Lime after planting?

[webfarmer]

I "soil tested" three small fields with an electronic (cheap) pH tester. The three fields all indicated very close to a pH of 7. So, I disced them up fertilized, cultipacked and planted alfalfa, clover and some Frigid Forage. That said, I took soil samples anyway (before discing) and sent them to the Whitetail Institute. Much to my amazement, two of the three fields need lime desperately. pH of one is 4.6 - another 5.8 and the third 7.1. So much for the electronic pH tester. All three fields were planted every year in soy beans by a farmer I rented the land to.

My question is this - can these planted fields be limed without damaging the new, sprouting plants? One field (pH 4.6) has been in alfalfa clover mix since last year and really grew well - deer in it every day. I'd like to correct these fields to the proper pH level and get more bang for my fertilizer buck. Any suggestions? Thanks.

And yes, I know this was stupid :help:

[QuakrTrakr]

Lime sholdn't hurt anything. I've limed all times of the year. Fertilizer will hurt you plot though. If it sits on the leaves very long it'll burn it. I only fertilize when I'm discing, or if I know there is a lot of rain coming.

[Anderson]

The lime applied now will not hurt the alfalfa. If the alfalfa is growing well, no bare spots and deer are feeding in it, I would probably wait and apply pellime in late fall or early spring. The only reason I say this is because my alfalfa is tall enough that i wouldn't get a good spread pattern with my pull spreader. And I don't plan on mowing it this summer. Any fert that the plant doesn't utilize will still be there next year when you get the ph up.

[webfarmer]

QuakrTrakr

You're talking about fertilizing the new growth right? Should I wait until late summer to fertilize the new fields? Thanks!!

[webfarmer]

Anderson


I would probably wait and apply pellime in late fall or early spring. The only reason I say this is because my alfalfa is tall enough that i wouldn't get a good spread pattern with my pull spreader. And I don't plan on mowing it this summer. Any fert that the plant doesn't utilize will still be there next year when you get the ph up.


I like the idea of liming next spring when the plants are established - are you talking about the new fields or all of them? Lots of rain in the spring and could fertilize at the same time. Does that make sense? Thanks!!

[QuakrTrakr]

WEB-
Lime won't hurt the plants. I've never heard of OVER-liming. I guess it's possible if you go overboard. The phosphorus in the fertlizer is what burns both old growth and new growth. Any time the fertilizer comes in contact with vegetation, it has the chance to burn the plant. That's why I only fertilize when I disc. Now remember, liming isn't fertilizing. I use 12-12-12 typically for fertilizer. But that's relevant to your soil.

[Anderson]

Web,

I was talking about all the fields. But again if the plants are looking healthy then I would wait. If not then I would spread lime now.

[BFTrout]

if you get too much lime on a plant it will burn it. .. .the wife found that out first hand in the garden. if you could use pellet lime just before a rain, that would be super.
I usually disc/cultivate a few times before planing. lime then cultivate. plant and cultipack.

[bishs]

"One field (pH 4.6) has been in alfalfa clover mix since last year and really grew well - deer in it every day."

Are you sure that 4.6 ph is right for this field? It's widely stated that clover needs a ph of 6.0 or more... :confused:

[TeamWhackMaster]

Not only the clover, but I have found pH is even more important for the alfalfa. I am no expert, but it seems very unlikely that clover OR alfalfa would grow in a pH of 4.6. But, then again, what do I know?;)

[TeamWhackMaster]

I "soil tested" three small fields with an electronic (cheap) pH tester. The three fields all indicated very close to a pH of 7. So, I disced them up fertilized, cultipacked and planted alfalfa, clover and some Frigid Forage. That said, I took soil samples anyway (before discing) and sent them to the Whitetail Institute. Much to my amazement, two of the three fields need lime desperately. pH of one is 4.6 - another 5.8 and the third 7.1. So much for the electronic pH tester.

Most handheld pH Testing kits are fairly reliable. Of course, a soil sample analysis is your best bet and will be more accurate, but you CAN get accurate information from the electronic testers. Three things are very important to remember when using one of these devices.

1.) Test the soil in mulitple locations throughout the plot to achieve an average and at multiple depths. Never test only the surface inch or two.

2.) You must test the soil where there is moisture in the ground. Don't test when the plot is a dust bowl.

3.) MOST IMPORTANT- Give the tester time to give you an accurate reading. Most of the time this means waiting a full minute or maybe even 2 minutes for the tester to give you an accurate reading.

If you are planting new plots and establishing new plots, a soil test and full analysis is your best route. However, if I am periodically testing my pH throughout the year(usually once in spring, once in summer, and once in fall), I use my handheld tester. It has been pretty much on the money every time.

Good luck.

[enfield]

if you get too much lime on a plant it will burn it. .. .the wife found that out first hand in the garden. if you could use pellet lime just before a rain, that would be super.
I usually disc/cultivate a few times before planing. lime then cultivate. plant and cultipack.


Hydrated lime will burn the plants. You shouldn't be using hydrated lime (calcium oxide) but agricultural lime (calcium carbonate).

[webfarmer]

Thnaks for all the replies guys! I'm getting a better understanding.

Bishs - yup 4.6 pH. However, this is a mixed field with a sand hill (weeds adore it), areas where the clover/alfalfa is doing fantastic and others where nothing is doing much. I took samples from the entire 5 acre field.

BFtrout - thats is what I'm worried about - thinking on waiting until spring and doing it in doses - year after year.

TeamWhackMaster - lots of good points - much appreciated! More than likely, I simply did not wait long enough for the results. Even at my age I am learning. What brand meter do you use? Thanks again.

enfield - I've read that before. I will consult the locals on where they get their lime. I'm sure it is the AG type. Thanks!