Lime Requirement Calculator
Estimate agricultural lime needed per acre to adjust soil pH.
Inputs
How It Works
Lime Required (tons/acre) =
(Target pH − Current pH) × Lime Factor
Factor depends on soil type and buffer pH.
Related Calculators
FAQ
Why is soil pH important?
Soil pH affects nutrient availability and overall crop productivity.
What is lime requirement factor?
It estimates tons of lime needed per pH unit change based on soil buffering capacity.
Should I use buffer pH?
Yes. Buffer pH provides more accurate lime recommendations from soil tests.
Understanding Lime Requirements and Soil pH Management
Maintaining proper soil pH is critical for maximizing nutrient availability and crop performance. When soils become too acidic, nutrient uptake efficiency declines and yields may suffer. Agricultural lime is commonly applied to raise soil pH and restore optimal growing conditions.
The amount of lime required depends on current soil pH, target pH, and soil buffering capacity. Buffer pH values from soil tests provide more precise recommendations, but this calculator offers a practical estimate using a lime requirement factor.
Applying the correct lime rate improves fertilizer efficiency, enhances root development, and supports long-term soil health. Proper pH management is foundational to sustainable crop production systems.