The base status of Scottish soils. I. The effects of lime on five typical soils from north-east Scotland

The effects of lime on five soils representative of types from northeast Scotland have been studied and different lime requirement methods compared. Laboratory analyses including mechanical and ultimate chemical analyses, pH, exchangeable cation and lime-requirement determinations were carried out on samples taken before and at two intervals of 6 months after the application of lime. In some cases the maximum effect of the lime applied occurs within 6 months, in others neutralization is continued during the second 6 months. The change in pH value varies, according to the soil type, from 0·5 to 1·0 pH units per ton of calcium oxide applied per acre.