What is the primary purpose of lime application in agriculture?

The primary purpose of lime application in agriculture is to increase soil pH and reduce acidity. When soil is too acidic, it can impede nutrient availability and negatively affect plant growth. Lime, primarily composed of calcium carbonate, reacts with the acids in the soil, raising the pH level and neutralizing the acidity. This process not only creates a more favorable environment for crop growth but also enhances the availability of essential nutrients that are often locked up in acidic soils.

While improving soil fertility, drainage, and nutrient availability are important aspects of soil health, these outcomes are more of a consequence of raising soil pH than the primary reason for applying lime. Lime directly addresses acidity first, which then supports the overall improvement of soil health and fertility by allowing for better nutrient uptake and utilization by plants.