Adjustment and preservation of an optimal pH value typical for the soil of a particular location - Basic requirement for an effective and environmentally compatible plant production

The lime content of the soil exerts an influence on all factors important for plant growth and thus primarily determines the soil fertility condition. For this purpose, the measurement of the pH value of the soil as a basis for determining the lime fertilising requirements for soils and plants has proved its worth. In this context, the state also emphasizes the importance of control of the soil lime condition (within the framework of the German Fertiliser Application Ordinance - "Diingeverordnung"). The results of numerous long-term field trials regarding lime fertilising demonstrate the importance of the lime application to soils for a successful and sustainable plant production. The studies refer to: lime content of arable soils, reasons for soil acidification in plant production, yield reaction of crops and field vegetables in correlation to the pH value of soils as well as aspects of yield security. It can be inferred from the particular significance of the lime supply of soils for its impact on soil fertility that the catalogue of especially noteworthy soil fertility parameters should be supplemented by the factors "lime status of the soil" and "soil reaction" respectively.