líming

Líming refers to the process of liming, which involves the application of lime or lime-based materials to soil. This practice is primarily undertaken to amend soil acidity, a common issue that can hinder plant growth by affecting nutrient availability and microbial activity. Lime, typically calcium carbonate or calcium oxide, is a naturally occurring mineral that acts as a base. When added to acidic soil, it reacts with hydrogen ions, reducing the soil's pH and making it less acidic.

The benefits of liming extend beyond pH adjustment. By increasing soil pH, liming can improve the availability of essential nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, which are often less accessible in acidic conditions. It can also reduce the solubility of potentially toxic elements such as aluminum and manganese, which can be detrimental to plant roots. Furthermore, liming can enhance the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms involved in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition.

Liming is a common agricultural practice but is also used in forestry and for conditioning industrial byproducts. The amount of lime required depends on the soil's existing pH, its buffer capacity, and the desired pH level. Soil testing is often recommended to determine the appropriate application rate. Over-liming, however, can lead to excessively high pH levels, which can then cause deficiencies in micronutrients like iron and zinc.