- Granules provide greater precision than the application of loose lime, but the unit purchase cost is also higher.
- The price of products is influenced not only by the composition of lime. However, it is necessary to check the amount of pure ingredient in a given solution.
Which lime is cheaper?
Generally, the first difference between loose and granulated lime is the price. The unit cost of purchasing granulated lime is higher. If we pay attention to the prices of loose lime, we will find proven offers starting from PLN 45-50/t (excluding transport). So a "boat" of such goods can be delivered to the farm for approximately PLN 1,300 + transport costs (in most cases, this cost is no less than the price of lime, and sometimes even higher, which in total gives us at least PLN 2,600 for the entire transport of lime loose). In the case of granules, prices usually range from PLN 300-600/t depending on the lime composition and the level of reactivity, but we must pay attention to the fact that the doses of loose and granulated lime differ significantly – in the case of granules they are smaller .
read more
What is the time interval between lime and manure?
The difference in the cost of fertilization summa summarum is not very large. If we assume that we apply 3.5 t/ha of loose lime (we are generalizing because the dose here depends, among others, on the CaO content), then at a price including transport of PLN 120/t, we will incur a unit cost of PLN 420/ ha. However, this cost must be divided over a period of two to four years (depending on how often we administer lime). So the unit cost will range from PLN 110-220/ha. Meanwhile, with the price of an exemplary granulated product at PLN 550/t and a dose of 800 kg/ha on highly acidified land, we obtain a high start-up cost (PLN 440/ha), but in the following years the doses are lower, which directly generates lower expenditure ( at a dose of 300 kg/ha to maintain the pH level is approximately PLN 160/ha). You can also use a strategy of combining both products to balance the inputs.
read more
How much nitrogen is left in the soil after legumes?
It is very important to also calculate the pure lime component – after all, it is not the tons of fertilizer administered that matter, but the amount of the pure ingredient introduced. However, we must pay attention to nuances, because the values defining the composition of lime are given in the form of both CaO and CaCO3.
In the case of sprinkles, the CaO content starts from 30%, and is often at least 50%. Often, the entry informing about the content of the pure ingredient also appears in the previously mentioned form of CaCO3 – here we use a conversion rate according to which one ton of CaCO3 is 0.56 CaO. And vice versa – CaO is converted to CaCO3 in the ratio 1:1.785.
Let us also add that in addition to the content, effectiveness is also important – i.e. the level of solubility, reactivity, speed of action. All these elements affect the unit price of the product.
Granules to maintain pH
If we have a stabilized pH, using granulated solutions seems to be the best choice (although a lot depends on the specific product). Why? Well, in a standard system, loose lime is usually used once every three or four years. This is a very long period, and during all this time, with high levels of fertilization, the soil becomes acidic. Meanwhile, at a low cost, you can maintain the pH by giving granulated lime every year – when the pH is at the optimal level, it is often enough to apply 300-400 kg of granulate per hectare. A different strategy should be adopted if we are dealing with extremely acidic soil. Then, before sowing, you can apply loose lime, and during the vegetation period, supplement CaO by applying fast-acting granules.
read more
The advantage of granulated lime over loose lime is, among others: on greater precision of granulate administration. Moreover, there is no need for separate equipment. Although the new lime spreaders allow for quite even sowing, greater precision of application will be the domain of granulated products.
Please also note that it is generally not possible to use loose lime as a top dressing – it is generally intended for pre-sowing applications and immediately after harvest. Meanwhile, granulated lime is very often used already during the vegetation period, just like conventional fertilizers. There are no obstacles to applying them before sowing. However, when deciding to top-dress with lime, you must pay attention to what product you are dealing with, because some solutions, despite their granulated form, are not necessarily suitable for effective liming during the vegetation period.
