The use of quicklime in the garden It is an agricultural practice that is centuries old. If you are thinking of using it, it is important that you know how to do it in order to enjoy its benefits and not cause damage to your plants.
But first, let's see what quicklime is and what benefits it has for crops.
What is quicklime?
Quicklime or calcium oxide It is a chemical compound obtained from high temperature heating (calcination) of calcareous rocks like limestone.
It is a white solid with a crystalline appearance and is very alkaline. Its most distinctive characteristic is that develops an exothermic reaction (releases heat) upon contact with waterThis is what is known as "slaking lime" and results in calcium hydroxide or slaked lime.
Quicklime is also hygroscopic, meaning it easily absorbs moisture from the air.
Benefits of using quicklime in the garden
Calcium oxide has been present in agriculture for hundreds of years, because it is known to have multiple positive effects on the soil, which improves crops:
pH correction
Quicklime is responsible for neutralize acidity from the soil, which is especially useful in humid regions with abundant decomposing organic matter, because the soils in these areas tend to be acidic.
What calcium oxide does is increase the pH of the soil, making it more favorable for the growth of most cultivated plants.
Nutrient availability
If the soil pH is at a balanced level, plants can more easily access the nutrients they need. Especially when phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients.
It improves soil structure
Quicklime in the garden improves the structure of the clay soils, making them more porous and facilitating aeration and drainage.
This facilitates root development and microbial activity in the soil, which are essential factors for crop growth.
Reduces the toxicity of some elements
En acid soils, elements such as the Aluminum and manganese They may be present in forms that are toxic to plants.
Quicklime reduces the availability of these elements, thereby protecting the roots.
Disease Control
Calcium oxide has disinfectant properties and can be helpful in controlling some soil diseases that are caused by fungi and other pathogens.
Improves nitrogen fixation
In legumes such as beans and alfalfa, quicklime promotes the activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This increases the amount of this nutrient that plants receive and boosts their growth.
How to use quicklime in the garden?
If you want to achieve good results, keep in mind the steps to follow and the recommendations that we give you below:
Analyze the soil
If your soil has a good pH and the amount of nutrients present is adequate, it will not benefit from the use of quicklime. Therefore, the first thing to do is to perform a soil analysis.
This will tell you if you need to use calcium oxide and in what quantity.
Preparation of quicklime
As we said before, this product reacts by releasing heat when it comes into contact with water. Therefore, the Hydration should be done gradually, in a large, sturdy container.
If it is always important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using chemicals, in this case it is even more important to avoid possible burns.
Once you have the hydrated lime, you have to mix it with water until you get a slurry.
If you want to simplify the process, you can purchase from specialized stores agricultural lime. A form of calcium carbonate that is less reactive than quicklime and is a safer alternative for hobby gardeners.
Application of quicklime in the garden
Distribute the milk of lime evenly over the soil surface, avoiding puddlesThen, use a rake or cultivator to incorporate the product well into the soil.
When is quicklime applied?
The best time of year to use it is in autumn or winter, before the rains. This allows the product to react during the colder months and is ready to act for the next growing season.
The frequency of use depends on the characteristics of your soil and also on what you are growing. But the normal thing is to apply it every two or three years.
Precautions when using quicklime in the garden
- Always use protective equipment To avoid burns and irritation: gloves, safety glasses, mask and clothing that covers your entire body.
- Works in a well ventilated area.
- Avoid direct contact of quicklime with plants, as this could burn them.
- Do not allow children or animals to approach the soil you have just treated until the lime has been thoroughly integrated into the soil.
- Always follow the manufacturer's hydration and handling instructions.
Quicklime is very useful, but we must use it with care. If you do not dare to manipulate it because of the risk it entails, you can use safer alternatives such as calcium carbonate and bone-mealBoth serve to correct soil acidity and, in the case of bone meal, they also provide calcium and phosphorus to the soil.
Keys to a good use of quicklime in the garden
We summarize the essential aspects that should be clear to you:
- Quicklime corrects soil pH and facilitates crops' access to nutrients.
- When wet, it causes a chemical reaction that can cause burns.
- You should never handle it without proper protection.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter.
- Test your soil to determine how much to use.
- If you don't feel safe using it, look for other alternatives.
If you use quicklime in the garden with caution and in appropriate doses, your crops will grow stronger and healthier. Can you tell us about your experience with this product?