pellet lime vs. ag lime ratio

[profire31]

Quick question for a quick fix please. Soil test says I need 1 ton lime per acre. As a quick fix I'd like to used pelleted lime but don't know how much. I understand it's not the ton per acre. Any input is appreciated. thanks

 

[randallnMo]

Pel Lime manufacturers are not required to put ENM (effective neutralizing material) values on their label. Why, I don't know. Generally, Pel Lime has at least twice the ENM of regular Ag lime. There are several different types of ag lime...all varying in their ENM and Calcium Carbonate Equivalent...and lots of variation within each type. The availability of lime is pretty much totally determined by the fineness of grind...which determines the ENM. As a rule, pel lime is VERY finely ground and must be pelleted for ease of use. If your soil says you need 1 ton of regular ag lime, I'd be inclined to apply 1000 pounds of Pel Lime. 1 ton of ag lime isn't much really, so your soil isn't all that acidic.

 

[sdc eastern ia]

I"d apply 500# this year and 100# next with fert. if you use it. Too much calcium will shock the soil too much. my 2 cents

 

[showcrop]

You don't say how many acres you are working, but even fine powdered lime takes a while to dissolve, so you want to get it all on right away. like Randall says a ton per acre is a relatively light application.If you need very much, wet lime is the way to go because it doesn't make a dust cloud. You can either hire it spread or rent a spreader.

 

[snoop-nc]

Check your $$ closely after you find out the "ratio" of pellet vs bulk. Pellet Lime can be rather pricey. When I was doing yard work, I had to use pellet Lime because of difficulty in getting spreader trucks close in around houses. Also had to be concerned with large clods being tossed about. In a "field setting" bulk lime is more economical.

Rick

 

[Anonymous-0]

Pel lime in bags sold here generally has a calcium carbonate content of 90-92%. Calcium is the effective chemical in ag lime. Quarry lime around here will have 27-30% calcium content per unit volume. Generally,you would apply pel lime maybe 20-25% of rate of bulk quarry lime recommended for agronomic and probably more so for economic reasons. Without seeing your soil test pH level it is hard to say how much you need.