keinonilimiseen

Keinonilimiseen is a Finnish term that translates loosely to "artificial liming" or "synthetic liming." It refers to the practice of adding lime-based substances to soil or water bodies to artificially alter their pH levels. This is typically done to counteract acidity, which can be caused by natural processes or anthropogenic activities such as acid rain or industrial pollution.

The primary goal of keinonilimiseen is to raise the pH of an environment, making it less acidic. This can have several beneficial effects. In agriculture, increasing soil pH can improve nutrient availability for plants and reduce the toxicity of certain metals that become more soluble in acidic conditions. In aquatic environments, raising the pH can help to mitigate the harmful effects of acidification on fish, amphibians, and other aquatic organisms. It can also improve water quality by reducing the leaching of metals from surrounding soils into the water.

Commonly used materials for keinonilimiseen include calcium carbonate (limestone) and calcium oxide (quicklime). The specific application method and the amount of material used depend on the desired pH change, the volume of the soil or water, and the existing chemical composition of the environment. While often beneficial, it is important to note that excessive liming can lead to undesirable outcomes, such as an overly alkaline environment which can also negatively impact plant growth and aquatic life. Therefore, careful monitoring and consideration of the specific ecological context are crucial when implementing keinonilimiseen.