Cal Agrícola para la Corrección del pH del Suelo

Neutralización de suelos ácidos para liberar la disponibilidad de nutrientes

Agriculture & Fertilizers Global Industrial Scale $8 billion

Descripción general

Agricultural liming is the application of calcium carbonate (calcite or ground limestone) or calcium-magnesium carbonate (dolomite) to acidic soils to raise pH and improve nutrient availability. Soil acidification occurs naturally through rainfall leaching and nitrification of ammonium fertilizers. Below pH 5.5, aluminum toxicity inhibits root growth and phosphorus becomes unavailable. Liming is one of the most cost-effective agricultural practices, with the US alone applying approximately 25 million tons annually. The reaction of lime with soil acids is slow, requiring 6-12 months for full effect.

Proceso químico

Limestone (CaCO3) or dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) is quarried, crushed, and ground to particle sizes specified by agricultural regulations (typically 60-100% passing 60 mesh). Finer particles react faster with soil acids. The ground material is spread on fields at rates of 2-10 tons/hectare depending on soil buffer capacity, target pH, and lime quality. Incorporation by tillage accelerates the reaction.

CaCO3 + 2H+(soil) -> Ca2+ + H2O + CO2 (acid neutralization)
CaCO3 + H2CO3(soil) -> Ca(HCO3)2 (reaction with carbonic acid)
Al3+(toxic) + 3OH-(from lime) -> Al(OH)3 (aluminum precipitation, detoxification)

Materias primas

  • Limestone (CaCO3, calcite) — Quarrying of sedimentary rock (Primary liming material (calcium carbonate equivalent 85-100%))
  • Dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) — Quarrying (Dual calcium-magnesium amendment (CCE 95-108%))

Productos finales

  • Agricultural ground limestone (aglime) — Soil pH correction, calcium supply, aluminum detoxification (CCE 80-100%, particle size 60-100 mesh)
  • Dolomitic limestone — Soil pH correction with magnesium supplementation (For Mg-deficient soils)
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Environmental Impact

Agricultural liming releases CO2 from carbonate decomposition (440 kg CO2 per ton CaCO3), but this is partially offset by increased soil carbon storage from improved crop growth. Overliming (pH > 7.5) can induce micronutrient deficiencies (Fe, Mn, Zn). Quarrying limestone has local environmental impacts on landscapes and habitats.

Consideraciones de seguridad

Innovaciones recientes

Variable-rate liming using GPS-guided spreaders and soil pH mapping applies lime only where needed, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Liquid lime suspensions (calcium hydroxide slurry) provide faster pH correction.
Industrial byproducts like steel slag and wood ash are used as alternative liming materials.

Escala de producción

200000000

toneladas/año

$8 billion

valor de mercado

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Frequently Asked Questions

What industry uses Cal Agrícola para la Corrección del pH del Suelo?
Cal Agrícola para la Corrección del pH del Suelo is used in the agriculture & fertilizers sector at global industrial scale scale.
What process is involved in Cal Agrícola para la Corrección del pH del Suelo?
Limestone (CaCO3) or dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) is quarried, crushed, and ground to particle sizes specified by agricultural regulations (typically 60-100% passing 60 mesh). Finer particles react faster with soil acids. The ground material is spread on fields at rates of 2-10 tons/hectare depending on so
What is the economic significance of Cal Agrícola para la Corrección del pH del Suelo?
Cal Agrícola para la Corrección del pH del Suelo has a market value of $8 billion and annual production of 200,000,000 tons.
What is the environmental impact of Cal Agrícola para la Corrección del pH del Suelo?
Agricultural liming releases CO2 from carbonate decomposition (440 kg CO2 per ton CaCO3), but this is partially offset by increased soil carbon storage from improved crop growth. Overliming (pH > 7.5) can induce micronutrient deficiencies (Fe, Mn, Zn). Quarrying limestone has local environmental imp
What raw materials are used in Cal Agrícola para la Corrección del pH del Suelo?
The main raw materials include: Limestone (CaCO3, calcite), Dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2).