[44hexx]

hi all

we have had our soil tested on our allotment and it shows that it is very acidic - probably why the crops are not doing that great. we have found out that we need to add lime to the soil but cant seem to find out whether we just sprinkle it on the top or dig it in, nay advice would be very much appreciated.

regards vicky and craig

[peapod]

Dig it in, and then manure two/four weeks later every autumn.  Then when you plant lime loving plants such as brassicas, dig more in and hand dress around the stems every month or so as they are growing.

You may have to do this for a few years (and be careful what you mulch with) but it will soon balance out.  For  good veg you are aiming for about 6.5ph - but its handy to check every bed as some may vary year upon year for a while

[SG6]

Don't have the problem but it will I guess be sprinkle, then dig in, then sprinkle some more and dig again, and the number of times depends on how much lime needs adding.

Sounds as if it is a case of watching the ph level and when you dig the plot, probably several times a year, add more lime if appropriate.

Seems that the idea will be to have the ph value similar down to a reasonable depth. Cannot think how an alkaline surface and an acidic sub surface would work.

[mumofstig]

Some help and advice on this page where it gives the quantities to add, depending on how acid your soil is

[zazen999]

What pH is it?

[Babstreefern]

If you have acid soil, yes, put lime on, but what I do is heavily dig the plot in Autumn, spread the lime over the top, and let it weather down, the rain and snow, will do all you need.  In February, re-test your soil and if its still on the acid side, then sprinkle more on and then in early March, rotivate your plot ready for planting. 

However, watch how you use manure, as this will make your soil acid again.  One more thing, leave an area where you will be planting spuds, free from lime, spuds don't mind acid soil