THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, March 10, 1996                 TAG: 9603080099
SECTION: HOME                     PAGE: G2   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY ROBERT STIFFLER, GARDENING COLUMNIST 
                                             LENGTH: Medium:   53 lines

TOW THE LIME: YOUR SOIL PROBABLY NEEDS IT

THIS IS ONE of the best times of year to lime your lawn or garden.

Because soil acidity is measured in terms of pH - the balance between acid and alkaline - lime's use can be confusing.

Most universities recommend a pH of 6.5. But in our area, the many oak and pine trees contribute to acidic levels that are often higher than optimal for many lawns and plants. Lime can neutralize acidic soils.

If you are unsure whether your yard needs extra lime, state universities, garden centers and lawn services test soil samples.

Lime comes in several forms, the North Carolina Botanical Garden reports. First, decide if you want a quick-fix or a longer, slower solution for your garden.

Here are condensed descriptions of the limes available, from the Botanical Garden:

Pelletized limestone (calcium carbonate) - Fast-acting, and when applied with a rotary spreader, it takes less time to apply than others.

Dolomitic limestone (calcium and magnesium carbonate) - Slow but preferred on soils low in both pH (acidity) and magnesium.

Hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) - Fast and somewhat dangerous to apply.

Ground or pulverized limestone (calcium carbonate) - Slow but safe.

There are differing opinions on which lime you should use, but the important thing is to use it, because most local soils need lime.

When you add lime, physical, chemical and biological changes occur. Physically, the decomposition of humus is accelerated, and the soil becomes more porous.

Chemically, the acidity of the soil is reduced. The resident iron, aluminum and manganese are locked up to prevent their toxic effects on plants. At the same time, phosphates are more accessible, and calcium and magnesium are more usable.

Biologically, lime stimulates the activity of the decomposed organisms - those little guys that break down organic matter into usable nutrients. And finally, the toxins formed in acidic decomposition are reduced.

Whatever lime you use, spend the extra money and buy the granulated kind. It keeps a lot of dust out of your eyes and off your clothes. ILLUSTRATION: Photo

ROBERT STIFFLER

Clayton Mason buys granular lime for his lawn at Epps Farm Supply in

Suffolk.

KEYWORDS: WEEDER'S DIGEST by CNB