Lime per Acre Calculator

The amount of lime needed per acre typically ranges from 1 to 2 tons, which is equivalent to 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. Lime application rates depend on soil pH and desired adjustments. Proper calculation, often based on soil testing, ensures effective pH correction and nutrient availability for optimal crop growth and soil health.

Soil pH	Lime Needed per Acre (Pounds)
< 5.5	4,000 – 5,000
5.5 – 6.0	3,000 – 4,000
6.0 – 6.5	2,000 – 3,000
6.5 – 7.0	1,000 – 2,000
> 7.0	Variable, may not be needed

FAQs

How much lime do I need for 1 acre? You typically need about 1 to 2 tons (2,000 to 4,000 pounds) of lime per acre, depending on your soil’s pH and the type of lime used.

How do you calculate how much lime is needed? To calculate the amount of lime needed, you need to know your current soil pH and your target pH. A rough estimate is to apply 1,000 pounds of lime per acre for every pH unit you want to raise. For a more accurate calculation, you should conduct a soil test.

How much does a 40 lb bag of lime cover? A 40-pound bag of lime typically covers around 1,000 square feet at a recommended application rate.

How much pelletized lime per acre to raise pH? Approximately 1 to 2 tons (2,000 to 4,000 pounds) of pelletized lime per acre are needed to raise pH, similar to other lime types.

Can you put too much lime on your land? Yes, it is possible to apply too much lime, which can result in excessively high pH levels, nutrient imbalances, and other issues. It’s crucial to base lime application on soil test results and recommendations.

How much does a 50 pound bag of lime cover? A 50-pound bag of lime typically covers around 1,250 to 2,500 square feet, depending on the recommended application rate.

How long does it take pelletized lime to work? It may take several months for pelletized lime to fully adjust soil pH. The speed of change depends on factors like soil conditions, moisture, and microbial activity.

How much lime for 5000 sq ft? For 5,000 square feet, you would need approximately 200 to 400 pounds of lime, depending on your specific soil pH and target pH.

Can I apply lime and fertilizer at the same time? Yes, you can apply lime and fertilizer simultaneously if your soil test recommendations suggest both are needed. It can be more efficient to do so.

Is pelletized lime better than powdered lime? Pelletized lime is often preferred for its ease of handling and more even distribution. However, the choice depends on your specific needs and equipment.

Is pelletized lime stronger than ag lime? Pelletized lime and agricultural lime (ag lime) have similar lime content. The difference lies in the form and how they are applied, but their strength in terms of pH adjustment is comparable.

What is the best way to spread lime? Lime can be spread using various equipment, including broadcast spreaders, drop spreaders, or lime spreader trucks, depending on the scale of the application.

How much pelletized lime for 1 acre food plot? For a 1-acre food plot, you would need approximately 1 to 2 tons (2,000 to 4,000 pounds) of pelletized lime.

How many bags of granulated lime per acre? The number of bags of granulated lime per acre depends on the bag size and the lime content. If using 50-pound bags with 80% lime content, you’d need about 2.5 to 5 bags per acre.

Does adding lime to soil raise or lower pH? Adding lime to soil raises the pH, making it less acidic. Lime is used to neutralize acidity in soil.

What month should I put lime on my lawn? Lime can be applied any time of the year, but fall and early spring are often preferred as the soil is more receptive and there’s less competition from other lawn care activities.

Should you apply lime before or after mowing? It’s generally better to apply lime before mowing. This ensures better soil contact for the lime and prevents the newly spread lime from being mowed away.

Can I lime my yard anytime? Yes, you can lime your yard at various times of the year, but the timing may affect how quickly it has an impact on soil pH.

How many 40lb bags of pelletized lime are on a pallet? There are typically 40 to 50 bags of 40-pound pelletized lime on a pallet.

What is the difference between barn lime and hydrated lime? Barn lime is primarily calcium carbonate (similar to agricultural lime) and is used to control odors and moisture in livestock areas. Hydrated lime is calcium hydroxide and is more caustic, used in industrial and some agricultural applications.

Do you need to water after applying lime? Watering after applying lime can help it penetrate the soil, but it’s not always necessary. Follow recommended guidelines based on your soil type and conditions.

Should I lime before it rains? Liming before rain can be beneficial because it helps wash the lime into the soil. However, it’s not essential, and you can also water the lime in if rain isn’t expected.

How do I know if my soil needs lime? A soil test from a reputable lab will determine your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. If pH is too low (acidic), it may indicate a need for lime.

Does pelletized lime need to be watered in? Pelletized lime benefits from moisture to break down and start adjusting soil pH, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be watered in if applied correctly.

What is the fastest acting lime? Hydrated lime is one of the fastest-acting lime products, but it’s also the most caustic and should be used with caution.

What is the price of lime per ton? The price of lime per ton can vary widely depending on location, type of lime, and quality. As of my last update in 2021, it ranged from $20 to $100 per ton or more.

How many pounds of lime per acre for pasture? For pastures, you generally need 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of lime per acre, but it depends on soil test results.

Will lime get rid of grubs? Lime is not typically used to control grubs. Grub control usually involves specific pesticides or biological methods.

Can you put down lime with grass seed? Yes, you can apply lime and grass seed together if your soil test indicates a need for lime. It’s often done to improve soil conditions for grass establishment.

Do you apply lime or fertilizer first? It’s generally recommended to apply lime first to address soil pH issues, and then apply fertilizer based on soil nutrient needs.

Is wet lime better than dry lime? The choice between wet and dry lime depends on your specific needs and equipment. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

What type of lime do farmers use? Farmers use various types of lime, including agricultural lime (ag lime), pelletized lime, hydrated lime, and dolomitic lime, depending on their specific soil and crop needs.

What are the pros and cons of pelletized lime? Pros of pelletized lime include ease of handling and even distribution. Cons can include cost and the need for more storage space compared to powdered lime.

How long will pelletized lime stay in the soil? Pelletized lime can remain active in the soil for several months to years, depending on soil conditions and the specific product used.

What is the best lime for fields? The best lime for fields depends on soil test results. Agricultural lime (ag lime) is commonly used for field applications.

How much pelletized lime equals 1 ton of ag lime? It takes roughly 1.25 to 2.5 tons (2,500 to 5,000 pounds) of pelletized lime to equal 1 ton of agricultural lime (ag lime) in terms of lime content.

Can you spread lime without tilling? Yes, lime can be spread without tilling, but tilling can help incorporate it more thoroughly into the soil.

Can I spread lime with a fertilizer spreader? Yes, a fertilizer spreader can be used to spread lime, but it should be properly calibrated for accurate application.

What time of year do farmers spread lime? Farmers typically spread lime in the fall or early spring when soil conditions are favorable for incorporation.

How much lime do I need for 30 acres? For 30 acres, you would need approximately 30 to 60 tons (60,000 to 120,000 pounds) of lime, depending on soil test results.

Are deer attracted to lime? Deer are not generally attracted to lime itself. Lime is primarily used for soil conditioning and pH adjustment, not as a deer attractant.

Does lime deter deer? Lime is not used as a deer deterrent. It’s important to use specific deer deterrent methods if you want to discourage deer from an area.

Can you put too much lime on your land? Yes, applying excessive lime can lead to excessively high pH levels, nutrient imbalances, and other issues, so it’s essential to follow soil test recommendations.

How much does a 40 lb bag of lime cover? A 40-pound bag of lime typically covers around 1,000 square feet at a recommended application rate.

How much does a 50 pound bag of lime cover? A 50-pound bag of lime typically covers around 1,250 to 2,500 square feet, depending on the recommended application rate.