For general cropping the optimum pH level is between 6.8 & 7.0, for permament pasture this figure is marginally lower. As the pH level drops due to leaching, crop uptake and the application of fertilisers and manures the availability of plant nutrients alters dramatically as the diagram below illustrates.

Adding lime to the soil helps release these nutrients as well as improving soil structure, increasing the effectivness of herbicides, increasing yields, improving stock health and growth and ultimately increasing profitability on the farm.

Below is a guide to the optimum PH for crop growth.