Food Plot PH - Amending Your Soil With Lime

If you want to have a great looking food plot this fall, you cannot skip the most important step! Getting a soil test and correcting the soil PH level is the MOST important step in any food plot. Yes there are a lot of factors that go into the perfect plot, but if you do not correct the soil PH your crops will not be able to absorb the nutrients within the soil at their maximum efficiency. Most of our food plots are located in areas with acidic soil so we need to raise the PH in order to get to the preferred level the crops need to thrive. To increase the PH level of the soil we need to add lime. Lime is simply crushed limestone however there are a few different options when it comes to purchasing lime for your plots. In this video we discuss several different types of lime and the pros and cons of each.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HABITAT. HUNT. HARVEST.
Website: www.WhitetailEvolutionLLC.com
Contact For Michigan Property Consult: [e-mail]
Instagram: Whitetail_Habitat_Management
Facebook: Whitetail Habitat Management
Gear / Products List Available on Amazon:
Hunting / Habitat
Exodus Render Cell Camera---------------- amzn.to/3zw94S6
Best Cheap Camera--------------------------- amzn.to/3tX0WZG
Best AA Batteries------------------------------ amzn.to/3u0nLLT
HODAG Licking Stick-------------------------- amzn.to/3zuh3z8
Extinguisher Deer Call------------------------ amzn.to/3nZqvZ0
Seed Spreader---------------------------------- amzn.to/2XAzAwg
Backpack Sprayer------------------------------ amzn.to/3CEy1MS
Corona Hand Saw----------------------------- amzn.to/2XACv8m
Chainsaw 18”----------------------------------- amzn.to/3EGtOKr
Forester 14 ounce Throw Line------------- amzn.to/3krrzCW
Portable Ozone Machine-------------------- amzn.to/3EF1Fnd
KZbin
Canon Mark IV--------------------------------- amzn.to/3EHHrcD
Lens 24-105------------------------------------ amzn.to/3CE9HLp
Neutral Density Filter------------------------ amzn.to/3kAXWzf
Tripod I Use------------------------------------ amzn.to/3ztsdUD
GoPro Hero 8---------------------------------- amzn.to/3tYq821
DJI Ronin S Gimbal--------------------------- amzn.to/3zw8h3i
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum--------------------- amzn.to/3ksfQUD
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@outdoorztime2923]

Thank you for the information. I'm getting my first soil test 2023, but it will not be my last. Come to find out, they are free for people in their home state here in Arkansas. So, it really should be on everyone's list of things to do prior to food plots. Furthermore, I read one article that stated it is a good idea to think about your soil for habitat even if you're not planning on growing food plots - for instance... fertilize your native plants for wildlife as well (Beautyberry Bush, Honeysuckles, Blackberry, etc.).

[@whitetailevolution]

You're very welcome Terry. And I agree, soil tests are extremely important, everyone should be taking them for their food plots. I've also hear of guys fertilizing the native plants but I haven't done that as of yet. I can see why it would be beneficial, just too many other things to do!

[@michaelgangadeen8013]

Well thought out and presented explanation of the various types of lime and their applications

[@whitetailevolution]

Thanks Michael! There is definitely something for everyone! Just depends on your budget, equipment and goals for adjusting the PH of the soil.

[@tidecoys]

Great video as well as informative.

[@whitetailevolution]

Thank you! Amending your soil is such a huge part to establishing a food plot. Definitely don't skip the soil test.

[@huntercoombs5076]

Got the frogs going on our ponds too! Almost deafening haha. Great video!

[@whitetailevolution]

Thanks Hunter! Glad I had the mic, I could barely hear haha.

[@andrewgoulet7409]

Awesome video with great info. Couple questions. So after you have gotten the soil test results back and apply the correct amount of lime to a future food plot area, how often do you reapply lime or is that not necessary?

[@whitetailevolution]

I would continue to test your soil each year until you reach the desired PH. Once you have the PH where you want it, then maybe test every other year to make sure you're still good. Depending on the type of soil you're working with you could go 2 years without applying lime or sometimes 5. Sandier soils need more consistent applications whereas clay doesn't. But with clay you need more lime to adjust the PH level. It kinda evens out a little bit in the end. But to go back to your original question, I would continue to get my soil tested every other year to make sure I'm around the 6.5 - 7.0 range.

[@CalvinBarton-p3q]

I have ph level of 12 want to get down to 7 what can I use for this is their a liquid spray for this

[@TitaniumFelix]

I am planning to amend with lime and also compost. Do you think it is OK add both at the same time or should the applications be spaced out?

[@clinte9897]

My soil test calls for 3 tons of lime per acre. That seems like a lot. Is there a such thing as too much lime per acre? Seems like the soil would only be able break down so much lime at one time. I was going to call my local ag extension but maybe you know?

[@whitetailevolution]

You are correct in that the soil can only break down so much lime, I generally put down 2,000lbs per acre per year if the soil test calls for it. Retest the following year and reapply. But I would also check with the ag extension to see what they recommend.

[@johnblackwood345]

Where are you buying bagged lime so cheap??? Around here it’s $5.50 a bag.....

[@whitetailevolution]

Your cheapest option is to get the Ag lime truck in to spread it. But that’s not always possible due to access issues / the size of the plot. Next I’d start watching prices and in the fall / winter. Sometimes the prices drop because stores want to sell off their inventory. Check tractor supply, family farm and home, blain’s farm and fleet. I think blain’s has 50lb bags for $2.60 right now. So 1,000 lbs of lime for $55 isn’t terrible. Remember Ag lime takes a bit longer to react with the soil because of the larger particle size, but it will last longer.

[@karvtek]

I’m thinking powdered lime is the same as granulated lime? Ag lime is also called pulverized lime.

[@whitetailevolution]

All lime is really just lime, however the particle size in the different kinds vary. The smaller the particle size the quicker the reaction with the soil.

[@karvtek]

@@whitetailevolution i have a drop spreader that works well for granulated.

[@robcreagh5819]

Where do you purchase your lime in Michigan

[@whitetailevolution]

I buy it wherever I can find it the cheapest. I think last year we bought it from Tractor Supply. One winter I bought a ton of it from Home Depot because they had it on sale. I’d look in late November to see if anyone is trying to get rid of it and has a sale. I’ve also never used the Ag Truck but that would be the way to go if you can get the truck to your plots..

[@robcreagh5819]

Thanks

[@stevegermain1222]

Just put down 500 #, and 100 of 17 17 17 ...should be sweet

[@whitetailevolution]

Awesome! The lime should start adjusting your soils PH levels so your crops can absorb the maximum amounts of nutrition!