72 
SOIL SURVEY OF JACKSON COUNTY 
acid at the surface, but the deep subsoil may in places be free 
from acid or even slightly calcarious (containing lime). 
The degree of acidity is quite variable, and each farmer may 
find a wide variation in the need for lime on his farm. It is 
essential that every farmer should have his various fields tested 
before making an expenditure for lime. The county agent can 
do this, or samples may be sent to the Department of Soils of 
the University where free tests will be made. Failure of clover 
and alfalfa are often an indication of the need of lime. About 
three tons of ground limestone per acre is the usual application 
on these soils when alfalfa is to be grown and two tons where 
clover is seeded. The amount to be used, however, may vary 
with the degree of acidity, the character of the soil, and the 
crop to be grown. Such crops as alfalfa, sweet clover, peas, 
cabbages, onions, and lettuce have a high lime requirement. 
Clover, garden beans, barley, hemp, turnips, and raishes have 
a medium lime requirement while vetch, white clover, oats, rye, 
blue grass, potatoes, sorghum, and others have a low require¬ 
ment for lime. As a rule the heavy types of soil which are 
acid need more lime than the sandy types showing the same 
degree of acidity. 
Ground limestone is doubtless the most economical form of 
lime which can be extensively utilized in Jackson county. Lime 
should be applied previous to planting the crop which is to be 
benefited. It should be applied to plowed land and thoroughly 
worked in by harrowing. Either fall, winter, or spring appli¬ 
cations mav be made. 
The best way to apply lime which is dry is with a regular 
spreader made for this purpose, and there are a number on the 
market. The end gate type of spreader has given good re¬ 
sults in spreading dry or moist lime. A manure spreader may 
also be used by first putting in a thin layer of manure or straw 
and spreading the limestone evenly on top of this. Where sev¬ 
eral farmers are so situated that they can work together, a lime 
spreader should be secured for this purpose. 
After making a first application of two or three tons per 
acre, it is not likely that another application will be needed for 
four to six years, and the need should again be determined by 
soil acidity test, as well as by the story which the crops them¬ 
selves tell. 
