

Lime vs wireworm

To combat the wireworm, you need to combine various preventive measures and procedures. By getting rid of this pest, you will increase the quality and percentage of root vegetables: carrots, potatoes, radishes, beets. If you do not pay attention to this beetle, then you can completely lose the crop.

Acidic soil is I favorable condition for the reproduction of wireworm larvae. By lowering the acidity level of the earth, you can ensure that the females in these conditions will not be able to lay eggs, this will eventually rid the garden completely of the pest.

The use of lime to get rid of the wireworm involves adding it in a small amount. More precisely - for 1 sq.m. you need 500 gr. Then they irrigate and after a few days they re-dig and moisten. A handful of ash must also be added to each well.

The use of lime in horticulture

Fluff is used in gardens as a deoxidizer, as well as for whitewashing trees and shrubs. To protect against tree pests, whitewashing is effective and in an inexpensive way. By carrying out this procedure in the spring, you can protect tree trunks from insects, as well as from hot sunlight. If every spring the trees are treated with fluff, then various pests will not breed in them.

Although some gardeners prefer to whitewash trees in autumn time. Coating them with clay and lime before winter, so you can protect the trees from temperature extremes. But in the presence of precipitation, lime will not sufficiently protect the trunks from solar overheating and pests. In order to protect the trees to a greater extent, whitewashing is still best done in the spring.

Before trees are treated with fluff, it is necessary to prepare the trunk. The dead upper layer of the bark is removed, thereby ridding the trunk of insects and their larvae. The plucked bark must be burned.

Lime is bred in this way: 1 kg of dry mullein, 300 grams of clay, 10 liters of water, 1 kg of lime and 200 grams blue vitriol mix well and leave to swell for 2-3 hours.

Thus, the use of lime in the garden is limited only by your imagination. Fluffy lime is a unique substance that can serve to nourish the soil, protect plants and trees from pests. Any self-respecting gardener simply must use it.

Hydrated lime is a white powder that dissolves in water. Lime is the general name for substances that are obtained in the process of roasting and processing limestone, chalk and other carbonate rocks. There are three types, the most commonly used in the garden - fluff lime.

Consider how gardeners use lime for soil:

• Quicklime should be ground into a powder and moistened with water to extinguish.
• Slaked powdered lime is mixed with earth.

How to determine the application rate

The dosage is determined depending on:

• Composition and acidity of the earth;
• Type and depth of incorporation of limestone fertilizers used in this area;

With increased acidity / per 1 sq.m.:

• Clay and loamy - 0.5 kg;
• On sandy - 0.3 kg;

With an average degree of acidity / per 1 sq.m.:

• Clay and loamy - 0.3 kg;
• On sandy - 0.2 kg;

With a weak degree of acidity / per 1 sq.m.:

• Clay and loamy - 0.2 kg;
• Sandy ones are not limed at all;

Dear visitors, save this article to in social networks. We publish very useful articles to help you in your business. Share! Click!

How often can you use

Signs of soil acidity

1. First of all, it is possible to determine the degree of soil acidity visually, using some observations, namely, according to the state of cultivated and weed plants:

• A characteristic sign of acidity is whitish, like an ashy layer, lying almost on the surface; plants also testify to this:
• Clover can serve as a good indicator, because it does not grow in acidic soils.
• Poor growth of wheat, beets - indicates that liming of the earth is required, because they are especially sensitive to it;
• Sorrel, horsetail, pike, white-bearded, wild rosemary, heather, creeping buttercup - plants that serve as a sign of high acidity.

1. In specialized stores, paper indicators are sold that will help determine the composition of the degree of acidity.

And some secrets...

Have you ever experienced unbearable joint pain? And you know firsthand what it is:

• inability to move easily and comfortably;
• discomfort when going up and down stairs;
• unpleasant crunch, clicking not of their own free will;
• pain during or after exercise;
• inflammation in the joints and swelling;
• causeless and sometimes unbearable aching pain in the joints ...

Now answer the question: does it suit you? Can such pain be endured? And how much money have you already "leaked" for ineffective treatment? That's right - it's time to end this! Do you agree? That is why we decided to publish an exclusive interview with professor Dikul, in which he revealed the secrets of getting rid of joint pain, arthritis and arthrosis.

In many country councils you can see the mention of slaked lime. What is the reason for this and how to do it?

Fluff, slaked lime or calcium hydroxide is an inorganic compound in the form of a white powder. Use for if the acidity level is below 5.5.

Slaked lime can be obtained by mixing lump lime with water at the rate of 10 kg of lime 3-4 liters of water, or you can buy a ready-made preparation in the form of a powder (fluff). Quicklime for microorganisms in the soil will be dangerous, because when it gets into moist soil, the slaking process begins, heat is released, which will be fatal. Slaked lime can be replaced with dolomite flour, which contains more not only calcium, but also magnesium. However, you should always remember that when replacing any drug with other analogues, you need to calculate the percentage of the active substance, in this case it is alkali.

Substitutes: 1 kg of lime = 4-6 kg of ash = 1.5-2.5 kg of dolomite flour.

Hydrated lime is used as a means of combating larvae and beetles, and processing wooden objects that interact with the soil (fences, bench legs, plant supports, etc.). This will slow down the rotting process and will protect against pests.

Do not forget that almost every dacha has a cellar where vegetables, garden tools and other household items are stored, so lime will be excellent. prophylactic in .

Hydrated lime is applied to the soil in autumn or spring after plowing, so that it gradually penetrates into the depths during rain. If you do not dig up the garden, but you need to lime the soil, then distribute a bucket of fluff per 1 sq.m. and walk. Do not mulch. The application of lime cannot be combined with any other type of fertilizer, this can significantly reduce the result.

It is worth noting that slaked lime should be used freshly prepared, since with prolonged interaction with carbon dioxide air, its properties begin to evaporate.

There is such a thing as milk of lime. Some summer residents use it as a substitute for whitewash, spraying entire trees and shrubs. Thus, there is a continuous protection of plants from sunburn and overheating, the bark is wrapped in a “warm shirt” in winter and lingers spring bloom for a week, thereby saving many plants from return frosts spring.

It is not difficult to prepare milk of lime: depending on the concentration, take 1-2 kg of freshly slaked lime and dilute it in 10 liters of water.

If pest larvae are poured on a tree with milk of lime, then they will not be able to develop and the caterpillars will not be able to move.

Quicklime has a wide range of applications in various fields.. The substance is used in the construction industry. Tree whitewashing stands out mandatory procedure because this measure is inexpensive.

Calcium oxide in nature exists as ordinary limestone, which is modified to oxide by the method heat treatment. This element has a white color, a crystalline structure. Its production occurs during the firing of chalk, dolomite, limestone.

In the production of lime, part of the inclusions does not exceed 8%. The combination formula is presented as CaO, despite the fact that there are other components of mineral origin in the composition.

Scope and properties of quicklime

The main hydraulic qualities are determined by the number of silicates and crystals of calcium aluminoferite, which are characterized by a rounded shape of a yellowish, brown to black tint. Based on these characteristics, there are varieties of lime:

• garden used to enrich the soil with the acidity coefficient;

• as whitewash;

• construction for concrete mixtures, bricks;

• chlorine disinfectant. instructions for the use of bleach.

In the process of change chemical composition, structure and properties of metal alloys is used as a cleaning component.

Most people have given up on using chemical, including the construction of houses, because quicklime accumulates moisture.

The chemical industry uses lime in synthesis processes organic compounds. It is possible to work with lime in the cold season, because when quenching, enough heat is generated, and the temperature is maintained. Do not use with any building heating device as liquefied CO2 is produced.

In the garden

Huge use of quicklime received in the garden. her formula. For example, this substance is vegetation processing from insects and as top dressing for the soil. In crushed form, it is considered a raw material in the manufacture of animal feed.

The prepared solution is used to paint a variety of surfaces. The substance is also included in many products, which are referred to as the E-529 emulsifier.

Is lime mortar used in gardening

Lime fertilizers have long been used in agriculture to increase soil fertility and for the purpose of liming, including reducing the percentage of acidity.

Hard lime fertilizers, for example, chalk, limestone, are ground or burned before being added to the soil.

Soft additives function more efficiently because they do not require pre-treatment. Liming is carried out once every 2 years. 150 grams are needed per 1m² substances. It is important to carry out liming in the same way.

It is necessary to adhere to certain principles:

• lime is introduced without combination with humus (otherwise there is a threat to lose nitrogen);
• enough powerful stuff, which is useful for certain types of soil;
• application rationally on heavy soil;
• it should be kept outside.

The problem is that when combined with water, lime can warm up. There are volatilizations that bring only harm to the human body.

It is possible to combine together with sulfuric acid and wood ash. Last option does not contain chlorine, so it is good to use it under plants that react negatively to chlorine. bleach formula.

Application in the country - how fluff is used

Quicklime is widely used in various works in the country. These include tree painting. in the ratio of 1 kg of the mixture to 4 liters of liquid. After two days, the composition can be applied.

Also lime carry out sprinkling of crops. A fungicide is added to the lime water and after 2 hours they start spraying the plants.

Lime is used for whitewashing ceilings and walls. about puttying the walls under the wallpaper.

Remember that for this procedure the ratio is completely different: 1 kg of product per 2 liters of water. Then add liquid gradually until the solution is the desired density.

Then the substance settles for two days, after which it must be filtered.

Almost all gardeners know that some crops do not tolerate an excessive predominance of Ca. However, calcium is the main source for stimulating the growth of the root system and is especially important at the very beginning of development.

The main purpose of calcium is as follows:

• protects the culture from diseases;
• activates the work of nodule microorganisms;
• retains nitrogen in the soil;
• improves plant nutrition;
• increases resistance to various harmful conditions;
• helps to dissolve the components in the liquid;
• a key element for the formation of the root system;
• promotes accelerate the decomposition of organic matter.

The ability to reduce soil subacidity is one of the most desirable qualities possessed by fluff lime.

The use of quicklime in horticulture contributes not only to the normalization of the upper soil cover, but also to the improvement of the chemical composition. Helps to eliminate the influence of toxic metals.

Exceeding the application rate is undesirable for the culture. Too alkaline soil reduces the absorption of many required micronutrients, including Ca. However, please note that poor quality liming in some cases due to the addition of lime to the soil along with humus.

Therefore, as a rule, combinations are formed that cannot dissolve, and this is considered an absolutely futile process for the development of plants. garden crops begin to experience a shortage of required nutrients so there is no yield.

Lime is best applied in autumn or spring after preliminary digging. In this case, the substance eventually seeps into the ground immediately after rain. During the period of work, it is necessary to adhere to measures to protect against the influence of lime.

If lime gets into the mucous membranes, immediately go to the doctor. Wash hands and face after work.

It is not necessary to use lime along with the compost, as chemical reaction upon their contact. Liming of acid soils in the recommended proportions favorably affects the increase in the population of earthworms, which slowly breed in oxidized soils.

Their lifespan is greatly reduced when they inhabit such an environment. Wood ash can replace lime and also favorably affect the soil.

It reduces soil subacidity and is considered an important potash fertilizer. However, this fertilizer will need to be applied in larger proportions than any other options.

When normalizing the acidity of the soil to garden plot one of the gardener's frequent mistakes is the replacement of quicklime with gypsum.

This is impractical, for example, gypsum does not reduce subacidity, but is used exclusively in salted soils for the purpose of improvement, since it crystallizes excess sulfate.

The frequency of use of garden lime directly depends on the type of fertilizer. When mineral - liming is done more often. And the use of natural additives contributes to the natural maintenance of acid-base balance.

From this it follows that with the systematic supply of organic matter, auxiliary treatment with a chemical substance is most likely not needed.

It should also be taken into account that not all vegetables prefer lime treatment.

Can lime be used in construction?

Quicklime has become widely used in construction. From element for a long time lime cement was produced, which, when exposed to CO2, instantly hardened. cement proportions lime mortar for plaster.

In today's construction infrequently used due to significant levels of water absorption. The accumulation of moisture from the inside of the walls often led to the growth of bacteria and mold.

It is forbidden to apply to processing of furnaces. dimensions kiln brick. Under the influence of flame and high temperatures with given element toxic carbonic anhydride is released.

Thanks to the formation construction technologies the solution contains a couple of key species:

• air type used for ground construction work;
• hydraulic view for the manufacture of special construction mixtures. Most of all it is used in the construction of bridges.

For more information about quicklime, see the video:

What is the difference and differences between quicklime and slaked

What is the difference and difference between slaked lime (formula) and quicklime? Quicklime is not used as cement due to its ability to absorb water and form mold on the walls, however, the industry construction works it is popular for making cinder block, colorful items, silicate bricks(its weight) and plasters.

Quicklime is used to eliminate sewage water and gases formed in the chimney.

It is from the quenching method that different variations of lime are obtained:

• lime liquid;
• suspension;
• hydrated slaked lime. about its application.

Operation Precautions

When working with a ground substance, the lungs should be protected from the dust formed on the mucous membranes. Therefore, ventilate the building regularly. best method protection from toxic attack is to carry out work on the street.

When such a requirement is not feasible, apply a protective bandage, gloves and a special mask.

Store the substance in an airtight container, as it freely draws in CO2 from the atmosphere, forming calcium carbonate.

Symptoms of poisoning

Any chemical element if it is misused will lead to detrimental effects on human health.

Before using lime, be sure to read the recommendations on the product packaging or find out the details of the manipulation of the substance from a specialist or seller.

Intoxication manifests itself as follows:

• a burn of the oral cavity, which is expressed by swelling, an increase in the level of blood flow and sudden, powerful pains;
• there is aching pain in the area of ​​​​the alimentary tract;
• saturation pain depends on the amount of exposure to a chemical element;
• there is a strong craving for drinking liquids;
• later, nausea and bloody vomiting may occur, the appearance of diarrhea (this means the presence of a through hole in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by the ingress of its contents into the free abdominal cavity);
• the appearance of asthma attacks;
• increased dosage of the chemical stimulates suppression of cardiac and respiratory work, but as a result of the manifestation of a state of shock.

Actions in case of burns with quicklime

First of all instantly carry out abundant and scrupulous washing of the affected area, and most importantly purified water. The largest accumulation of the chemical is in the conjunctival sac, so be sure to give great attention to cleansing the eyes and eyelids.

After that, you need to wait for an ambulance for effective treatment in the hospital. A 0.5% composition of amethocaine, a strong anesthetic, is instilled into the eye. By activity, it significantly exceeds novocaine. With the help of a wet swab, tweezers and a needle, particles of the substance are removed.

After the removal of the substance, another washing of the mucous membranes is carried out with plain water, and then with a special 0.9% aqueous solution of sodium chloride.

Then apply an ointment containing 5% chloramphenicol.

Quicklime in its pure form shows itself well in the fight against annoying weeds, and it is also successfully used as seasonal fertilizer. Weed grass can cause irreparable harm to cultivated fruit-bearing plants. They get rid of it at the moment when it has multiplied too much, and it is simply impossible to pull it out entirely.

Quicklime is produced in the form of white pieces at the time of heat treatment of limestone. During active interaction with moisture, it is extinguished, in this form it is not very convenient to interact with it, because it contains large impurities of pebbles or raw limestone.

Control pesky weeds with quicklime

To prevent the weed from reappearing after the last full processing, you must first remove it again. Usually the grass is removed in beds and intermediate furrows. Weeds begin to crawl out and actively spread, so it is necessary to start fighting them back in the spring, that is, they must be sprinkled with quicklime. Such a remedy in this case is distinguished by its effectiveness and strength, because it is able to completely prevent reappearance herbs. It must be remembered that lime is not good for all plants. For example, a plant horse sorrel does not tolerate it at all.

Soil liming works well for earthworms. These beneficial creatures do not reproduce well in acidic soils, so tillage in the indicated proportions has a positive effect on the population of these important creatures.

Rules for the use of lime for the complete removal of unpleasant weeds

For this purpose, lime is applied to the soil at intervals of once every 2 years. The next processing is carried out in compliance with the following important rules:

• Lime can be used to treat the site during the period when there was no manure treatment so that nitrogen does not evaporate;
• Quicklime lime has a powerful effect, so it is not suitable for all types of soils, it is often used on heavy soils;
• Powdered lime is not advised to be stored indoors, because when a small amount of moisture gets on it, the composition begins to actively heat up, releasing vapors that are harmful to fragile human health, so the purchased product should be used immediately for its intended purpose. Lime is suitable for combination with other types of fertilizers, such as ash.

Powdered lime is used to treat the soil before direct application. various kinds fertilizers. If 200 g per 1 sq. m., horsetail and unwanted leek are fully removed. Processing is carried out in autumn period, with seasonal digging of the soil. There is also another, no less effective method elimination of weeds: after harvesting, clover is evenly sown throughout the plot. This grass is able to quickly crowd out other weeds. In early spring, clover will serve as an excellent fertilizer. Chalk is successfully combined with quicklime or dolomite flour. When mowing weeds, it is important to prevent seeds from falling back into the area. After burning the dried weeds, they are sprinkled with quicklime.

Dry lime in the form of fertilizer

Lime in dry form is recognized effective fertilizer for plants, because it raises the fertility of the soil, helps to regulate its internal acidity. If lime is added to the soil in excess of the norm, then it will become quite alkaline, and the crops growing on it will no longer receive so many various microelements.

The most common mistake many gardeners - this is the seasonal application of manure along with quicklime, such complex fertilizer does not bring any tangible benefit to the plant. When these components begin active interaction, heavy insoluble elements are formed in the soil, preventing the formation useful substances, because of this, the crop on such soil becomes more scarce.

How to determine exactly when the soil needs lime fertilizer?

The soil needs such liming only once every 7-8 years, as a result of constantly occurring processes in the soil, the overall reaction of the soil changes slowly, after a few years soil composition returns to the previous level.

Seasonal soil fertilizer with lime is produced based on external signs, which may indicate the need for such fertilizer. Liming is required for strongly acidic soils with a whitish or gray-white tint and a pronounced podzolic horizon with a thickness of more than 10 cm. The need for liming is also determined by current state growing there cultivated plants, according to the degree of growth of weeds. Wheat, ordinary clover, and beets are considered especially sensitive to acidity. Their slow growth may indicate the need to add quicklime. Some weeds prefer acidic soils, among which it is worth noting heather, wild rosemary, creeping buttercup, sorrel. The active growth of these weeds indicates an increased acidity of the soil. There are also special paper indicators on free sale, with which you can easily determine the degree of acidification of the soil.

When should quicklime be applied?

For the first time, powdered lime is spread over the site when laying orchard during site preparation. Then limestone is applied in early spring or in the fall before direct digging of the earth. High-quality mixing of lime with soil is the main condition for the effective introduction of this mixture.

The dosage of lime applied to the soil depends on the following conditions:

• The degree of acidity of the soil, from its general composition, with increased rates, the dosage is increased;
• What fertilizers are used in combination with lime application;
• Depths of the laying of the composition;
• The duration of the break between the last application of fertilizer and the current procedure.

Areas of application of lime

As a fertilizer, lime is usually used in ground form. But it should be noted that this is not the only place where lime is used. Almost every dacha has a special cellar for storing the harvested crop and the necessary garden tool. Lime here acts as an excellent agent for combating mold. She just whitens the cellar.

Lime in slaked form can be used as effective remedy to fight larvae and bugs, for the next whitewashing of trees and the processing of various wooden objects that actively interact with the soil (these can be fences, bench legs, plant supports, etc.).

Ground limestone has also found its application in agriculture, it serves as an excellent raw material in the production of feed for livestock, feeding poultry. It is also known that quicklime has the ability to neutralize flue gases and Wastewater in ditches, which is also important in the private sector.

Quicklime is a popular product in the food industry. It is in the complex composition of many food products in the form of emulsifier E-529. This component is used to mix substances that are considered to be immiscible in nature, such as oil and water.

Healthy milk of lime

In addition to quicklime, there is the concept of milk of lime. Instead of traditional whitewashing, summer residents actively use it, they spray entire trees and shrubs with the composition. With the help of this composition, natural protection is created for crops from possible sunburn and severe overheating, the bark is put on such a “warm shirt” for the winter, the spring flowering of trees is delayed for a week. In this way, gardeners save their fruit trees from spring frosts.

Lime milk is prepared very simply: you need to take 1-2 kg of quicklime, dilute it in 10 liters of water. If all pest larvae on tree trunks are poured with such a prepared solution, then they further development stop, the caterpillars simply will not be able to move normally.

Some interesting points about lime

• If there is no lime to apply as a fertilizer, then ordinary lime can replace it. wood ash. It is also able to lower the level of soil acidity, and it is also rich in potassium. This type of fertilizer is applied to large quantities than traditional limestone or dolomite.
• Many inexperienced gardeners make the mistake of replacing quicklime with ordinary gypsum. It is not worth adding this element to the soil, since it does not have any effect on acidity. Its introduction is required only in highly saline soils in order to crystallize the excess salt mass.
• The frequency of use of this type of limestone directly depends on what other varieties are introduced into it. With the introduction of mineral elements, the addition of lime is required more often than with the introduction of organics. Organic is a strong fertilizer in itself, after which additional application of limestone is not required.
• Not all popular horticultural crops lime is well perceived, this fact must also be taken into account. Potatoes, tomatoes, sorrel, peas, parsley, carrots, zucchini and pumpkin categorically do not tolerate lime. In horticulture, there are also plants that react extremely negatively to the addition of lime to the soil, among them it is worth noting chokeberry, gooseberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries.

All these nuances need to be known before you decide to liming your site.