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| Lime |
Strictly speaking, lime is calcium oxide.
Calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate and (less commonly) calcium sulphate are added as soil sweeteners, to liberate other chemicals and to improve the texture of heavy ground, some act more rapidly and others have better moisture-holding qualities.
Chalk; (calcium carbonate) is slower in action, although this depends very much upon how finely it has been ground down.
It is especially suitable for light soil, as it holds moisture.
Spread at a rate of up to 900gms per sq metre (2 lb / sq yd) depending upon pH.
Ground Limestone; is another form of calcium carbonate, and is even slower acting, but again much depends on fineness.
Spread at a rate not greater than 900gms per sq metre (2 lb / sq yd) depending upon pH .
n.b. To alter pH by 1 unit apply 300grammes per square metre (10oz per sq yd)
Gypsum; (calcium sulphate) is commonly used for improving soil structure and particularly for heavy clay soils.
Spread at a rate not greater than 225 gms per sq metre (8oz / sq yd) on heavy soils, depending upon pH.
Hydrated Lime; (air-slaked lime) in powder form, is the quickest-acting, and can be used with safety around plants.
Spread at a rate not greater than 450gms per sq metre (1 lb / sq yd) depending upon pH.
Quicklime; (calcium oxide) kills insects, etc., in the soil, and is quick acting, but caustic, and is only suitable for use on vacant land.
Spread at a rate not greater than 450gms per sq metre (1 lb / sq yd) depending upon pH.
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