Lime is an essential plant nutrient. It also is important for soil health. It reduces soil acidity and improves availability of other plant nutrients. Lime reduces dispersion, slumping and crusting of soil and improves water infiltration. Lime can reduce soil borne diseases. Applying smaller amounts regularly is more beneficial than large amounts once every few years. Applying too much can reverse most of the positive effects. Using the “Lime Requirement Calculator” will help to adjust lime rates to actual requirements. The “Lime Requirement Calculator” works best if soil pH is measured properly (ask advisor). Otherwise use default settings if unsure.
The application software was developed by the Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) with financial support through Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).