Apply Limestone to Raise pH

Apply Limestone to Raise pH Pounds of ground limestone needed per 100 square feet to raise pH to 6.5:

Present pH of soil Pounds needed to raise sandy loam to pH 6.5 Pounds needed to raise loam to pH 6.5 Pounds needed to raise clay loam to pH 6.5

4.0 11.5 16 23

4.5 9.5 13.5 19.5

5.0 8 10.5 15

5.5 6 8 10.5

6.0 3 4 5.5

Dolomitic limestone is recommended because it adds magnesium as well as calcium to the soil. The limestone should be cultivated into the soil.

Adapted from Soil Acidity Needs of Plants, New York Cooperative Extension Service, publication D-2-25.

Present pH of soil	Pounds needed to raise sandy loam to pH 6.5	Pounds needed to raise loam to pH 6.5	Pounds needed to raise clay loam to pH 6.5

4.0	11.5	16	23
4.5	9.5	13.5	19.5
5.0	8	10.5	15
5.5	6	8	10.5
6.0	3	4	5.5