Lime quality is measured by how effectively it neutralizes soil acidity. This is determined largely by (1) its chemical purity and (2) size of particles.The purity of lime is expressed as calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE). It is a measure of how much of the material can react with the soil to neutralize acidity under ideal conditions compared to pure calcium carbonate. Limestone should have a neutralizing value of at least 90%.Even though the CCE of lime may be satisfactory, it will not neutralize soil acidity unless the limestone is finely ground. An experiment conducted by Auburn University on fineness of lime illustrates the importance of fineness of limestone in neutralizing soil acidity.These research results indicate that limestone coarser than 10 or 20 mesh is ofpractically no value, even after several years. Limestone fine enough to pass a 60-mesh screen is effective in neutralizing soil acidity. The term "mesh" refers to the number of openings per square inch on a screen. A 60-mesh lime is lime that will go through a screen containing 60 openings per square inch of screen.
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