Formula used
The calculator converts every recommendation into kilograms per square metre. Product rates are corrected using effective neutralising value. Depth, losses, and safety margins then adjust final quantities.
| Step | Formula |
|---|---|
| Calculated ECCE | CCE × fineness factor × dry-matter factor |
| Depth adjustment | Base rate × incorporation depth ÷ sample depth |
| Product rate | Pure CCE rate × 100 ÷ product ECCE |
| Adjusted quantity | Product rate × area × method × losses × margin |
| Bag count | Round total product upward to complete bags |
| Calcium supplied | Purchased product × calcium percentage |
| Magnesium supplied | Purchased product × magnesium percentage |
How to use the calculator
Choose a calculation mode matching your soil information. Enter area, product, packaging, and cost details. Review warnings before applying lime to any growing area.
- Select basic, laboratory, or buffer pH mode.
- Enter current pH and the desired target pH.
- Describe the treatment area using one available shape.
- Add the product CCE, fineness, moisture, and nutrients.
- Set application, packaging, pricing, and tax adjustments.
- Compare products before purchasing or scheduling application work.
Example data
| Input | Example value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Current pH | 5.5 | Starting soil acidity |
| Target pH | 6.5 | Desired growing condition |
| Soil texture | Loam | Approximate buffering capacity |
| Area | 100 m² | Total treatment area |
| CCE | 95% | Neutralising strength |
| Fineness factor | 90% | Expected reaction efficiency |
| Bag weight | 25 kg | Purchase rounding |
| Price | £8.50 per bag | Material cost estimate |
Frequently asked questions
What is agricultural lime?
Agricultural lime is ground limestone used to reduce soil acidity. It commonly supplies calcium and sometimes magnesium. Product effectiveness depends on purity, fineness, moisture, and application.
How much lime does my soil need?
The amount depends on acidity, texture, depth, and crop needs. Soil laboratory recommendations provide the strongest guidance. Calculator estimates should support, not replace, professional soil testing.
Can pH alone determine lime requirements?
Soil pH describes acidity but not total reserve acidity. Clay and organic soils often require more lime. Buffer pH improves estimates for strongly buffered soils considerably.
What is buffer pH?
Buffer pH estimates acidity held within soil exchange sites. Laboratories use different solutions and regional calibration tables. Follow your laboratory method whenever official recommendations are available.
What does CCE mean?
CCE compares neutralising power against pure calcium carbonate. Values near one hundred indicate similar chemical strength. Some materials can exceed one hundred percent CCE naturally.
What are ECCE and ENV?
ECCE and ENV include purity and particle-size effectiveness. Finer particles usually react faster within moist soil. Labels may use different names across regions and suppliers.
Calcitic or dolomitic lime?
Calcitic lime mainly supplies calcium to acidic soil. Dolomitic lime also supplies a meaningful magnesium amount. Choose using soil magnesium results and crop requirements carefully.
How quickly does lime change pH?
Reaction speed depends on fineness, moisture, temperature, and incorporation. Noticeable changes can require several months after application. Test soil again before repeating another major lime treatment.
Can excessive lime harm plants?
Excess lime can raise pH beyond suitable crop ranges. Nutrient availability may decline under overly alkaline conditions. Apply measured rates and verify unusually large recommendations first.
Should lime be incorporated?
Incorporation exposes more soil to lime particles. Surface applications usually react slowly and affect shallow layers. Follow crop, tillage, and erosion management requirements when incorporating.
How often should soil be tested?
Many managed soils benefit from testing every few years. Intensive systems may require more frequent monitoring. Retest after major applications before adding additional lime products.