Question

Why do farmers add limestone, lime or soda lime to their soils?

Answer 1

To make the soil have a neutral pH

Explanation:

If soil is too acidic, it affects how plants grow since the enzymes cannot function properly leading to stunted growth, wilted crops and more. The farmer wants to gain profit from his produce so he has to correct the pH. It is very common to add limestone, lime or soda lime to neutralise the acidity in the soil. With the pH corrected, processes such as photosynthesis and aerobic respiration can continue without a hitch.