| Quantity: | |
|---|---|
Parameter/Focus Area | Description/Information |
Chemical Name | Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime) |
Formula | Ca(OH)₂ |
CAS Number | 1305-62-0 |
Appearance | White powder or granular form |
Soil pH Adjustment | Raises soil pH, making it more alkaline |
Nutrient Availability | Enhances the availability of nutrients like phosphorus, iron, and zinc |
Pathogen Control | Reduces the population of soil pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, and nematodes |
Weed Control | Inhibit the germination and growth of some weed seeds |
Improvement of Soil Structure | Helps to break up clay soils and improve soil drainage |
Lime Index | Indicates the effectiveness of the lime in neutralizing soil acidity |
Application Rate | Varies based on soil type, crop requirements, and desired pH level |
Safety & Handling | Non-toxic but can cause skin and eye irritation; proper PPE is required |
Compatibility with Fertilizers | Generally compatible with most fertilizers but should be applied separately to avoid nutrient locking |
Long-Term Effects | Provides lasting soil pH improvement and nutrient availability |
Cost-Effectiveness | Cost-effective method for soil amendment, especially in large-scale farming |
Environmental Impact | Environmentally friendly, improves soil health, and supports sustainable agriculture |
Storage Conditions | Should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent carbonation |
Application Methods | Can be applied as a dry powder, slurry, or in combination with other soil amendments |
Compliance & Standards | Meets agricultural standards for soil amendment materials |
Increasing Soil PH:
Calcium hydroxide significantly raises the soil's pH level, making it more suitable for crop growth, especially in acidic soils.
Improving Soil Structure:
It promotes the formation of stable aggregates in soil particles, enhancing soil porosity, and improving soil aeration and drainage.
Enhancing Microbial Activity:
As soil pH increases, the activity of beneficial microorganisms is enhanced, accelerating the decomposition of organic matter and promoting nutrient cycling.
Releasing Fixed Nutrients:
Calcium hydroxide helps release nutrients like phosphorus and potassium that are fixed in the soil, making them more accessible to plants.
Improving Nutrient Absorption:
By improving soil structure and fertility, calcium hydroxide enhances plants' ability to absorb nutrients.
Suppressing Toxic Metal Accumulation:
It reduces the accumulation of toxic metals such as aluminum, manganese, copper, and zinc in the soil, minimizing their harm to plants.
Application Methods:
The appropriate amount of calcium hydroxide should be determined based on soil pH and crop needs, avoiding over-application that could alkalinize the soil.
It can be applied by broadcasting or mixing with soil to ensure uniform distribution.
The best application timing is usually before planting or at the beginning of the growing season, allowing the soil sufficient time to adjust.
Considerations for Use:
Soil testing should be conducted before application to assess soil pH and nutrient content, guiding improvement measures.
Soil improvement is a continuous process requiring regular soil testing and adjustment of management strategies.
The potential impact of calcium hydroxide application on groundwater quality and surrounding ecosystems should be considered, and overuse should be avoided.
Positive Effects on Crop Yield:
Studies have shown that appropriate application of calcium hydroxide can increase the yield of crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.
