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Understanding Lime and Fertilizer
Damon Pollard, Extension Agent, Livestock
When lime and fertilizers are applied to soils, the onset of many chemical reactions takes place. Some occur instantly and others take months to occur. These chemical reactions have a major influence on how efficiently lime and fertilizers are utilized by growing plants, when they should be applied, and pronounce the economic returns from their usage. By understanding the nature of these chemical reactions, in relationship to soils, we can determine how to use lime, and fertilizer as well, to our benefit.
Surface area of soils exposed to contact with lime and fertilizer is key to making the most of soil amendments. The amount of clay present in a given soil, largely determines the surface area available. Most of a soil’s potentially reactive surface area is made up of clay particles, and clay particles per given volume, have more surface area than sand, silt or loam. The mineral forms of individual soil particles and the extent to which these particles have been coated with layers of oxides and organic materials, also affect the total soil reaction.
All clay particles in soil have a negative net electrical charge(-). With this negative charge, clay particles will react with components of lime, and fertilizer that dissolve into soil as positively(+) charged particles, or cations, when added to the soil. Lime particles dissolve to release positively charged calcium( Ca++), or magnesium(Mg++) in the case of dolomitic limestone.
These positively charged particles, or cations, are attracted to the negatively charged particles present in soils. This process occurs when lime is applied to soil, and it reacts with soil moisture to dissolve. The rate at which lime dissolves, releasing these particles, is directly related to how fine the limestone is ground, and the chemical form of the limestone. Calcium oxide is burned lime, and calcium hydroxide is hydrated lime. These forms of limestone react much quicker in the soil, than do calcitic, or dolomitic limestones, because they are more soluble in water.
Calcium or magnesium particles are attracted to and held captive by clay particles, after lime dissolves in soil, thus neutralizing soil acidity, and raising soil pH. Due to this captivity, lime does not move downward in soils very rapidly, especially in our clay dominated soil profiles. For this reason, lime can be applied anytime in Burke county without any losses from soil leaching. It remains a good idea, however, to apply it well enough in advance to adequately react with the soil, and reduce acidity, prior to planting or establishment.
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Do you need to get a pesticide license? Here's a great opportunity!
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Garden Prep
Matt Rodriguez, Extension Agent, Horticulture
March is a great time to start some of your early cool season vegetables. Cool season vegetables are your leafy greens and root vegetables. Things like Beets, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collards, Kale, kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard, Onions, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Swiss Chard, and Turnips can handle your cooler temperatures.
Prior to planting, ensure to remove any winter weeds and turn your soil a bit to prevent any compaction. This will allow for water and air to move through the soil more readily. If raised bed or container gardening, look to see if you need any more soil or compost. If you have any playful toddlers like I do, then soil tends to leave its container more often than we like.
If you had great success last year then try to branch out a bit and plant something new. The best part of gardening is testing out and experimenting with new fruits and vegetables. The stores have started carrying some seed starting supplies. I am starting some of my hardier herbs and leafy greens now. If you’ve never tried to plant and grow Bok Choy, give it a try. It is a leafy like cabbage from Asia. It is prevalent in several asian dishes and I love it in soups. Kohlrabi is a turnip kind of vegetable from Europe. It can be used similar to Bok Choy and I’m excited to give it a try.
I am starting some herbs in seed trays, like Basil and Marjoram. Herbs like these are super easy to grow in containers and are readily available from a sunny windowsill. I am trying a new technique recommended by one of my Master Gardeners. You essentially take a clear plastic tote or container and using a bag of soil, create a mini greenhouse you can start some leafy greens and other hardy vegetables in. An article will be written detailing this experience and shared to our website once the lettuce has taken root. I am looking forward to this growing season.
If you have any questions regarding gardening of any kind, call us at 828-764-9480
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Please join Community Food Strategies, the WNC Food Systems Coalition, and EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems for a Western Regional Gathering and Hunger Summit next week (March 4-5) in Canton, NC!
When: Tuesday, March 4th and Wednesday, March 5th
Where: The Lake Logan Retreat Center , 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane, Canton, NC
Register: Eventbrite
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Agribusiness Coaching
Are you looking to take your agribusiness to the next level? We’re excited to offer FREE 1:1 coaching sessions designed to provide tailored support for your unique needs.
Whether you're navigating the recovery process, planning for growth, or seeking guidance on specific challenges, we're here to help.
Complete the Interest Form to get started.
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Congratulations to our Burke County 4-H Horse Bowl Team for winning 1st Place at the West District Horse Bowl competition in the Mixed Aged Category. They will compete at the state competition on March 8th in Raleigh! Good Luck! We are so proud of you!
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Post Harvest Handling And Pack and Cool Demonstration
Offered by: NC Cooperative Extension Agent Craig Mauney
Area Specialized Agent, Commercial Fruit & Vegetable Production, Western Region
March 25, 2025 from 9-3
Foothills Food Hub
263 Barnes Rd Suite J, Marion, NC
For registration information email Craig Mauney at rcmauney@ncsu.edu
Post-harvest half day workshop training and a pack and cool demonstration.
The activities you take during harvest and post-harvest handling of your vegetables can have a big impact on the shelf-life, quality and safety of your produce. In this workshop, not only will you look at long shelf life vegetables to grow, you will learn about harvest and post-harvest activities that impact product quality and actions you can take to minimize food safety risks on the farm.
Pack 'N Cool" concept, which is a mobile refrigerated trailer designed to efficiently transport and store fresh produce at ideal temperatures, particularly used in agricultural settings like farmers' markets, where maintaining the proper cold chain is crucial; essentially, it means "packing and keeping cool" while transporting goods like fruits and vegetables
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Burke County 4-H Calendar
Nicki Carpenter, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
March 24
5:30 - 7:00pm
Teen Leadership
March 21
Jr. Beekeepers Applications due to the 4-H office
March 27
5:30 - 7:00pm
4-H Foundations
March 8 - State Horsebowl & Hippology Competition Raleigh
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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University works in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
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N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.
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