Mészelállítás

Mészelállítás is a Hungarian term that translates to "liming" or "application of lime" in English, particularly in the context of agriculture and construction. It refers to the process of adding calcium-containing minerals, primarily calcium carbonate (limestone) or calcium oxide (quicklime), to soil or other materials.

In agriculture, mészelállítás is a common practice to improve soil quality. Adding lime neutralizes soil acidity, raising the pH level. This is beneficial because many crops thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soils. Increased pH can also make essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium more available to plants. Furthermore, liming can improve soil structure, leading to better drainage and aeration, and can help reduce the toxicity of aluminum and manganese in acidic soils. The specific type and amount of lime applied depend on the soil's existing pH and its cation exchange capacity.

Beyond agriculture, mészelállítás also has applications in construction. Lime has been used as a binder in mortar and plaster for centuries. When mixed with sand and water, lime undergoes a process called carbonation, hardening over time to create a durable material. This traditional use of lime in building is still relevant in historical restoration and in certain modern construction techniques. The term can also broadly refer to the process of creating lime from limestone through calcination, a high-temperature heating process.