Pat Cummins asked 14 years ago
I made a raised veg bed and filled it with soil, compost and well rotted horse manure about a month ago. It is very acidic, about 5.5. I have read you should not apply lime when manure has been added recently. It seems I have no choice though. Can I apply lime now and how should I apply it?
Gerry Daly Staff answered 7 years ago
The reason for not mixing relatively fresh manure and lime is that it can give off ammonia gas which is a nitrogenous fertilizer and is then lost to the soil. If ammonia is released in the enclosed atmosphere of a polytunnel, it can cause sever scorching of plants, especially seedlings until it breaks down.
The application of lime and manure should ideally be separated in time. Either can be put on in winter or spring.
If the manure was very well rotted, there is less likelihood of ammonia being released.Â
