Liming demonstration using a lime spreader. (Immaculate Juma)
Liming is the application of soil conditioners, including marl, chalk, limestone, burnt lime, or hydrated lime to the soil to raise its pH; thus, reduce its acidity. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)-rich materials are the most used – the Ca or Mg increase the base saturation in the soil hence neutralizing soil acidity that is often caused by the effects of acids from nitrogen (N) fertilizer, slurry, and high rainfall. Liming improves soil fertility by increasing the activity of beneficial earthworms and improving soil structure. It is a source of Ca, and by raising the pH of soils it increases uptake of plant nutrients.
The soil must be tested to determine its pH level. Lime should be applied to soils with pH levels below 5.0, but especially to soils with pH below 4.0 which are very acidic. High concentrations of acids decrease the availability of plant nutrients, especially phosphorous (P) and molybdenum (Mo) and increase the toxic effect of aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mn). In addition, acidity causes some plant nutrients to be leached below the plant rooting zone.
A farmer must wear protective clothing, including face masks, goggles, gumboots, gloves, and an apron before working with lime. The best time to apply agricultural lime to any piece of land is during the dry season. The lime must be covered with soil immediately after application to prevent loss through evaporation, since it is highly volatile. If lime has to be applied during the rainy season, the farmer must apply the lime just before it starts to rain so that the rainwater can leach the lime into the soil. Agricultural lime can be applied in three ways:
a) Broadcasting with a spreader. The land must be ploughed immediately to cover the lime and to prevent loss through evaporation.
b) Band method: Lime is applied between crops if it was not applied before land preparation. The lime must also be covered with soil immediately.
c) Spot method: Lime is applied at the base of the crop (similar to top dressing). Similarly, the lime must also be covered with soil immediately.
Farmers like agricultural lime because it improves soil structure and larger particles are formed in a process called flocculation. In addition, lime binds the larger particles of humus producing a good crumb structure. This improves soil drainage by creating more air spaces. Thus, the soil become easier to cultivate and plant root growth is facilitated. One acre (0.4 ha) of land with a pH of below 4.0 requires 300-350 kgs of lime; a pH of between 4.0 and 5.0, requires 200–250 kgs.
สถานที่: Luuya Bwake Ward, Kabuchai Sub-county, Bungoma County in Western Kenya, เคนยา
ตำนวนการวิเคราะห์เทคโนโลยี: พื้นที่เดี่ยว
การเผยแพร่ของเทคโนโลยี: กระจายไปอย่างสม่ำเสมอในพื้นที่ (approx. < 0.1 ตร.กม.(10 เฮกตาร์))
In a permanently protected area?: ไม่ใช่
วันที่ในการดำเนินการ: 2022
ประเภทของการแนะนำ
| Species | Count |
| cattle - dairy and beef (e.g. zebu) | 3 |
| poultry | 10 |
| ปัจจัยนำเข้า | หน่วย | ปริมาณ | ค่าใช้จ่ายต่อหน่วย (KES) | ค่าใช้จ่ายทั้งหมดต่อปัจจัยนำเข้า (KES) | %ของค่าใช้จ่ายที่ก่อให้เกิดขึ้นโดยผู้ใช้ที่ดิน |
| แรงงาน | |||||
| Lime application | Man-days | 2.0 | 300.0 | 600.0 | 100.0 |
| Ploughing/ covering lime | Man-days | 15.0 | 300.0 | 4500.0 | 100.0 |
| อุปกรณ์ | |||||
| PPE | Set | 1.0 | 3000.0 | 3000.0 | 100.0 |
| ปุ๋ยและสารฆ่า/ยับยั้งการเจริญเติบโตของสิ่งมีชีวิต (ไบโอไซด์) | |||||
| Lime | 50 kgs bag | 20.0 | 300.0 | 6000.0 | 100.0 |
| อื่น ๆ | |||||
| Soil testing | Sample | 1.0 | 800.0 | 800.0 | 100.0 |
| ค่าใช้จ่ายทั้งหมดของการจัดตั้งเทคโนโลยี | 14'900.0 | ||||
| Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD | 119.95 | ||||
| ปัจจัยนำเข้า | หน่วย | ปริมาณ | ค่าใช้จ่ายต่อหน่วย (KES) | ค่าใช้จ่ายทั้งหมดต่อปัจจัยนำเข้า (KES) | %ของค่าใช้จ่ายที่ก่อให้เกิดขึ้นโดยผู้ใช้ที่ดิน |
| แรงงาน | |||||
| Lime application | Man- days | 2.0 | 300.0 | 600.0 | 100.0 |
| Ploughing/ covering lime | Man- days | 15.0 | 300.0 | 4500.0 | 100.0 |
| อุปกรณ์ | |||||
| PPE | Set | 1.0 | 3000.0 | 3000.0 | 100.0 |
| ปุ๋ยและสารฆ่า/ยับยั้งการเจริญเติบโตของสิ่งมีชีวิต (ไบโอไซด์) | |||||
| Lime | 50 Kg bags | 3.0 | 300.0 | 900.0 | 100.0 |
| อื่น ๆ | |||||
| Soil testing | Sample | 1.0 | 800.0 | 800.0 | 100.0 |
| ค่าใช้จ่ายทั้งหมดของการบำรุงรักษาสภาพเทคโนโลยี | 9'800.0 | ||||
| Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD | 78.9 | ||||
The above rating varies from one village to the other.
จำนวนก่อน SLM: 3
หลังจาก SLM: 9
Quantity refers to the number of 90 Kg bags of maize produced per acre.
Not easy for the farmers to quantify.
จำนวนก่อน SLM: 6
หลังจาก SLM: 10
Quality refers to the number of bunches/ loads of harvested napier grass.
Not easy for the farmers to quantify.
จำนวนก่อน SLM: 50
หลังจาก SLM: 40
Quantity refers to the percentage probability of the crop failing to do well.
Not easy for the farmers to quantify but the farmer says that it is easier to work on the soil since lime was applied.
จำนวนก่อน SLM: 3,500
หลังจาก SLM: 6,000
The farmer used to buy 1 bag of 50 Kg DAP for the 1 acre. The test results recommended that she applies 2.5 bags of 50 Kg NPK. This increased the expenditure on fertilizer.
จำนวนก่อน SLM: 6,000
หลังจาก SLM: 15,000
She used to sell 2 bags of 50Kgs of maize at KES 3,000/- but after improved production she was able to sell 5 bags at the same price.
Not easy to quantify but the work has slightly increased due to the need to apply lime.
จำนวนก่อน SLM: 30
หลังจาก SLM: 70
Quantity refers to the estimated percentage of knowledge in SLM/ land management.
จำนวนก่อน SLM: 5.3
หลังจาก SLM: Not known
The has not done a confirmatory test but it is clear that the pH has reduced due to the improved production.
