Food Plot PH - Amending Your Soil With Lime

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!