Applying Lime

I have cleared about 1/3-1/2 acre for a garden. It has set fallow for 25 years and turned into a small forest. I am now interested in putting about 750 lbs of lime on it because most natural soils in my area are about 5.5 pH. I am trying to decide the best way to do this. The most expensive way is to buy bulk lime for $36/ton and rent a buggy for $50. The next way is to buy pelletized lime for $65 and spread it with my 3 point fertilizer spreader. The final way I have found is to buy powdered lime in bags for $40 and spread it myself as well. I am not sure that powdered lime will work well in a fertilizer spreader, but then again I am not doing very much. Do y'all have any advice?

SF

You didn't say what type of three point spreader. Most that sling the lime do pelletized lime with little trouble. But some won't spread powder lime. If you get pelletized lime make sure its been stored where its dry.Mine has trouble feeding out of the hopper if it gets damps.

I tried spreading lime on my garden with a seed/fertilizer spreader. I wont do that again. The lime just packed in as I drove.

I am not sure what different types of 3 point spreaders there are, but I will describe mine. I bought it last year. It is all metal and has a 500 lb capacity but will usually hold up to 650 lbs of fertilizer. It has a good sized agitator in the bottom with a round head that rolls around the inside. The spreader hooks to my 40 horsepower tractor's category 1 hitch and runs off the pto. If there is any other information you need, just ask.

SF

I lime paddocks and pastures for hay customers regularly. If you have any working farms in your area just ask around for one who will be liming in your area. Could be difficult in the spring however, because it is usually done in the fall.

Lime takes time to activate and work, you should apply in the fall.

Did you have a soil test done? It will tell you how much (if any) you need. Cheaper than guessing. Call your county extension agent, it's their job to help.

I know I should apply lime in the fall, but this land wasn't cleared then. It's better to apply now than to wait till next fall - right?

SF

No, I haven't had a soil test done. I was going on the advice of a trusted local farmer. I plan to have a soil test done, but it will take about a month to get it back. I would like to have the lime on the ground as soon as possible. I also would like to plant corn on this plot in a couple weeks, so I was thinking that sooner is better than later.

SF

If you need lime the powdered lime will give you the most kick this year. When we lime we plan on 3-5years before it will be needed again. It takes a year or two for "AG-Lime" to break down and become useful.

Chokes me to say this; go to walmart garden center and get a soil ph tester and in 10 minutes you have a fairly accurate answer. Most good garden stores probably have testers but we don't have any close. $25-$30

We have our own truck and haul in semis and dump and respread ag lime. Can,t believe your $ 36.00 figure. Anyway for yards where we do landscaping or small areas I use your last two ideas mixed. I get the pelatized and powred and mix some where around 40/60 mix and use a landpride three point rear spreader that does have a agaitator rod built in. Have no trouble spreading pretty good pattern. Powdered will just not spread far by it,s self. New yards this part of the country we always try to get 1200 to 1500 lb per acre.

Put pellet lime down over weekend with lawn type fan spreader. Think a 3 pt whirly fan type fert spreader you describe would work fine on yours. I would use pell lime if it were mine. We had lime with 38% Ca and 96% CCE. The sack suggested to apply roughly 30-40lbs/1000 sq ft of area if you have an estimated starting pH of 5.6. Reasonable for ground never limed recently. A good percentage of pell lime will dissolve after first few rains. One of it's selling points is fast acting.You are on the money with your calculated rate.If the area has ever been limed you cut the rate to 20lbs.

if your going to do it now,and dont mind the extra work.Get the powdered lime then simply go down to your local home store and buy a drop spreader,thats what they are for.BUT ITS NOT IN ANY WAY better to spread lime without a soil test!!!remember when you change the ph of your soil,youve done something thats not easily reversable.spredding lime and its cost is nothing like spreading sulfer and its cost.IF you think you need 750 lbs,spread only half that without a soil test or even less.And you most likely wont see much results this spring anyway.spread the rest next fall to get it ready for next year. Dont go too far or youve really got problems.best bet would be to wait on your soil test,regardless of how long ,and this year simply concentrate on crops that like your ph.you can very easily overdo lime. remember, lime takes time to work and it DOESNT have the same effect on all fields.even ones right next door.since you probably will be watering your garden more than your farmer friend does his crops your garden will likely need far less lime. its simply easier to change the ph of a teacup of water than a lake! i personally wouldnt advise guessing,your better off doing nothing in my opinion.

I have a couple of small half acre food plots. Had a soil test done, and they needed about a ton of lime. I got the lime at a quarry. It was around $6/ton in the late 90's. I drove the truck slowly around the food plot while a helper used a gas powered leaf blower to blow the lime out the back. Took about 30 minutes. I've planted winter wheat this way too.

First thing is get a soil test so you know what you need. Then there are severl types of calcium avaialable by the sack. gitrib

Go buy a ton of bulk lime and spread it with your spreader. Just don't fill the spreader too full each time. Put the whole ton on the garden. If the local farmer says your soils are naturally 5.5 ph, and your garden hasn't had anything on it for years..........don't get all hung up over a soil test, just put it on. Darn good chance it needs 4-6 tons per acre anyway. Put it on and then check the ph this fall. I seriously doubt you'll have any problems. The number one reason most people can't correct the ph is because they don't put the lime on. This ain't rocket science.

Apply sol-cal, corrects PH faster.

http://southernstates.com/catalog/p-4656-southern-states-solu-lime-50lb.aspx

Later, Doug