A comparison of soil liming requirement methodologies in temperate, Northern European pedo‐climates

Background Liming agricultural land is essential to optimise crop yield and soil nutrients. Despite the importance of pH management in soils, liming applications have been decreasing United Kingdom for decades. There no comparison contemporary historical requirement (LR) methods Northern European, temperate climate mineral soils high organic matter (OM). Aims The aims this research were thoroughly comparatively analyse current methodologies ascertain which characteristics contribute LR reactions. Methods Analysis compared determining values common (Scottish Agricultural College [SAC] look-up chart, RothLime model), Europe States (Shoemaker–McLean–Pratt, Sikora, Modified Mehlich buffers), 30-min calcium hydroxide titration developed by University Georgia. Results SAC highly underestimated value acidic soils. buffers over or LRs. UGA method a cheap, easy accurate could be utilised OM but requires further calculation development. most associated with soil–lime reactions experiment measures exchangeability (cation exchange capacity loss on ignition, proxy, lime buffering capacity). Conclusions an opportunity create buffer calculators equations adapted These are suggested development, through larger diversity UK types grouped ranges. Including factors calculations may more therefore better resource management. Increasing accuracy site-specific management, used precision agriculture technologies, necessary tool conservation natural resources like limestone, managing use efficiency, optimising yields.