Most farmers reach for fertiliser first. But if your soil is acidic, that fertiliser won’t do what it should. Correcting soil pH with lime first unlocks nutrients and helps every kilogram of fertiliser work harder.
Why acidic soil holds you back
Acidic soil ties up nutrients and increases harmful metals like aluminium and manganese. This limits root growth, reduces microbial life, and lowers yield. Even with high-quality fertiliser, your plants can’t access the nutrition they need.
What lime actually does
Lime raises soil pH, releasing nutrients and improving nutrient cycling. It adds calcium and magnesium, enhances soil structure, improves water flow, and boosts beneficial microorganisms. With balanced pH, fertiliser efficiency increases and crops perform better.
Why lime before fertiliser means better ROI
Applying fertiliser to acidic soil is inefficient. When pH is right, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium become more available, producing higher yields per kilogram of fertiliser. That’s more growth, less waste, and stronger profits.
How to apply this in practice
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Test your soil. Get accurate pH results before applying lime or fertiliser.
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Use the right lime. Choose dolomitic if magnesium is low, or calcitic if calcium is the priority.
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Time it well. Apply lime before fertiliser for best results.
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Stay consistent. Recheck your soil pH every few years and apply maintenance lime when needed.
Why this matters in South Africa
Many South African soils become acidic over time due to rainfall, crop intensity, and fertiliser use. Lime restores soil balance, boosts fertiliser efficiency, and builds resilience against long-term soil degradation. It’s an affordable, sustainable step for healthier crops and better yields.
Glossary
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pH: Measures soil acidity or alkalinity. Lower pH means more acidic.
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Dolomitic lime: Lime rich in magnesium carbonate, ideal for soils low in magnesium.
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Calcitic lime: Mainly calcium carbonate, raises calcium levels without extra magnesium.
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Nutrient fixation: When nutrients become locked in the soil and unavailable to plants.
Read more:
For additional guidance on liming, soil acidity, and long-term soil restoration practices, visit the FAO’s resource on acid soils — a global overview of how to manage and correct soil acidity for sustainable crop production.
