If a soil test calls for 1200 ENM per acre, how many tons of lime should be applied?

When a soil test indicates a requirement of 1200 ENM (Effective Neutralizing Material) per acre, the amount of lime that should be applied does indeed depend on the ENM of the lime being used. Different types of lime vary in their effectiveness at neutralizing soil acidity, which is often measured as ENM.

For example, agricultural lime (calcitic lime) typically has an ENM of about 50% to 70%, while dolomitic lime may have a similar or slightly varying range depending on its composition. Therefore, to accurately determine how many tons of lime to apply, one must assess the specific ENM value of the lime product available for use.

Knowing the ENM of the chosen lime allows farmers and agronomists to calculate the proper application rate to achieve the desired soil pH. Without this information, applying a set amount like 2, 3, or 4 tons could either under-apply or over-apply the necessary lime, potentially leading to either inadequate soil neutralization or unnecessary expense and environmental impact.