It is important for cropping farmers to manage inputs carefully to ensure yields are maintained and to produce quality crops profitably. Agricultural limestone is a key input and should assist cropping farmers to replenish lost calcium, maintain soil pH and in some cases improve soil conditions.
When applied at the appropriate rates, agricultural limestone (Aglime) can assist croppers to improve soils and consequently crops in the following ways:
- Correct pH and increase the mobility of some nutrients
- Reduce the incidence of aluminum / aluminium toxicity
- Helps to improve the physical condition and the health of the soil by stimulating microbial activity
- Replenish calcium that maybe lost during crop and fruit harvest activities (dolomitic limestone supplies both calcium and magnesium)
- Supply calcium that is vital for some crops during the establishment phase including rice and cocoa.
Magnesium naturally contained in dolomitic limestone is also vital for plant photosynthesis and is absorbed from interstitial soil pore water which can be a slow process and, in most cases, should be supported with maintenance applications of dolomitic limestone. Graymont can assist customers with both agricultural limestone and dolomitic limestone products.
In Malaysia, calcium is vital during establishment of some crops including rice and cocoa. Other crops require maintenance applications of calcium carbonate and rates will depend upon soil type, species propagated and crop cycles. Malaysian coastal soils are typically acidic and may affect crop and pasture production since the pH of the soil changes the availability of soil nutrients. Acid soils also create conditions for the release of aluminum and manganese that can have a negative impact on plant establishment and growth.
Quicklime or hydrated lime maybe an effective part of the solution. A thorough risk assessment should be conducted prior to handling quicklime and hydrated lime and all potential hazards appropriately managed and controlled. Please also refer to our product Safety Data Sheets.
For further information see our additional resources below or please contact our sales team to enquire about our products that support cropping and their availability in your region.
