Soil Management: Importance of Lime

Nitrogen Fertilisers = Readily available, quick acting, prone to leaching Ammoniacal Nitrogen = Slower acting than nitrate, not easily leached, 3-5 weeks conversion C.A.N. = Half as nitrate, half as ammonium, suitable for grass esp. spring grazing Ureic Nitrogen = Slow acting, availability affected by soil temp and moisture

Slurry = Animal excreta Farmyard Manure = Organic matter from farms Sewage Sludge = Waste material from sewage treatment plants Industrial Sludges = Waste material from industries

Carbon dioxide = Product of bacterial decomposition Methane = Gas produced during decomposition Ammonia = Gas released during decomposition process Hydrogen sulphide = Result of bacterial breakdown

<p>Timing of Manure Application in Spring = Maximizing slurry fertiliser value and reducing artificial fertiliser application rate Rate of Application - 33,000l/ha during Feb/March period = Ensuring proper distribution of nutrients on the field Calculating Slurry Storage - Slurry = Number of animals x volume of excreta x weeks storage = Determining the required storage capacity for animal waste Effects of Manure Application in Summer and Autumn = Best time for spreading manure to achieve optimal nitrogen availability</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phosphorus (P) = Important in young plant development, cell division, root development Potassium (K) = Improves water uptake, storage of carbohydrates, strengthens cereal straw Magnesium (Mg) = Integral component of chlorophyll, deficiency leads to yellowing of leaves Sulphur (S) = Important in protein production, deficiency causes bright yellow color on leaves</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phosphorus (P) = Stunted crop growth, purple color, poor milk yields Potassium (K) = Weak plants, short plant stature, scorched leaf edges Magnesium (Mg) = Yellowing between veins of older leaves, grass low in Mg causes Hypomagnesia Sulphur (S) = Bright yellow color on leaves, extremely stunted plant</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Soils low in lime = Poor crop yields, poor nutrient availability Soils high in acidity = Low productivity, measured on pH scale Ideal soil pH 6.5 = Optimal conditions for plant growth and nutrient availability Lime lost through leaching = Drainage water, crops &amp; livestock affecting soil fertility</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Remove acidity = Improves organic matter breakdown, microbial activity/root development Improve drainage = Makes soils easier to till, increases earthworm activity Improve clover &amp; grass growth = Enhances soil fertility and crop productivity Increase earthworm activity = Improves soil aeration and nutrient circulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Small bags - 50kg = Suitable for home gardeners or small-scale farmers Big bags - 500kg = Commonly used by medium to large-scale farmers Bulk fertiliser = Large quantities suitable for commercial agricultural operations Artificial Fertilizers = Available in various packaging options to suit different needs</p> Signup and view all the answers