Applying AG Lime

[JeffK-MN]

I have 13 acres of very rocky soil. That is already hay field.
I need to apply ag lime and the fertilizer plant tells me I have to disc it in.
Has anyone top dressed ag lime on existing hay field? I put the fertilizer on that way.
I need to put 2 tons to the acre.
Thanks Jeff

 

[bird dog]

Spread it. Mother nature will take care of incorporating it into the soil. Split the applications into two 1 ton spreadings if you can.

 

[M.Magis]

Top dressing is standard practice. Yes, working it in the soil is better, but thats just not feasible for most people.

 

[sstterry]

Spreading it is fine, but remember, the soil will not really show the benefits for several months while it incorporates.

 

[Ebenezer]

Separate lime and fertilizer applications by at least 4 months or there will be some nutrients permanently bound up that you pay for. Same with lime and litter.

 

[Stocker Steve]

Yes.

Lime does move down in the soil profile, but it moves very slowly. A quarter inch per year is sometimes quoted.

Grazing effects lime reactivity and thus soil ph. I think part of it is the hoof action and part of it is biology. I would apply the lime and pound it with cattle.

 

[Dave]

It is best to apply lime in the fall allowing the weather to move it down into the soil profile. But it can be done any time of the year. I would avoid a hot dry windy time of the year as it can blow off your field to the neighbors. Don't spread nitrogen and lime at the same time. It can cause a chemical reaction which will volatilize the nitrogen off into the atmosphere. Stand downwind of a place where lime and and manure are spread at the same time. Take a deep breath you will know what I am saying.

 

[JeffK-MN]

Thanks for the great info. We are new to growing hay.
The field has been strip of most of the right fertilizer.
Also How long before I spread manure on a field after put on lime?
Thanks again Jeff

 

[Col Reb]

Takes about 6 mos for it to start working. I'd get it dumped now & let the pile get rained on for a while then spread it. Otherwise you'll just have a dust storm & a lot of it will go to your neighbors pasture depending on the wind.

 

[Col Reb]

Approx 6 mos to work after its spread. I'd also Recommend getting a soil test done to know for sure & how much you need if you haven't already. I have heard that it's better to put a ton to the acre 2 different spreadings. Don't know if there's any real logic to that but was recommended to me in the past.