Lime not only raises soil pH, it also increases pasture palatability and this results in improved pasture utilisation and stock performance. A further benefit of Lime applications is the significant increase in pasture root depths that are achieved.
When looking at pasture root depths, there two major limiting factors. The first is a direct result of low soil pH. At low soil pH levels Aluminium which is very toxic to plant root systems, becomes increasingly available and stunts root growth. The second major limiting factor is lack of air penetration into the soil. Plant roots simply won’t grow without air. In both of these scenarios Lime is the answer.
Applying Lime raises the soil’s pH reducing Aluminum’s availability reducing it’s toxicity to pasture roots.
Very fine Lime particles play a major role in the stimulation of, and the functioning of worms. They require Lime in their digestive systems to be able to recycle dead organic matter into plant available nutrients. Worm activity opens up air passages and improves the soils friability by gluing the fine silt particles into larger soil aggregates. This opens up the soil allowing improved air penetration along with increased water holding capacity.
The timing surrounding the application of water soluble plant nutrient fertilisers, is usually based on meeting pasture peak nutrient demands while avoiding very wet conditions to reduce nutrient leaching losses.
When considering the timing of Lime applications, it’s useful to think of Lime more as a ‘Soil Conditioner’ than as a plant nutrient. As Lime is not water soluble it has no associated leaching problems even when it is applied in wet conditions. While there is no wrong time to apply Lime, it makes sense to apply Lime anytime from autumn through into winter as this will allow time for the Lime to ‘condition’ the soil prior to spring, enabling the most active pasture growth period to establish the deepest root system possible prior to summer. Deeper root systems provide greater access to minerals and trace elements resulting in increased pasture production along with improved drought tolerance.
PFP Fertilisers have developed a range of very cost effective, Prilled Ultra-fine particle Lime and fertiliser products specifically designed for pre-spring application. These products contain the essential minerals in non-water soluble forms to overcome leaching losses, and our grinding and Prilling processes achieve high plant availability.
Based on your soil test results, PFP Fertilisers will manufacture a cost effective, single application, Lime and fertiliser product that has been specifically designed to address your farms individual requirements.
Andrew de Lautour. PFP Fertilisers Ltd. ©
For further information or a sample pack phone us on (06) 8585235
