The Forgotten Magic of Lime?

Published October 19, 2005

Calcium, a macro nutrient, is one that is often forgotten when considering the requirements for growing healthy stands of grass. In our area the soils are generally on the acidic side and calcium is lacking. As a macro nutrient, calcium is used in large amounts relative to minor nutrients. When calcium gets low in the soils the plants as well as the dynamic chemical reactions in the soil are affected. The addition of lime chemically changes the balance in the soil and like magic the turf responds in a favorable manor.

How do we know that we need lime? Every year we take soil samples and have them tested at a soil lab. The lab results will indicate the levels of nutrients in the soil and the amount of nutrients that are needed to reach average levels required for the growth of healthy turfgrass.

Is lime really magic? Well the answer to that is no but lime does affect the dynamics of the soil and the reactions of microorganisms as well as plant growth. In some cases, the application of lime is enough to reduce or even eliminate some turfgrass diseases or even reduce the population of certain weeds. As some grass species prefer a calcium enriched soil, it is possible to swing populations by favoring the growth of one species over another with the addition of lime along with other cultural practices.

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