Research conducted by Dr. Vincent Haby revealed fine limestone (ECCE 100%) increased cost efficiency, forage production efficiency, and duration of soil pH change compared to coarse limestone (ECCE 62%). One ton of fine limestone increases pH to the same extent as caused by 1.61 tons of coarse limestone. In many East Texas areas, significant cost savings will be realized from using fine limestone for equivalent effectiveness. More information on fine lime and liming soils may be found in the following research reports:
1) Effective Calcium Carbonate Equivalence (ECCE) of Limestone and Neutralization of Soil Acidity
2) Coastal Bermuda Grass Response to Limestone Rates and Particle Size
3) Coastal Bermuda Grass and Legume Response to Limestone Rate, Limestone Fineness (ECCE) and Boron
4) Effect of Fine Limestone on pH Change in Two Soils
5) Tifton 85 Bermuda Grass Response to Limestone Rate, ECCE and Boron
A comprehensive discussion of management options for liming and fertilizing for forage production is presented in the article,
Lime and Fertilizer Strategies for Forage Production ,
based on Dr. Haby’s research at the Overton Center.
