Question:

I have a client that has recently picked up a farm intended for peanut production in 2023, but the pH ranges from 5.3 to 5.8. Do we have time to spread dolomitic lime and disk it in to get the land to a acceptable pH range for the crop? We are two months out from planting. I’m unsure how quickly we will start to get a reaction.  I don’t want to start from behind if you know what I mean.

Jordan:

If it is disked in it will begin neutralizing immediately. However, it will take at least 6 months to neutralize completely to the pH you want with the amount you apply to get there. So 5.3 might only get to 5.7 by mid season while 5.8 should get to 6 by mid season. It is possible that if you lime for 6.4 (more lime is applied) the 5.3 gets to 6 sooner because you have more lime for neutralizing.