Liming the soil in autumn. Soil liming: determination of soil acidity, lime application rates, optimal timing, process technology How to apply fluff to the soil in spring

Gardeners and gardeners often face the problem of acidified soil. Such land does not allow you to get a rich harvest, and some crops do not take root on it at all.

The way out of this situation is to reduce the level of acidity by introducing into the soil various substances(in other words, deoxidation). The most common and inexpensive deoxidizer is lime.

However, it is impossible to thoughtlessly scatter it on the site, you must first decide which soil requires this and how much reagent to apply. About how to properly carry out liming of the soil, and there will be further discussion.

Purpose of liming

The main purpose of liming acidic soils is to obtain good harvest, since increased acidity harms some crops, depresses them and slows down growth. alignment acid-base balance by adding lime (or other special additives) leads to the following positive results:

the level of toxic elements in grown root crops is reduced;
the soil is enriched with microelements;
the structure of the soil improves (it becomes more permeable);
increased activity of beneficial microorganisms;
plants develop better and faster (while in soil with high acidity, the activity of nitrogen, phosphorus and molybdenum is significantly reduced);
organic fertilizers applied to the soil give the crops of useful microelements 30-40% more (and in acidic soil they do not reach the root system in sufficient quantities).

Methods for determining soil acidity

When micronutrients enter the soil, a chemical reaction occurs, they break down into ions, which are actively absorbed by plants. The more hydrogen ions remain in the soil after decay, the higher the acidity of the soil.

Hydrogen activity and the degree of soil acidity are commonly referred to as pH:

in neutral - pH=7.0;
in acidic - pH less than 7.0;
in alkaline - pH more than 7.0.

But how to correctly determine this value and understand whether it makes sense to carry out liming of the soil? There are several ways.

Plants as an indicator of acidity

When there is no special device or litmus paper at hand, weeds growing in the country will help determine the acidity.

1. They prefer acidic soil: blueberries, chamomile, fern, field mint, plantain, pikulnik, core, tricolor violet, white-bearded, field speedwell, creeping buttercup, horsetail, heather, small sorrel, rosemary, horse sorrel, sedge.

2. They love alkaline soil: larkspur (otherwise called delphinium), poppy-seed, field mustard, white drowsiness.

3. Neutral soils like shepherd's purse, milkweed, chicory, adonis, field bindweed, garden thistle, white sweet clover.

4. Grow well on slightly acidic soil meadow clover, quinoa, nettle, wild rose, garden thistle, coltsfoot, creeping wheatgrass, wood lice.

indicator paper

The technology for determining soil acidity using litmus paper is as follows:

A hole is dug on the site (25-35 cm).
From the bottom they take a handful of earth.
Wet a little with rainwater (it is not recommended to take it from the water supply, such water contains chlorine, and the result may be inaccurate).
Indicator paper is applied to wet ground (it is sold in stores).
If the color has changed, it means either acidic (pink to red, pH 3 to 5) or alkaline (green to blue, pH 7 to 10).

Special instruments for measuring pH

You can buy devices for determining the level of acidity - testers. The rules of use are quite simple, while the measurement results will be the most accurate.

The tester is an indicator with a display on which measurement data is displayed, and a measuring probe immersed in the ground. With the help of the device, in addition to the pH level, it is possible to measure the temperature and degree of soil moisture, which is very convenient, especially during planting.

To correctly measure acidity, you must follow simple recommendations:

for accuracy, the readings must be taken several times and then the arithmetic mean value should be displayed;
the tester probe must be clean, free of dirt and oil stains;
during measurements, the probe must be completely immersed in the ground for its entire length;
measurement in dry soil is not carried out. It is necessary to first moisten it with rainwater and only after a few minutes, when the liquid is absorbed, immerse the probe.

Using folk methods

Whether soils require liming, gardeners determine using folk methods proven over the years.

The most faithful assistant is 9% table vinegar. From different areas in the garden, you need to take the soil, wet it with rainwater and after a few minutes pour a small amount of vinegar. The appearance of strong foam indicates acidic soil, and its absence indicates alkaline soil. If there is foam, but there is very little of it, then the soil is neutral.

The acidity of the soil will help determine the leaves of blackcurrant:

They must be poured with boiling water and insisted for half an hour.
In the resulting infusion, lower the soil samples.
Observe how the color of the liquid changes. A green tint indicates alkaline or neutral soil, Blue colour- about sour.

How to calculate the application rate

Ideally, for an accurate calculation of liming rates, one should contact the regional agrochemical center. The formula for the optimal dosage is quite complex and includes several parameters: from the particle size distribution and soil moisture conditions to the content of humus and mobile forms of phosphorus.

Approximate rates of lime application to the soil are given in the table:

Types of lime fertilizers

Lime additives not only neutralize the acidity of the soil, but also saturate it with calcium, which is so necessary for the active development of plants. In addition to lime, there are many other options, so we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the most common ones.

Depending on the method of extraction from natural rocks, lime fertilizers are divided into three groups:

Solid. The group is represented by dolomite, chalk and limestone. Such fertilizer still requires further grinding and roasting.
Soft. These additives do not require grinding (lake lime, marl, lime tuff, natural dolomite flour).
Waste industrial production which contain a lot of lime in their composition. Representatives of this group include defecation mud, cement dust, belite flour, peat and shale ash.
Fertilizers obtained as a result of processing natural rock (burnt lime).

For soil deoxidation, soft rocks of lime fertilizers are considered the best. In those regions where they are not mined, imported crushed additives are used. The most commonly used fertilizers are:

1. Fluffy lime (slaked). It is also used to whitewash tree trunks and control harmful insects.

2. Lake lime (limestone). It contains 90% lime in its composition, it is recommended to apply it simultaneously with organic fertilizers.

3. Quicklime. In addition to neutralizing acidity, it has also been widely used as a weed killer on heavy soils. However, the processing of quicklime in pure form not applicable, because it is lumps of different sizes and liming will not work out uniformly. It must first be extinguished at the rate of 100 kg of reagent 3.5-4 buckets of water (10 l). Lime will quickly absorb water, and when it dries, it will turn into a uniform powder, suitable for even distribution.

4. Tuff calcareous. It crumbles very well and does not require grinding. It contains 80% lime, which is brought in together with manure for digging.

5. Dolomite crushed (flour). This fertilizer is used to lime the soil in winter directly along the snow cover (if its height does not exceed 30 cm). Also, dolomite flour is used in greenhouse beds before planting.

6. Marl. Like tuff, it is brought in together with manure for digging. Used for light soils.

7. Chalk. They produce liming of the soil in the spring.

Do not mix lime fertilizers with superphosphate, urea, phosphate rock and ammonium nitrate. But with ash, potassium and sodium nitrate, they can not only be mixed, but also stored for a long time .

Fertilizer application technology for soil deoxidation

Liming is best done in mid-spring, before planting crops, or in the fall, before digging the garden. In these cases, the applied fertilizers will not remain on the surface. But it must be borne in mind that in the spring, the procedure should be carried out no later than 3 weeks before the start of planting. The exception is dolomite flour, it is scattered even in winter.

Liming can be basic (primary) and repeated (supporting):

The main liming is also called reclamation. It is used on soils with high acidity (pH = 5.5 or less). This procedure provides for the use of full norms of lime fertilizers.
Re-liming is used to preserve the acidity obtained during the main procedure - after all, under the influence of precipitation, part of the lime is washed out of the soil, and supporting fertilization compensates for this loss.

Depending on the type of soil, the full basic dose of lime lasts from 5 to 15 years. To maintain this level, once every 2-3 years, the soil is re-limed with a fertilizer application rate of 0.4 to 1.2 kg per 1 m 2.

The process of adding deoxidizing components to the soil is as follows:

If the fertilizer is not finely ground, it must be ground to a powder state.
The resulting product is evenly distributed throughout the site.
The fertilizer is mixed with the soil to a depth of 20-25 cm manually or using agricultural machinery (with repeated liming, 4-6 cm depth is sufficient).

When preparing a site for potatoes, liming is carried out in exceptional cases (when the soil is very strongly oxidized). For this crop, the optimum pH is between 5.5 and 6.0. Soil treatment with lime can cause scab damage to potatoes.

The specifics of the work in spring and autumn

Another advantage of autumn soil deoxidation is the incompatibility of some lime additives with nitrogen fertilizers: ammophos, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate. These funds are applied to the soil in the spring, which means that in the fall you can safely fertilize the site with lime, they do not have to interact with each other.

In autumn, it is easier to determine the time of liming. In the spring, this is not so convenient to do, because it is necessary to complete the procedure 3 weeks before sowing, the timing of which cannot always be determined with accuracy.

The disadvantage of autumn liming is the incompatibility of some lime components with organic fertilizers, which are applied to the soil before winter.

Important! Liming is carried out only in dry weather, and there should not be a large amount of moisture in the soil.

As you can see, for a good harvest it is not enough to choose a quality planting material and ensure the plants are properly planted and cared for. Every gardener should have an idea of how to lime the soil in spring or autumn. But when exactly it is carried out, the personal decision of everyone - to whom it is convenient.

Acidified soils are one of the most common problems faced by summer residents. On such soil, it is not possible to obtain the optimal amount of crop, and some crops cannot take root at all. Deoxidize the earth with the help of various substances; one of the most popular is lime. At the same time, it is important to know which soils require processing and how much reagent should be applied to obtain the greatest effect.

Lime is a common and inexpensive top dressing that is applied to acidic soil in certain quantities and at a certain frequency (usually every 5-6 years). Usually it is applied only in cases where the acidity of the soil is quite high.

Soils with increased acidification include:

sod-podzolic;
peat swamps;
red earth;
gray forest.

Important! The study of acidity is carried out using special agrochemical analyzes. However, it is quite possible to determine it yourself. One of the obvious indicators is the whitishness of the layers, which is found when digging. This clearly indicates an excess of acids. More accurate techniques available for home use are given below.

Lime must be handled carefully, as not every soil needs this additive. In addition, the dose is determined individually, depending on the acidity index of a particular area. Finally, it is important to understand that too much acidity on one side of an area does not necessarily mean that the other side has the same problem.

Lime is a common and inexpensive top dressing that is applied to acidic soil in certain quantities and with a certain frequency.

Therefore, before you start liming the soil, it is important to do a few things:

Determine the acidity of the soil in the area (if it is large enough, then evenly over its area).
Find out for which plants such an indicator is acceptable and even necessary, and for which it is not.
Calculate the required amount of lime.
Determine the timing and technology of its introduction into the ground.

Important! Not all lime is suitable for top dressing. As you know, there are two types of lime - slaked and quicklime. Next, we will consider which variety should be applied to the soil, and how to calculate the right amount.

How to measure soil acidity (video)

Determination of soil acidity

Soil acidity is a quantitative indicator of the content of acids in it. It is determined in mg of these substances per 100 g of dry land. Acidity is one of the most important indicators of the soil, on which the quality and quantity of the crop largely depends.

Plants in acidic soils

One of the simple and at the same time reliable signs that the soil is too acidic is the successful growth of plants that just love acidic soil. There are quite a few species of such plants:

different types of mosses;
sorrel;
meadow maryannik and forest maryannik;
hairy hairy ( appearance similar to sedge).

Such plants like to grow on strongly acidic soils, where the acid content is highest.

One of the simple and at the same time reliable signs that the soil is too acidic is the successful growth of plants that just love acidic soil.

Plants that settle on moderately acidic soils are as follows:

different types of violets;
garden buttercups;
cornflowers;
bloodroot;
bearberry;
wild rosemary;
berries: blueberries, cranberries, lingonberries;
undersized herbs: wintergreen, minik, sour, sedmichnik.

As for plants that grow well on moderately acidic (weakly acidic) soils, the list is much longer. Therefore, they will not help to determine the acidity - on soils with a low content of acids, with proper fertilization, many crops grow quite successfully, including those demanding conditions.

Garden buttercups settle on moderately acidic soils

Strips of indicator paper

In the above description, soils have been divided into 3 categories based on the degree of acidification. This parameter is evaluated not only qualitatively, but also quantitatively. Scientifically, it is called pH (read "ph") and is accordingly:

for strongly acid soils from 2 to 4 units;
for medium 4-5;
for the weak, from 5 to 6 (values around 7+/-1 are considered normal).

The quantitative determination of the indicator is carried out using special indicator paper, which can be purchased at stores for summer residents. The degree of acidity is determined by the color scale, which is attached to the instructions: saturated red tones mean high concentrations, orange and yellow - weaker.

The degree of acidity is determined using special indicator paper

The method for determining the indicator is simple - you need to act like this:

You need to take 4-5 or more soil samples (preferably at the same depth) and mix them with clean water. The amount of soil should be equal in each sample.
The mixture is thoroughly stirred and settled for an hour.
Next, strips of paper are immersed in each solution.
The paper takes on the appropriate color. according to which the indicator is judged:

red: pH less than 4 - strong acidity;
orange pH 4-5 - average;
yellow 5-6 - weak;
green 6-7 - normal.

This is a simple and obvious way, accessible to everyone. The main thing is to try to do the right sampling. To do this, you need to take as many samples as possible and ensure the purity of all vessels for the reliability of the result.

How to deoxidize the soil (video)

PH meter

A scientific, more accurate way of measuring that agronomists use is based on the use of a special device, which is called: a pH meter. If it is possible to put it into practice, you can conduct research with it. The technique is also simple:

Samples are taken as described above.
They dissolve in water in clean containers - each in its own.
The device is immersed in each vessel and shows the exact (up to hundredths) pH value, which is used to judge the acidity of the soil.

Important! If the soils in your area are acidic, and constant monitoring of this indicator is required, it is better to purchase such a device in order to always be able to obtain accurate data. It is also necessary to have a special buffer solution, according to which the pH meter is adjusted (calibrated). This is necessary for the device to work correctly.

A pH meter is a more accurate measurement method used by agronomists

Folk ways

If the described tools were not at hand, there are simpler (albeit less accurate) measurement options. Here are some ways to determine the indicator at home:

Take soil samples, dissolve them in water and add finely chopped chalk there (all parts are taken in equal quantities).
Mix all ingredients quickly and thoroughly.
After stirring, immediately put on the prepared balloon or a rubber glove on the neck of the bottle.
Next, you need to shake the bottle well and look at the reaction. If the ball swells, even if it just takes on an elastic shape, the acidity of the soil is clearly overestimated. It is because of the reaction of acid and chalk that carbon dioxide is formed, which inflates it.

With the help of blackcurrant leaves, you can determine the acidity of the soil

Another method is based on the use of blackcurrant foliage. The methodology is as follows:

Brew a teaspoon of carefully crushed, dried leaves with 1 full glass of boiling water (250 ml).
We insist the broth in a warm place for several hours.
Then we pour it on a piece of land and observe the reaction.
If red spots appear, then the indicator is normal. If green - the soil is strongly acidified, blue - weakly.

Soil liming technology

Before you start liming the soil, you need to decide on the doses, methods and timing of applying the reagent. Often lime is applied together with mineral or organic fertilizers. This is the right measure that saves time and effort.

The method of applying lime is simple:

If there are a lot of lumps in the lime, they must first be carefully crushed to a homogeneous state.
Further, the material is scattered in a small, translucent layer over the surface of the earth (in an amount based on the calculated norm).
Next, you need to dig the entire area, but not very deep: the substance should fall to a depth of 20 cm.

Lime is often applied together with mineral or organic fertilizers.

Features of liming in autumn and spring

After preparatory phase(calculation of the dose and slaking of lime, if necessary), you should proceed directly to the introduction of the material. This is done either before planting (in spring) or after harvesting (in autumn).

Ameliorative and maintenance liming

Depending on the mode, the liming procedure is divided into two types:

Ameliorative- It is also called the main. This is the initial procedure, which is carried out 1 time for acidified soils. Lime dissolves easily in water and is strongly washed out by ground and rain water. Accordingly, a single procedure will always not be enough.
Maintenance liming in fact, it is a repeated treatment that is carried out at a certain interval (every 3, 4 or 5 years, depending on the specific soil).

Which lime to use, slaked or quicklime?

There are two types of lime - slaked and quicklime. They differ chemical composition. Quicklime is calcium oxide, and hydrated is its hydroxide. That is, slaking lime is the addition of water to it. The reaction proceeds rapidly, with a large release of heat. For liming the soil, only the slaked form should be poured, because:

it is slaked lime that neutralizes the acids in the soil;
slaked lime does not crumple and is easily distributed throughout the entire thickness of the earth.

Important! To extinguish lime, you need to observe the following proportion: for 100 g of the reagent, 4-5 10-liter buckets of water.

Calculation and exact observance of the application rate of lime is the main requirement for liming

Lime application rates per acre

Calculation and exact observance of the application rate of lime is the main requirement for liming. They directly depend on the pH of the soil, the type of soil, as well as the depth of application. Approximate norms of slaked lime (in kilograms) that need to be applied per 1 hundred square meters (100 square meters surface) of soil to a depth of 20 cm are presented in the table.

soil acidity (pH)	clayey and loamy	sandy and sandy
extremely strong (less than 4)
strong (4-4.7)
medium (4.8-5.2)

The increased content of acids in the soil reduces the yield of crops. Optimum acidity is achieved by liming. The most effective chemical reclamation is carried out in autumn. The application rates of lime material can be calculated independently. When and how to lime the soil can be found by watching the video.

To a large extent, the yield and quality of crops depends on the acidity of the soil. The increased content of acid in the soil prevents the full absorption of trace elements by plants. Such essential substances as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium do not enter the plants, even if fertilizers are applied. Plants grow poorly, do not bear fruit. Acid levels can be reduced by adding acid neutralizing agents. These substances include:

slaked lime;
dolomite flour;
wood ash;
peat tuffs;
sugar production waste;
blast furnace slag.

Attention! It is impossible to lime the soil with gypsum, it crystallizes salts in soils, which leads to an increase in acidity.

It is possible to determine the increased content of acid in the soil folk methods. If horsetail, sorrel, plantain, heather, mint grow well on the site, then the soil is acidic. A more accurate scientific method for determining acidity can be done in the laboratory. An easier way to determine the acid content in points is possible with the help of an indicator that is sold in flower shops. To do this, we wrap a handful of soil in a cloth, lower it into water for a couple of minutes. We lower the indicator into cloudy water. The change in the color of the indicator is compared with the color of the scale:

3-4 - very acidic;
4-5 - sour;

Soil acidity test

5-6 - slightly acidic;
7 - neutral;
8-9 - alkaline.

The acidity and composition of the soil are interdependent. The greatest amount of acid is found in clay, sandy soils are considered less acidic.

Optimum acidity, types of liming

Each plant reacts differently to acid content:

Cabbage also grows poorly on soils with high acidity.
Tea and grow well in acidic soils.
Legumes, as well as corn, lettuce, onions, and cucumbers, prefer neutral soil.

Liming the soil can lead to improvement or deterioration of its quality. First you need to determine what crops will be grown on the site. It is possible to carry out partial liming of individual beds intended for certain crops.

Examples of optimal acidity for horticultural crops:

raspberry and gooseberry bushes - 5.5;
different types - 6;
pear and apple tree - 6.5;
plum -7.

Different crops prefer different soil acidity

Liming is basic and supporting. The main gardeners spend 1 time. Maintenance liming procedure - once every 4-5 years. For deoxidation of the soil, choose the autumn or spring period. Conducting chemical reclamation in the fall is most effective. We evenly distribute the required amount of lime material over the surface of the soil. At the same time, we apply fertilizers with a high content of magnesium and potassium.

Advice. The soil must be dug up to a depth of 15-20 cm. The introduction of lime material on the surface without loosening reduces the effectiveness of liming.

Spring deoxidation is carried out before the introduction of chemical fertilizers. Lime material is spread over the surface, then fertilizers are applied and the soil is dug up to a depth of 4-6 cm.

Dosing of liming agents depending on the acid content of the soil

When liming the soil, it is important to comply with the norms, since different lime materials have different percentages.

When making fluff (slaked lime), the norms are distributed as follows:

500-600 g per 1 m² with high soil acidity (pH less than 4).
If the acid content in the soil is increased (pH = 4), 400-500 g per 1 m² are applied.
If the acidity index varies from 4 to 5, add 300-400 g per 1 m².
In weakly acidic soils(рН=5-6) make 200-300 g per 1 m².

Soil liming is carried out in autumn

These indicators are only suitable for slaked lime. Chalk, cement dust and other substances are added in different proportions, since their calcium content is different:

slaked lime - 130%;
chalk -100%;
dolomite flour - 90-95%;
crushed chalk - 90%;
lake lime -80%;
cement dust 75%;
marl - 70%;
peat ash - 50%.

determine the rate of slaked lime for the site;
multiply this figure by 100;
then divide by the percentage of lime in the substance.

We calculate the amount of lake lime per 1 m². Suppose that the acidity of the soil is 4. 400-500 g of lime must be added per 1 m². 500 x 100: 80 = 625 g of lake lime per 1 m². For marl with soil acidity equal to 5: 200 x 100: 70 \u003d 285.7 g per 1 m². Fluff can be prepared at home. Quicklime is scattered on a hard surface, poured with water. As a result chemical reaction lime is formed, which is safe for plants.

In extreme cases, you can lime the soil without determining the acidity:

clay soils - 600-700 g of lime per 1 m²;
loam - 500 g per 1 m²;
sandy soils - 300-400 g per 1 m².

The introduction of lime has a beneficial effect on plants:

enriches the soil with microelements, including magnesium;
plants almost do not accumulate toxic substances;
the soil structure becomes looser;
favorably affects the reproduction of beneficial bacteria.

Soil liming can be carried out independently, the main thing is to know the acid content in the soil on the site, to calculate the required amount of different lime materials. Each plant is adapted to a certain level of acidity. Liming a plot or individual beds will help achieve a higher yield.

Soil deoxidation: video

In crop rotations with potato specialization (more than 40% of sown areas), it is advisable to reduce the total doses by 20-25% on sandy and sandy soils. Magnesium-containing (dolomite flour, dolomitic and magnesian limestones) are more preferable. To prevent scab damage to tubers, lime is applied under potatoes before planting.

In crop rotations with flax specialization, an increase in pH over 6.0 is not recommended, the optimal pH values in sandy loamy varieties are 5.0-5.5, light and medium loamy - 5.3-5.8, heavy loamy and clayey - 5.5- 6.0. When full doses of lime are applied, the application rates of potash fertilizers are increased, boric and, if necessary, manganese fertilizers are used.

In areas where acid-sensitive crops are often cultivated, for example, fodder root crops, clover, alfalfa, full or one and a half doses of lime in terms of hydrolytic acidity are applied, followed by periodic maintenance liming.

IN vegetable crop rotations make full or on heavy soils one and a half doses of lime in terms of hydrolytic acidity, followed by systematic supporting liming. In these crop rotations, lime-silicate ( shale ash, cement dust) and magnesia-lime (dolomite flour) fertilizers.

By sensitivity to acidity, meadow grasses are divided into:

the most sensitive are alfalfa, sweet clover, sainfoin;
sensitive - meadow clover, hybrid and creeping;
moderately sensitive - fescue, foxtail, awnless bonfire, timothy.

The rates of lime application in meadows and pastures during grassing or reseeding of grasses do not differ from the doses for arable soils of field crop rotations, however, they are applied in layers: one half for the main cultivation (plowing), the other half for pre-sowing (disking). On lands with sod of small thickness, lime is applied superficially, followed by incorporation by disking or milling.

Despite a 25-40% decrease in calcium leaching in meadows and pastures (120-140 kg CaCO 3 / ha) compared to arable land, grasses as a result of the annual economic removal of calcium (100-120 kg CaCO 3 / ha) need maintenance liming.

Another reason for the rapid recovery of acidity after liming in long-term cultivated meadows and pastures is the introduction of large (up to 240–360 kg/ha) doses of nitrogen fertilizers under cereal grasses, the neutralization of which requires 500–700 kg CaCO3/ha annually.

With short-term (5-6 years) use of meadows and pastures, supporting liming, as well as phosphorite and organic fertilizers, is carried out during the period of repairs (replanting). With long-term (more than 10 years) intensive use, re-liming every 5-6 years is carried out after mowing and etching during the growing season with lime incorporation by disking or cutters.

Liming of acidic soils is carried out when laying gardens and berry fields with full doses of lime, taking into account the deepening of the arable horizon up to 35-40 cm in gardens and the characteristics of planted crops. So, under an apple tree, pear, plum, cherry, currant on loamy soils with a strongly and medium acidic pH value, at least 6-8 t CaCO 3 / ha are applied, on light and slightly acidic soils - 4-6 t CaCO 3 / ha, under raspberries and gooseberries - respectively 3-4 t CaCO 3 / ha and 2-3 t CaCO 3 / ha.

When laying orchards and berry fields, lime can be applied, mixed with soil, into planting pits: for plum and cherry - 3-5 kg CaCO 3, apple and pear - 2-3 kg CaCO 3, gooseberry - 0.1-0.2 kg CaCO 3 . Under adult fruit and berry crops, if liming was not carried out before planting, lime is applied for digging tree trunks in doses recommended for planting.

The composition of the soil, and in particular its acidity, directly affects the normal development of crops. Since most plants thrive in neutral, alkaline, and slightly acidic environments, periodic liming of the site will create optimal conditions for their growth, assimilation nutrients and abundant fruit.

Soil deoxidation is a periodic measure, carried out approximately once every 5 years “according to indications”. Liming will benefit garden crops only if the earth is really characterized by high acidity.

Soil pH can be determined using laboratory tests performed by agrotechnical enterprises. You can independently determine the acidity of the soil in different parts of your land using special device or litmus indicators.

In addition to the above methods, the increased acidity of the soil and the need for liming can be determined by specific features:

the earth acquires a whitish or grayish tint;
weeds (horsetail, nettle, sorrel, sorrel, buttercup) are actively growing;
planted clover does not want to take root;
when digging, a whitish layer is found in the soil.

Why is it necessary to lime the soil in the presence of signs of increased acidity? Deoxidation is required, since such an environment has a detrimental and depressing effect on the development of garden and horticultural crops:

In an acidic environment, plants cannot qualitatively assimilate phosphorus and nitrogen, which are necessary for their growth and development.
The increased acidity of the soil reduces the effectiveness of beneficial bacteria that live in it, and increases the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, which are attacked by already weakened cultivated plants.

To help the plants, it is necessary to periodically deoxidize the soil. A slightly acidic environment is most comfortable for many crops, so careful liming will allow you to create an optimal environment for them to grow and develop.

What deoxidizes the soil

Soil deoxidation can be carried out by any alkaline compounds and substances:

wood ash;
lake lime (layers);
chalk;
dolomite flour;
peat ash;
crushed eggshell.

Most available remedy for deoxidation - slaked or ordinary lime. This substance has a constant composition, so it is easy to dose it depending on the pH readings in different parts of the earth and the nature of the soil.

It is important to bear in mind that many substances used in liming, in addition to the effect of deoxidation, introduce certain micro- and macroelements into the soil: wood ash contains up to 35% calcium, chalk and drywall - calcium carbonate, dolomite flour - magnesium, and eggshell - a whole range of useful minerals. elements.

Optimal timing for liming

It is advisable to carry out liming in advance, before the start of sowing, in which case the pH of the soil will have time to level off to values that are comfortable for garden and horticultural crops. You can make deoxidation:

Immediately after the purchase of the plot, before laying the garden and distributing the land for the garden.
In autumn, along with fertilization (except for manure). In this case, the earth must be dug up after liming.
In winter - by scattering dolomite flour directly on the snow. Having melted, it will carry away alkaline substances into the soil, evenly distributing them in depth.
In spring - at least 3 weeks before sowing, and only on beds intended for beets and cabbage. Other crops are planted on limed land only the next year.

If you need to deoxidize the soil throughout the area, it is better to do this in the fall, then in the spring the land will be completely ready for sowing.

It will be enriched with nutrients important for the development of crops, and an improved pH will activate the vital activity of beneficial bacteria, increase the efficiency of fertilizers applied during the season by 40%.

Autumn deoxidation

So, autumn liming of the soil is the most optimal way to deoxidize it. The initial treatment in the presence of an acidic pH reaction is carried out using ordinary or slaked lime according to the following proportions:

Timely cardinal autumn deoxidation allows you to solve a number of serious problems:

activate the work of beneficial bacteria;
increase the absorption of important trace elements;
by splitting acids into simple elements, improve the mineral composition of the soil;
increase the efficiency of mineral and organic fertilizers;
reduce the number of toxic elements in the soil due to their splitting;
improve physical properties soil in the beds, increasing water permeability.

To maintain the achieved pH value in the soil, it is necessary to regularly introduce substances that have an alkaline reaction.

Traditionally, before autumn digging, gardeners scatter organic fertilizers around the site and scatter wood ash. The latter allows you to keep a slightly acidic level of the earth and enriches it with elements useful for crops.

Features of garden crops

Undoubtedly, acidic soils adversely affect the development of garden and horticultural crops, but the uncontrolled use of alkaline compounds can harm plants. Excessive passion for deoxidation of the earth will lead to an excess of calcium, which will greatly hinder the growth of root systems.

Cardinal liming of the entire area in accordance with a certain pH level and soil type is not practical, since different crops require Various types soils. On the other hand, deoxidize different beds, given the crop rotation, is quite difficult.

The easiest way is to reduce the consumption of lime during reclamation activities, making the soil medium acidic, and then for each crop, “adjust” its composition in the spring using wood ash. Some plants do not need to change the pH at all, they feel comfortable only in acidic conditions.

So, what are the requirements of different crops for the pH level of the soil:

A slightly acidic environment (PH 6-7) likes beans, tomatoes, dill, corn, kale and eggplant. The beds intended for melons, watermelons, squash, zucchini and carrots, as well as for garlic, onions and radishes, do not need liming either.
Medium acid soil (PH 5-6.5) is suitable for peppers, potatoes, beans, sorrel, parsnips and pumpkin.
Strongly acidic soil (PH<5) идеальна для рябины, можжевельника, а также ягодных кустиков — голубики, клюквы, брусники и черники.

When liming the soil, the main thing is not to overdo it with the introduced substances, since the alkaline environment will not be to the liking of any plant you cultivate.

Cardinal deoxidation must be carried out in the presence of obvious signs of an acidic environment or according to the results of tests, instrumental and laboratory measurements, and - no more than once every 5 years.