Agricultural limestone
Improve soil health and crop yield with agricultural limestone from Heidelberg Materials
Universally known as ‘AgLime’, agricultural limestone is a finely ground, natural mineral product. Acting as a liming agent, it raises pH levels to neutralise acidic soils. By balancing soil pH, agricultural limestone improves nutrient uptake, strengthens root systems, and supports healthier crops, making it essential to the farming, agricultural, and horticultural sectors.
With improved nutrient availability, root systems are stronger and more extensive, improving crop growth and maximising yields. One application of AgLime can last up to five years, making it a cost-effective solution for managing soil health and optimising farming productivity.
We’ve engineered our agricultural limestone to enhance farming activities across the UK.
The product:
- Corrects soil pH and creates optimal growing conditions by neutralising acidity
- Boosts nutrient availability by enhancing the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
- Improves soil structure, encouraging microbial activity and better water retention
- Reduces reliance on chemical fertilisers to support more sustainable farming
- Increases yields - healthier soil leads to stronger crops and better productivity
- Produces vital macronutrients for plant development - calcium and magnesium aid cell wall formation and chlorophyll production
The issue with acidic soil
Acidic soil is a widespread issue across fields for arable crops, grassland, fruit orchards, and vegetable cultivation. Caused by natural processes (like rainfall leaching) and common farming practices (such as the use of nitrogen-based fertilisers), a liming agent is necessary on most managed farmland.
AgLime from Heidelberg Materials can be spread onto fields using specialised machinery. We recommend this activity ahead of planting or during rotation periods to allow time for the product to dissolve and integrate with the soil structure.
For more information on the need for AgLime, please contact our team.
AgLime availability
We supply agricultural limestone across the UK, with delivery and collection options available from the following locations:
- Abergaele
- Batts Combe
- Horton
- Lithalun
- Machen
- Pateley Bridge
- Penderyn
- Shap
- Wheatley
Contact your local team for details on how to place an order using the information on the right-hand side of this page.
How to apply agricultural limestone
Spreading AgLime from Heidelberg Materials is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below and contact our team for further support or advice.
1. Test your soil
Conduct a pH analysis to determine lime requirements.
2. Calculate dosage
Use the ALA calculator to help you calculate your recommended liming rate.
3. Apply evenly
Spread Aglime across the surface of the soil, making sure you incorporate it into the topsoil.
4. Time it right
For best results, apply agricultural lime during pre-planting or post-harvest.
AgLime certifications
Download certifications for our agricultural limestone products.
Agricultural limestone FAQs
- How does agricultural limestone improve soil health?
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Agricultural limestone directly addresses soil acidity, which is often caused by heavy rainfall, leaching, and the use of nitrogen fertilisers. AgLime increases the soil’s pH level to a neutral (6.0) or slightly alkaline (7.0) level, creating a more favourable environment for crops.
The change improves the availability of essential plant nutrients, including phosphorus and potassium, which would otherwise be unavailable to the plant or crop. AgLime also ensures the supply of calcium and magnesium, two macronutrients needed for cell structure and overall plant growth.
The more neutral the soil, the better suited it is to soil microbes and earthworms, which decompose organic matter to enhance:
- Soil structure
- Nutrient cycling
- Water infiltration
- What’s the difference between agricultural lime and limestone aggregate?
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Although they both originate from the same parent rock, limestone, the primary difference in the two materials lies in how they’re processed and their intended use.
AgLime
- A finely ground limestone processed into a powder or small, reactive particles to maximise the surface area
- Dissolves quickly and efficiently into soil to neutralise acidity and raise pH
Limestone aggregate
- Are there any environmental benefits of using AgLime?
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AgLime promotes healthier, more stable soils. By optimising soil pH, it encourages the efficient use of applied nitrogen fertilisers. This helps to reduce the:
- Leaching of nitrates
- Release of greenhouse gases - for example, nitrous oxide
As soil structure improves, water infiltration becomes more effective and surface runoff is reduced, minimising soil erosion.
- Can agricultural lime be used in organic farming?
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Most types of agricultural lime are permitted for use in organic farming systems, provided they meet specific regulatory standards. However, farmers must confirm that the specific product and supplier are compliant with relevant organic certification bodies, such as the Soil Association Certification or Organic Farmers & Growers.
For technical information about our AgLime range, contact our team.
- What are the legal requirements for AgLime in the UK?
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Agricultural limestone must comply with specific standards and regulations in the UK, including:
- UK fertiliser regulations, including The Fertilisers Regulations 1991
A voluntary certification scheme led by the industry (ALA Agricultural Lime Associated) which independently tests and certifies products to offer farmers assurance that liming materials comply with the required specifications and benchmarks the products through grade and reactivity.
Organic certification bodies, such as the Soil Association
AgLime for farmers operating an organic system must comply with the standards set by the farmer’s specific organic certification body.
