The Difference between Ag-Lime, Burnt Lime and Hydrated Lime

Ag-Lime = pulverised limestone rock

Burnt Lime = Quick Lime = is obtained by burning limestone rock.  It is used in Sugar Mills and also as a sterilizer in times of disease as it will destroy and hide the smell of disintegrating bodies.  While it can be used to improve soil acidity it has an adverse effect on organisms in the soil

Hydrated Lime = Slaked Lime = is produced by adding water to burnt or quick lime.

Why is this difference important

• Burnt Lime has hidden dangers, like a wolf in sheeps clothing.  It will give a high analysis and be fast working but will kill all the bugs in the soil, including the GOOD ones.
• Then because of the Lime Cycle it will then combine with the Carbon and Oxygen in the soil, thus robbing the soil of those elements.  Rich now, but poor later.
• There is a common practice by businesses that produce both ag-lime and burnt lime to combine batches of burnt lime that failed with standard ag-lime mixes.  Be careful.  Ask the questions about whether the ag-lime has any part of Burnt Lime in it.