Derek,

The reaction time of lime is related to the particle size. The size of lime particles is measured by a sieve. A size 100 sieve has 100 holes per square inch. A size 60 sieve has 60 holes per square inch, etc. Most states require agricultural lime to be ground small enough that 60% of the lime passes through a size 60 sieve. Specialty lime can be purchased that is ground to a smaller size. The smaller the size of the lime particles, the faster the lime reacts in with the soil to change the pH. However, the smaller the size of the lime particles the shorter the period of time the pH will be changed as all the lime will react rapidly with the soil and other elements will begin reacting to make the soil more acidic again.

So, if you apply standard ag lime during the fall there will most likely be minimal improvement to the soil’s pH during the first few months.

Growing Deer together,

Grant