FullCalculator

Soil pH Amendment Calculator

Soil pH Amendment

Calculate the amount of lime or sulfur needed to adjust soil pH to the target level for optimal crop growth.

Formula

Lime Needed = pH Change x Buffer Factor x (Depth / 6); Sulfur Needed = pH Change x Sulfur Factor x (Depth / 6); Buffer Factor varies by soil texture (sandy < loam < clay)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for lime to change soil pH?
Agricultural lime typically takes 3 to 12 months to fully react with soil. Finer ground lime reacts faster. For quicker results, pelleted lime or liquid lime can begin working within weeks.
What pH do most crops prefer?
Most field crops and vegetables grow best in soil pH 6.0 to 7.0. Blueberries prefer acidic soil at pH 4.5 to 5.5, while alfalfa prefers slightly alkaline soil at pH 6.5 to 7.5.

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