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Trials over the years have shown that applying lime to New Zealand pastures offers many benefits: increased pasture growth, improved soil biology, and better animal performance.
Lime reduces soil acidity and supplies calcium, which enhances soil structure.
Calcium helps bind clay particles, increasing soil porosity.
This improves drainage in winter, water retention in summer, and boosts microbial activity—essential for breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients, reducing fertiliser needs.
Improved soil structure is especially valuable after heavy rainfall, as it allows roots to grow deeper and access more water and nutrients.
In acidic soils, toxic aluminium can restrict root growth.
Lime raises pH, reducing aluminium toxicity and encouraging root development, which supports greater pasture productivity.
Lime also improves nutrient availability.
For example, phosphorus becomes more accessible at a pH of 6.2–6.3, as less is bound by iron and aluminium.
With fertiliser prices high, now is a great time to maximise your soil’s phosphorus reserves through liming.
Avoca has a team of experienced fertiliser advisers offering custom lime and fertiliser blending.
Whether you’re looking to optimise yields, address nutrient deficiencies, or simply want to discuss the best options for your farm – we’re here to help you make informed decisions that support the health and productivity of your land.
