THE USE OF LIME

Evening Star, Issue 23421, 11 November 1939, Page 6

THE USE OF LIME

It is difficult to realise, ou inspecting a handful of lime, that it originated in the sea, but such is the case, as limestone is actually a marine _ deposit. After it is heated_ to redness in a kiln, the well-known lime or oxide of calcium is formed. The actual formation of limestone is very interesting. Many minute sea organisms liar* skeletons or shells consisting of carbonate of lime name for chalk, but included under lime for horticultural purposes). When these organisms die their skeletons sink to the sea bottom and accumulate there. If the sea retreats from the laud or an upthrust of tbe land occurs at aiiy particular point, this accumulation is brought above sea level and exposed to view. • The cliffs of Dover were formed in a similar manner. Lime is essential to the'fertility of the soil; without it one cannot grow crops of vegetables and flowers success- . fully. The soil_ is often likened to a storehouse of riches and lime to the key of the storehouse door. If crops are grown year after year on land deficient in lime the soil tends to becom» ' sour, due to the accumulation of excess J of organic acids. The aetion of lime is to neutralise these acids and sweeten the soil. Lime must not be used on _ ground intended for growing ■ such f things as rhododendrons, as these prefer an acid or peaty soil. The first problem is to discover wlie- . ther the soil contains lime or not. The easiest method is to take samples of soil from various parts of the garden, mix them together vyith .a little water iiito a thin paste,.-and add .a few chop* ~ of hydrochloric acid - (spirits of salt) If there is a violent effervescence, ; th» . soil contains sufficient lime. ' If. hpw- •> ever, there is no marked action’of a '• very feeble one, beneficial results would be obtained by giving the soil a dressing of lime. ■; Lime may be' applied as a winter,; dressing for the soil, and it is best to use quick or unslaked lime for heavy . soils and pow.dered chalk for light soils,' ■■■ In addition, there are many excellent • lime preparations ou the market for general purposes. . . Lime rubble or mortar rubble is frequently used when preparing the soil for certain trees and shrubs. Beside* being a fertiliser, it. is a good drainage agent Amateurs frequently make' ' the mistake of applying lime to tba . soil at tbe same time as farmyard manure or of mixing lime with a nitrogenous fertiliser such as sulphate of- ... ammonia. This must never be practised, as ammouuia is liberated, .and , many of the good properties of the soil ■, dressing lost. Basic slag, a product from the ironworks, is a phosphatie fertiliser containing a high percentage of lime. Lima . may also be sprinkled round plants to ward off attacks by slugs and snails