A soil analysis measures the amount of various elements in a soil sample that are usable by plants and needed for their growth. Lime is made up of two such elements, calcium and magnesium.
Types
Lime comes packaged either pelletized or powdered. Pelletized lime tends to be easier to use and less messy, but also more expensive.
Effects
Lime will raise a soil's pH levels, making the soil less acidic and more alkaline.
Benefits
The basic elements of lime, calcium and magnesium, are needed for plant growth, but the primary benefit of adding lime to soil is lime's ability to raise pH levels.
Derivations
Lime used in soil addition comes from calcium and magnesium deposits on limestone rock. Sometimes it comes from marl, oyster shells or industrial byproducts.
Warning
Gypsum, or calcium sulfate, is not an alternative to lime. Gypsum won't change a soil's pH; it will only add calcium.
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