PLOT DR Liquid Lime is a micronized form of calcium carbonate (calcitic lime) suspended in a surfactant. It is no different than ag lime when we look at the chemical makeup. The difference is particle size and purity.

Lime is a product of the earth - calcitic lime (calcium carbonate) is a mined product, so consistency tends to be a limiting factor when it comes to use of conventional lime products. Once mined, lime goes through a mesh screening process to separate it based on particle size. Terms such as 60-69 or 80-89 indicates the grade of lime. The higher the number, the smaller the particle size is. Pelletized lime is essentially ag lime with a polymer added to make pellets for easier use by the consumer. It tends to have a smaller particle size than ag lime, typically in the 1-5mm range. PLOT DR Liquid Lime has a sub-micron particle size (i.e. <.001mm).

All lime has calcium, but not all calcium can change pH. A pure calcium product exists in the elemental form of Ca2+; this form is essential for root growth, soil structure improvement, and plant nutrition for cell wall strength. However, it cannot chemically change pH because it is not an oxide form or carbonate (i.e. CaO, Ca(OH)2, CaCO3). Calcium chloride when reacted in the soil does not consume or neutralize the H+ ion, in turn, not affecting pH. Calcium chelate products protect the 2+ charge for beneficial functions listed previously but not pH adjustment.

Liquid Lime is a product that is sprayed directly onto the soil surface OR as a foliar onto crops that are established in a rotation. After prepping and planting a plot, you would spray this product onto the ground surface and let rain or irrigation move it through the soil profile. Our goal is to affect the top several inches where most food plot seeds are planted and where the root rhizosphere exists.

When mixed correctly, this product will work in most if not all sprayer configurations. We recommend that you remove all screens and filters on the suction side of your sprayer; this will eliminate room for error. Smaller nozzles are compatible but may require more passes to get down the prescribed rate. To maximize efficiency, we recommend the following nozzles: Tee Jet XR Red.

The slurry method is a straightforward practice to ensure problem free spraying. Fill your sprayer with the amount of water needed to cover your acreage minus 4-5 gallons (e.g. 1 gal of lime/ac requires minimum of 10 gal water. Fill tank to 6 gal water). Pour ~3 gallons of water into a 5-gal pail, add 1-gal of lime. Mix contents of pail with a cordless drill attached paint mixer (easiest) or thoroughly with a stick. When suspended in solution, add the lime slurry to your spray tank with amount of water already in it. Spray away.

To build your soil pH, yes, we recommend using multiple forms. However, there are tradeoffs with each individual product. If you are planting a new plot or are late to applying lime, then the liquid lime is your best option. Ag lime or pelletized will not provide traditional lime benefits in one season, and will take anywhere from 1-4 years to work in the soil. Extending the “reaction curve” with supplemental liming materials will be beneficial if in the scope and budget of a project.

Depending on soil pH and intended crop, it is typically applied one time per year or growing season. The pH will be adjusted instantaneously but will lose efficacy after ~ 1 years’ time.

Cost is ultimately dependent on intended results. If you have large enough contiguous plot (i.e. >10ac), where an applicator can spread ag lime, it is probably cheaper to go that route. If you don't have the means of spreading ag lime and you buy pelletized lime, you will end up spending anywhere from $175 to upwards of $500 an acre if you use the needed amount. Most customers can get away with $50-100 an acre of PLOT DR Liquid Lime per year.

Yes, all our products are designed with excellent compatibility. Mixing Liquid Lime with RoundUp, however, does require more care and caution. Because the lime is basic, and RoundUp is acidic, settling may occur. Therefore, ensuring the mix is sprayed immediately is top priority.