A Review on the Potential Effect of Lime on Soil Properties and Crop Productivity Improvements

Abstract

The review summarizes the literature and the current knowledge on the effect of lime on soil chemical properties and crop productivity. Most of investigators confirmed that lime application could improve the chemical and biological properties of the soils. The long-term lime application trials result in increased soil chemical properties. In addition, due to its multiple positive effects on the chemical and biological soil properties, lime contributes to increase crop productivity and crop quality. Predominantly because of the slow work of lime to make the nutrients available for crops lime-combined fertilization schemes often show good results. Thus, for sustainable agricultural systems within small-scale farming in developing countries like Ethiopia, recommended liming with minimum chemical fertilization can be a good option for developing effective plant-nutrient management strategies in acid soil area.

Keywords: Liming, soil acidity, crop productivity, soil chemical property, soil biological property

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-2-03