Kalkitusmäärä

Kalkitusmäärä refers to the amount of liming material applied to agricultural land. Liming is a process used to raise the pH of acidic soils, which is beneficial for crop growth and nutrient availability. The specific kalkitusmäärä is determined by several factors, including the initial soil pH, the soil's buffer capacity (often related to its clay and organic matter content), and the target pH for the intended crops.

Different soil types and crops have varying lime requirements. For instance, sandy soils generally require less lime than clay soils to achieve the same pH change due to their lower buffer capacity. Similarly, crops that are sensitive to acidity may necessitate a higher target pH, thus influencing the kalkitusmäärä.

Common liming materials include agricultural lime (calcium carbonate), dolomitic lime (calcium and magnesium carbonate), and burnt lime (calcium oxide). The effectiveness and reaction rate of these materials can vary. The kalkitusmäärä is typically expressed in units of weight per area, such as tons per hectare or kilograms per square meter. Soil testing is crucial for accurately determining the appropriate kalkitusmäärä to avoid over-liming, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, or under-liming, which fails to correct the acidity problem. Sustainable agricultural practices aim to apply the optimal kalkitusmäärä to maintain soil health and productivity.