Spreader lime/fertilizer spreader questions

creeper · Apr 12, 2005

Maybe your spreader does not have an agitator inside the hopper ? The spreaders I have seen work are red cone spreaders with 750 lb capacity and I think the brand was cosmo?

RalphVa · Apr 12, 2005

I've used the little hand spreaders to spread dusty lime. However, the granular is better. That's what I'd get for a big spreader. It'll take the lime almost a year to work its way into the soil anyway, granular or dust.

Ralph

greg_g · Apr 12, 2005

( Maybe your spreader does not have an agitator inside the hopper ? )

Maybe Teddy's doesn't, but mine (a Caroni, I think) has a removeable agitator. The first time I tried it with crushed lime, I removed it - haven't used it since. The agitator compressed the lime at the bottom of the funnel - the last foot or so - to a consistency where nothing would come out. I had to dump the lime out on the ground, and basically chip the agitator out.

And yes, the lime was dry - the spreader was dry - the day was dry. That's the point at which I went to granular lime, and never looked back. It costs about $30/tn more, a difference I consider worthwhile just to avoid the aggravation of a bunged-up spreader.

Don't get me wrong, there might be better agitator designs out there. In my case I had to find out the hard way, that I bought one that was apparently not designed with crushed/powdered lime in mind.

//greg//

creeper · Apr 12, 2005

Man, sounds like a pain. I also use granular,but he asked about powder , and I have seen it done without any trouble, must be the exception to the rule?

grandad · Apr 12, 2005

I have a small manual push spreader, a garden tractor sized one, and a 500 lb. 3pt PTO spreader. The lime pellets work fine in all of them. Also, way less dust than the crushed lime powder!

Soundguy · Apr 13, 2005

The powdered ag lime is cheaper.. but doesn't broadcast very far.. peletized lime speads nice.. but cost more.. etc.

That dusty lime runs pretty good thru a drop spreader though...

Soundguy

woodlot · Apr 13, 2005

I talked to co-op today about lime. They will come out to my place and spread ag lime for 19 bucks a ton. The 50 lb bags of pellets run 5 bucks a bag (200 dollars a ton) I pick-up, haul, and spread. Ummmmm........I think I know which route I'm taking!

Also, someone mentioned that both will take about a year to change soil pH. I don't think thats true. I've always read that pellitized lime will effect the pH MUCH faster than ag lime. Because of the fast breakdown I believe the max application rate for pellets is 50lb/1,000 sq ft. If you're soil test calls for more you should apply in two applications sepatated by approx 6 months.

rozett · Apr 13, 2005

( Also, someone mentioned that both will take about a year to change soil pH. I don't think thats true. I've always read that pellitized lime will effect the pH MUCH faster than ag lime. Because of the fast breakdown I believe the max application rate for pellets is 50lb/1,000 sq ft. If you're soil test calls for more you should apply in two applications sepatated by approx 6 months. )

I was told the same thing by my local supplier, but if you google on 'pettitized lime' you will find reports from numerous universities that are similar to this quote from the UKy Extension Service

"Contrary to popular belief, the speed of reaction of pelletized lime is no faster than that of bulk ag lime. "

HayDR · Apr 29, 2005

Hydrated lime or often called burnt lime works immediately when applied to the soil. Pelletized lime and agricultural line needs 6 months to one year before the lime starts to react in the soil. It often takes 2 years for agricultural lime to realize its full benefit in the soil.