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Sources of Lime for Acid Soils in Virginia

ID

452-510 (SPES-158P)

Authors as Published

G.L. Mullins, Professor and Extension Nutrient Management Specialist, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech; M.M. Alley, W.G. Wysor Professor, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech; S.B. Phillips, Assistant Professor, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Eastern Shore AREC; Reviewed by Rory Maguire, Professor and Extension Specialist, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech

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Acid soil limits crop yields on many Virginia farms. With only a few exceptions, the climate in Virginia causes unlimed soils to be moderately to strongly acidic. This soil acidity can be directly toxic to plants but more often; it reduces the plants' efficiency at nutrient utilization, especially phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and nitrogen (N). Proper management of soil acidity is the foundation of efficient soil fertility management in Virginia.


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Publication Date

August 9, 2019