According to the literature, to increase the pH by one unit (from 5.5 to 6.5 for example) different quantities are needed depending on the grain size of the soil:
| Sandy soils | Silty soils | Clay based soil |
|---|---|---|
| 1,5 / 2 tons of CaO | 2 / 3 tons of CaO | 3 / 4 tons of CaO |
The concept of a neutralizing value: this is the potential neutralization capacity in relation to the liming product's composition
Neutralizing value (NV): 1 CaO = 1 NV 1MgO = 1.4 NV
Taking the example of a typical untreated product, its neutralizing value is 55 because it is composed of 54% CaO and 0.5% MgO: 50x1 + 0.5x1.4= 54.7 NV, i.e. approximately 55 NV.
| Principal primary materials | Calcium carbonate |
|---|---|
| CaO % content | 54 |
| MgO % content | 0.5 |
| Neutralizing value | 55 |
| Carbon solubility | 61 (rapid) |
| Product refinement | 80% at 0,1 mm |
To increase this product's pH by one point, 3 to 4 tons per hectare would be needed to treat a sandy plot.