Table 3.5. Chemical and Physical Classification of Agricultural Liming Materials

Kind of LimingMagnesium oxide
Material(Mg0) content, %Classification TermCode

Limestone*
Limestone*
Limestone*
Limestone*

Hydrated
Hydrated
Hydrated
Hydrated

Burnt
Burnt
Burnt
Burnt

0 to 5.99
6 to 14.99
15 to 21.8
0 to 21.8

0 to 7.99
8 to 19.99
20 to 30
0 to 30

0 to 10.99
11 to 26.99
27 to 40.5
0 to 40.5

Calcite or Calcitic
Magnesian, Magnesium, or Dolomitic Type
Dolomitic or Dolomite
All Types

Calcite or Calcitic
Magnesian, Magnesium or Dolomitic Type
Dolomitic or Dolomite
All TypesHG

Calcite or Calcitic
Magnesian, Magnesium or Dolomitic Type
Dolomitic or Dolomite
All Types

LC
LM
LD
LG

HC
HM
HD

BC
BM
BD
BG

Limestone*
Pulverized
Ground
Granular

Hydrated

LF
LM
LC

HA

98
98
98

98

70
60
55

95

55
40
30

80

*=Limestone containing less than 30 percent total oxides (CaO+MgO) or that fails to meet the minimum physical standard for granular limestone may
not be sold in New Jersey for agricultural purposes.

Application of Liming Materials

Timing of Application.Lime is slow to react in
soil. The desired soil pH increase may require several
months. Thus, it is important to plan ahead and apply
lime several months in advance of planting.
Lime can be applied at any time of the year provided
weather and soil conditions permit. Plan ahead and apply
lime well in advance of planting crops that are sensitive to
soil acidity. Fall applications have the advantage
allowing the lime to react in the soil prior to the start of
the next growing season.
Careful attention to liming prior to planting orchards
is very important. Once the trees are established it is
difficult to correct a soil acidity problem using surface
applications of lime. Lime should be applied at least six
months to a year in advance of planting to insure that the
target pH has been achieved.
Soils naturally become acidic over time. The
frequency of lime application varies with soil
characteristics, cropping system and fertilizer practice.

Heavy use of ammonium and urea nitrogen fertilizers
speed soil acidification. Soil testing for pH measurement
should be performed every one to three years. Relime
soils before pH drops below the desired range to avoid
development of excess acidity in the root zone.

Lime Placement.Lime applications are most
effective at neutralizing acidity when they are spread
uniformly and thoroughly mixed with the soil by
plowing, disking, and harrowing. When applying large
amounts of lime it is best to use split applications.
Apply half the lime and plow it under. Next apply the
other half to the plowed surface and disk it into the soil.
Whenever tillage is not possible (e.g. established
orchards) surface applications are recommended, but the
rate of pH adjustment is much slower. Monitor soil pH
change and the need for lime so as to avoid higher lime
requirements. Surface lime application rates should not
exceed 3000 pounds CCE per acre.

20

1998 New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide