LIME, ITS VALUE AND IMPORTANCE 

 John H. Bakron 



Farmers' Institute Lecturer 



Within the past few years farmers have manifested great 

 interest in the use of lime. It is well known that nearly all soils 

 of Xew York State show benefit from its application. The excep- 

 tion to the rule is found in a narrow strip of limestone soil extend- 

 ing eastward some distance from Syracuse and westward to Lake 

 Erie. But even here there are local areas where lime is needed. 

 With this one exception, practically all the soils of the state are 

 benefited by the use of lime, and generally the further south in the 

 state one goes, the greater the need of it ; the hill lands of southern 

 New York being especially lacking in this element. 



Lime is being used in increasing quantities and there is a grow- 

 ing interest in the practice of liming as a step in soil improvement ; 

 but experience continually shows that to get best results, lime must 

 be api^lied systematically. 



DIFFERENT FORMS 



Since farmers are paying varying prices for the different forms 

 of lime and are using the product in many ways, not always most 

 wisely, it is advisable to devote a little time to the discussion of 

 this phase of the subject. Because so much uncertainty exists it 

 seems best to emphasize the difference between the various forms ; 

 to explain the factors involved in })iirchasing lime, so that an 

 intelligent choice can be made among the numerous qualities of 

 materials, offered as they are at varying prices; and to set forth 

 the principles governing its rational use. 



The supplying of lime for api)lication to the land has developed 

 into a profitable industry, and there are many different forms and 

 grades on the market. Great claims are frequently made concern- 

 ing the value of a particular grade. Lime products are frequently 

 sold without a very definite guarantee as to quality and composi- 

 tion. All these facts tend to cause confusion in the mind of the 



purchaser. 



[1672] 



