Liming and should we mix it in a bit ?

[mf6490]

Ok so PH levels are dropping low on some of my ground looking to apply lime / chalk to hopefully bring it back up. But here’s the question should we incorporate in to the ground of just leave it on top. The agronomist is for mixing it in a bit but i’am for leaving it on top
Tin hat on and away we go

 

[deleted user 837354]

Ok so PH levels are dropping low on some of my ground looking to apply lime / chalk to hopefully bring it back up. But here’s the question should we incorporate in to the ground of just leave it on top. The agronomist is for mixing it in a bit but i’am for leaving it on top
Tin hat on and away we go

You can mix it in if you want, just don't plough it under.

 

[mf6490]

You can mix it in if you want, just don't plough it under.

My worry is by mixing it in will have a cost on the soil structure and OM level which is improving
Will the benefit of the lime wash in with the weather all but slowly or just sit in the top inch of soil ?

 

[Hilly]

Either way not matter .

 

[davidroberts30]

Ok so PH levels are dropping low on some of my ground looking to apply lime / chalk to hopefully bring it back up. But here’s the question should we incorporate in to the ground of just leave it on top. The agronomist is for mixing it in a bit but i’am for leaving it on top
Tin hat on and away we go

Leave it on top
You dont see many grass fields turned over to incorporate lime...

 

[yellowbelly]

should we incorporate in to the ground of just leave it on top.

How do you think it got low in the first place??

It washed through - it didn't evaporate away.

 

[deleted user 837354]

My worry is by mixing it in will have a cost on the soil structure and OM level which is improving
Will the benefit of the lime wash in with the weather all but slowly or just sit in the top inch of soil ?

Ah I see. You don't have to work it in if you don't want to disturb the soil. As others have mentioned, lots of lime goes on grassland that isn't touched afterwards.

Rainfall will wash it in.

Only time you would need to do deep tillage after liming was where you were putting 2 tonne on and then 2 tonne again shortly afterwards.