What is lime management primarily used for?

Lime management is primarily used for optimizing soil pH for nutrient availability. Soils that are too acidic can inhibit the availability of essential nutrients needed for plant growth and can lead to poor crop yields. By applying lime, which is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, the pH of the soil is raised, making it less acidic. This adjustment helps to unlock various nutrients that would otherwise be inaccessible to plants, such as phosphorus, potassium, and certain micronutrients.

When the pH levels are optimized, not only does the nutrient availability improve, but the overall health of the soil and the efficiency of nutrient uptake by plants can also be enhanced. Correct pH management can thus lead to better agricultural productivity and crop quality.