Comparison of Two Methods of Lime Requirement Determination

Abstract

Two lime requirement (LR) estimation methods i.e. (Adams‐Evans [AE] and Shoemaker, McLean, and Pratt [SMP] Single‐Buffer Methods) were tested in 138 acid soils from Greece that ranged widely in pH (4.5–6.4), organic matter (0.23–3.38%), and clay content (7–47%). LR rates estimated by Adams‐Evans method (LRAE) were lower than those estimated by the SMP method (LRSMP). However, both methods overestimated the LR of the soils. Soil pH, clay, and organic matter content were the main soil factors affecting the LR rates. These factors explained about 70% of LR variation estimated by the AE method in soils containing 15–30% clay. The same factors explained about 38% of the LR variation estimated by the SMP method. From the results of this study it was concluded that the Adams‐Evans method gives a more reliable estimation of LR of these acid soils.