The New Septic Stone Laws in NJ

Here in NJ it’s not at all uncommon for houses and places of business to be spaced apart from one another. When these spaces grow too large, it becomes impractical to connect these structures to a city sewage system. In these cases, a property owner will need to have a septic system installed.

If this is true of your property, it’s very important that you understand that your septic system is your responsibility. Whether you’re having a new septic system installed, are acquiring a property with an existing septic system or simply need to maintain an existing system, it’s up to you to ensure that the system complies with state and local laws and regulations.

In order to meet New Jersey septic codes, you must take the time to keep up with frequently changing laws and standards. This is especially true when it comes to the types of stone that can and should be used for establishing a healthy drainage field.

Do you know the current septic stone laws in NJ? If you can’t honestly answer ‘yes’ to this question, it’s high time that you brushed up on your knowledge. This post will walk you through the basics of selecting materials that meet NJ standards and the impact that doing so has upon you, those around you and the environment.

Why does the state regulate septic materials?

You may find yourself wondering why septic stone laws in NJ even exist. What do the state and local governments have to do with your private septic system? Why can’t you just make decisions about your septic systems based upon your own needs?

Although your system is, indeed, privately owned and maintained, it still has the capacity to impact the health and well-being of your family, neighbors, city and beyond. Septic systems operate by filtering waste water as it passes through perforated pipes, a septic tank and is finally introduced to a drain field.

The functionality of the drainage field is to slowly allow semi-filtered water to percolate back into the soil, further filtering the water before it is reintroduced to the groundwater supply. So what happens if the drain field isn’t able to effectively do its job?

Without septic stone laws in NJ, property owners might mistakenly select stones that aren’t ideally suited for the task of filtering and percolating water at the required speed and capacity. In this case, you could be in for a world of trouble.

When the drain field isn’t able to properly leach the effluent matter, waste will rise to the top of the drain field. As this waste settles, you may notice a foul or unpleasant odor throughout your property. The standing effluent also creates significant health hazards to your family, your neighbors and animals in your area.

These issues are obviously related to the inability of the septic stones and soil to adequately absorb and filter the wastewater. Here, the drain field has become over-saturated due to poorly selected septic stones. This can also lead to a backed up sewage system creating further health hazards and major messes within the home.

In other cases, the septic material blend may not be ideally suited to properly filter and purify effluent, resulting in contaminated water being allowed to penetrate the groundwater supply. Adhering to septic stone laws in NJ, then, is critical to maintaining a healthy home and environment.

What types of septic stones can be used in NJ?

The type of septic stone and fill that can be used for a septic system in NJ will vary based upon where your property is located. While statewide laws for installing and maintaining septic systems are in place, you will also need to pay close attention to the regulations within your county or city.

Sussex County, or instance, has established its own set of laws that mandate the strict usage of 1″ washed clean stone in septic drain fields. In the northern portions of the state, many areas require that property owners work with K5 or C33 concrete stone (formerly known as K4).

In addition to knowing which material is allowed for use by the state and county, we would also recommend that you find out which approved materials are most preferred by local inspectors to ensure that you pass inspection both now and in the future.

What steps should I take to ensure I’m adhering to septic stone laws in NJ?

As a home or business owner with a septic system, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your system is up to code and complies with state and local regulations. The first step to doing this is making sure that you’re up to speed with what’s going on with NJ septic system codes.

Be sure to do your homework and make sure that you understand which type or types of stone and other septic materials have been approved for use. It’s also wise to consult with an expert to determine which of these approved materials are most preferred for an efficient and effective system.

Once you know the letter of the law, you are required to take steps to ensure that you’re actually following it. For those who are planning on purchasing a property with an existing septic system, we strongly urge you to seek out an inspector to assess the condition of the system and to determine whether or not the stone being used has been approved by NJ, county or city codes and regulations.

If not, you’ll need to ask the current owner to make the changes or plan on spending the money to make corrections after the sale is finalized. If you’re building a brand new septic system, make sure that your engineer is familiar with the source of your materials from the very start.

Where can I buy septic stones in NJ?

If you’re looking for materials that comply with septic stone laws in NJ, be sure to visit Braen Stone. We’ve been in the industry for more than 110 years, and in that time we’ve established an unmatched reputation for high quality stone, excellent customer service and fair pricing.

We sell 1″ washed clean stone that is approved by NJ government agencies for use in and around septic systems. The stone is completely free of stone dust and other residue so you can rest assured that you won’t be faced with any compliance issues.

In addition to 1″ septic stone, we also sell reliable septic fill that is rated K4 or K5 on the percolation scale that’s approved by most NJ engineers and agencies. If you have any doubts about whether or not a specific material truly complies with septic stone laws in NJ, feel free to talk to one of our experts. We’re more than happy to help you select the right materials for your needs.

Regardless of the septic materials you select, you can always rest assured that you’ll be getting the very best septic materials and fill at the lowest, wholesale prices around. Our septic stone and fill can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, PA and CT.

Agricultural Limestone vs Dolomite

Got soil woes? If so, you’re not alone. Whether you’re working on reviving an unhealthy lawn or your fields need some TLC after multiple growing seasons, you need to find a solution if you want to have any hopes for thriving plants.

For many people, this means either working with agricultural lime (sometimes referred to as aglime) or dolomitic lime.

These all-natural stone products have proven themselves to be to be invaluable to the agricultural industry, as well as in residential applications throughout the centuries.

Nevertheless, even though both materials have been around for a long time, there is still a lot of confusion about which should be used for what purposes and when.

Because we receive so many inquiries from customers like yourself, we’ve taken the time to assemble this definitive guide to choosing between agricultural limestone vs dolomite.

When to Use Aglime or Dolomite

Before you can even begin to think about whether agricultural lime or dolomite could benefit your soil, you first need to have an understanding of when these materials are actually necessary.

Aglime and dolomite both become useful when soil becomes too acidic. This typically occurs after exposure to acid rain, after frequent use of fertilizers and other chemicals or even after the soil has simply become deprived of important nutrients from years of planting and harvesting crops.

Additionally, because lime and dolomite are alkaline, they help to raise the soil’s pH back to a level that is conducive to growing plants. Regardless of whether or not you suspect that your soil may be too acidic, it’s always a good idea to have a sample of the dirt tested on an annual basis.

For larger, commercial fields, it’s generally advisable to send a sample off to a professional testing company for a readout. Homeowners however can usually get away with purchasing a home testing kit. Once you’ve concluded that your soil’s pH needs to be elevated, you should start considering the right solution for your needs.

Agricultural Limestone vs Dolomite: What Is It?

Mostly everyone in the agricultural industry has heard of aglime. The production and usage of agricultural lime is very simplistic in nature. Limestone is harvested from a quarry and then pulverized down to a very fine particle size.

The material is then spread atop or tilled into soil that has a pH level that is too low (acidic) for healthy plant and crop growth. The reasoning behind this is that limestone contains a high volume of calcium.

Because calcium is alkaline, it helps to raise the soil’s pH level and restore it to a balance. Agricultural lime is available in crushed form, pelletized form and in liquid form. It’s always a good idea to talk to a trusted industry professional about which type is right for your needs.

Dolomitic Lime (often referred to as dolomite) is slightly different from agricultural lime. This particular material is manufactured by way of crushing dolomitic limestone into fine particulate matter.

Because it is a type of limestone, you can count on the fact that it will also contain a very high calcium content. The alkaline nature of the material makes it possible for acidic soil to be returned to a more balanced state as the dolomite raises the pH level.

The difference between dolomite and regular aglime, though, is that dolomite also contains magnesium carbonate. You can generally expect dolomite to be 50% calcium carbonate, 40% magnesium carbonate and a 10% blend of other minerals.

his makeup is what allows dolomite to work on the soil’s pH while also introducing magnesium into the earth in order to offer nutritional value to plants.

Agricultural Lime Pros and Cons

You’ll find that aglime offers a number of benefits to users, but there are also things you should consider prior to use:

Pros – One of the main reasons that people use aglime is that it has been so reliable throughout the centuries. It can be counted on as a natural, affordable, safe and effective means to solving the all-too common problem of acidic soil. Agricultural lime is very easy to apply, and although it may take a full growing season for the material to take full effect, results and improvements can be noticed almost immediately. The speed with which the material works will depend on the type of aglime applied, but in all cases, it is very effective. In addition to raising the soil’s pH, aglime also stimulates the growth and activity of micro-organisms that are beneficial to plants and help roots absorb important nutrients. Best of all, you won’t break your budget. Because limestone is so prevalent – and especially here in the northeast – it is easy to come by at very low costs.
Cons – One thing to keep in mind when working with agricultural lime is that, depending on the type that you use, it could be a bit on the dusty side. Traditional aglime should always be applied when the forecast calls for calm and still conditions. Pelletized lime that is held together with a polymer-like material and liquid lime are both much less dusty, but tend to be more expensive. This may make these less practical for large spans of land. Talk to a trusted professional to determine which is right for your needs so that you apply your lime properly and spend only what is necessary.

Dolomite Pros and Cons

Like aglime, Dolomite usage can be very advantageous but comes with its own set of considerations:

Pros – Like aglime, dolomite is able to very effectively raise soil pH. At the same time, it’s able to correct soil with a magnesium deficiency. For optimum health, sandy soil should have a calcium to magnesium ratio of 7:1 for sandy soil and 10:1 for clay-based soil.
Cons – Dolomitic lime shouldn’t be applied where it isn’t needed. Introducing more magnesium to soil that isn’t deprived can actually cause a lot more damage than good, so use it wisely.
Agricultural Limestone vs Dolomite: Which is Right for Me?

When it comes to making the decision between agricultural limestone vs dolomite, there is no real black and white answer. Instead, the choice should be made based upon a thorough understanding of each material and knowing what is better suited to your needs.

A simple test of both the pH level and mineral content of your soil will tell you whether aglime will be sufficient or if you should consider dolomite.

Where to Buy Agricultural Lime and Dolomite in NJ

Braen Stone is the leading supplier of aglime throughout NJ and its surrounding areas. We have owned and operated our own local quarries for more than 110 years and take pride in producing the highest quality liming materials possible.

Our expert staff has the knowledge and experience required to provide you with input when choosing agricultural limestone so that you walk away feeling confident that you’ve selected the right material for your specific needs.

You’ll find that we offer agricultural limestone at competitive wholesale prices. Our agricultural limestone can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, PA and CT.

Agricultural Lime vs Pelletized Lime

Whether you’re a farmer by trade or a homeowner on a mission to win “Best Lawn of the Year”, the overall health of your property’s soil is a top priority. Unless the earth is in good shape in, the grass will always be greener on the other side and the other fields’ harvests will always be more fruitful and abundant. But what is it that makes for healthy soil conditions exactly, how can you be sure if yours is up to par and what can you do to remedy any issues? If you’re not sure, you’re not alone.

The experts at Braen Stone encounter customers on a daily basis who, like yourself, may need some sound information and advice on proper soil conditions. Because this is such a common concern, we’ve decided to dedicate this entire posting to exploring the underlying causes of unhealthy soil, the materials that can be used to improve growing conditions and an objective look at whether you should be using aglime or pelletized lime to meet your needs.

What causes poor soil health?

In order to understand what causes poor soil health, you first need to have a working knowledge of what plants require in order to grow and thrive. Obviously, sunlight, water and dirt are all necessary, but what is it about soil that makes it so important? First, the earth needs to be rich with the nutrients that plants demand for vitality.

Secondly, the soil’s pH levels need to be ideal for the specific plants or crops being grown. Soil pH influences soil bacteria, nutrient availability and leaching, any toxic elements within the ground and the overall structure of the soil. Although different plants depend on varying pH levels, it is generally accepted that nutrient availability peaks in soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.

Problems with soil health arise when nutrients are not readily available or when the soil’s pH levels are too low (meaning that it is too acidic). Consider the fact that nutrients are leached more rapidly out of soil with a pH of less than 5.0. This means that those nutrients are being lost instead of absorbed by the plant’s roots. How does soil become acidic, though? Exposure to acidic rain can be a factor, as well as the use of some fertilizers. Typically, though, soil will grow acidic after years of planting and growing cycles.

How can I tell if my soil is acidic?

Determining whether your soil is suffering from poor health as the result of high acidity is fast and simple. You’ll find that there are a number of different soil pH testing kits available on the market, all of which are user friendly and will give you an exact readout on your soil’s pH levels. It’s smart to consult an expert after testing so that you can discuss the pH needs for the specific types of plants that you plan on growing so that you can ensure that you don’t take measures to adjust the pH balance in ways that will negatively impact plant health.

What are the methods used for restoring soil pH levels?

The two most common materials that people choose for restoring balance to soil pH are:

Agricultural Lime (Aglime) – Agricultural lime (or aglime) is simply limestone that has been pulverized so that it can be added to acidic soil. The primary active component of aglime is calcium carbonate, and since calcium is alkaline, the material will combine with the soil and raise its overall pH levels. At the same time, aglime can provide a great source of calcium and magnesium for plants, improve water penetration and increase the uptake of major nutrients. The more finely ground the agricultural lime is, the faster it will react with the soil and improve growing conditions.
Pelletized Lime – Pelletized lime can frequently be confused with agricultural lime because it’s developed from the process of granulating finely ground aglime. This makes the lime even finer. It is then bonded with lignosulfonates which act as a means of controlling dust. Pelletized lime offers the same function as regular aglime in that it works to raise soil pH levels and improve the ability of plants to absorb water and nutrients.

Agricultural Lime vs Pelletized Lime: Pros

There are benefits associated with both aglime and pelletized lime:

Aglime – Limestone is so readily available throughout the United States, and especially here in the northeast. This means that it’s easy to come by the materials without worry of a shortage. As a result, you’ll always find a ready supply of aglime at your disposal and it will be an extremely affordable fix to any soil acidity problems that you’re encountering. The ease of use is also quite advantageous. In dry and still conditions, aglime can be introduced to the soil with a spreader in a very short period of time.
Pelletized Lime – One of the greatest things about pelletized lime is that it is so finely ground and granulized. As mentioned previously, the finer the limestone actually is, the more immediate the results. This means that your soil’s pH levels and nutrient levels will be restored as quickly and efficiently as possible. Lignosulfonate is another key bonus. This is a naturally occurring, wood-like polymer that acts as a binding agent between the pellets. Because of its presence, the lime will spread a lot less dust than regular agricultural lime and can be applied even if conditions are somewhat breezy or windy.

Agricultural Lime vs Pelletized Lime: Cons

When choosing between agricultural lime vs pelletized lime there are several considerations you should make for each:

Aglime – The biggest challenge that people might encounter when working with aglime has to do with how much dust the material can spread. The finely ground, loose particles can get caught up with the wind and blown all over the place which makes it so that the lime isn’t evenly distributed into the soil. In order to prevent issues like these from occurring, it’s strongly recommended that you apply aglime on a still day when there’s no forecast for strong winds.
Pelletized Lime – The key disadvantage to using pelletized lime is cost. Due to the fact that it is more expensive than aglime, it’s more practical for homeowners than farmers with large fields.

Where can I buy liming materials in NJ?

Braen Stone is the most trusted name in liming materials throughout NJ and its surrounding areas. We’ve been in the business of manufacturing the highest quality landscaping and construction materials for more than 110 years and take pride in a job well done. Our lime is harvested, pulverized and manufactured on-site via our locally owned and operated quarries.

This enables us to maintain total control over the materials processing so that you can rest assured that you’ll be enjoying a consistently superior product that will restore your soil to health. Our team of experts is able to work with you to break down the difference between agricultural lime vs pelletized lime so that you can make the best decision for your specific needs. Our liming materials are available at wholesale prices for pickup or bulk delivery throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.

Why is Aglime Used as Fertilizer?

Creating and maintaining the proper growing conditions for plant life can be a bit challenging. In order for vegetation to grow and thrive, specific pH balances must be achieved and the correct amount of nutrients, moisture and sunlight must be able to come into contact with the soil.

But while ensuring that your lawn, garden and/or crops are properly exposed to light and water may fall under your direct control, achieving the right soil conditions can be more difficult. Instead of introducing dozens of chemicals into the earth, many farmers and homeowners choose to utilize agricultural lime (or ag lime).

Although it works in a different way than other fertilizers, ag lime can impart numerous positive benefits upon your soil both on its own and when used in conjunction with other products. Not sure if ag lime is the right fertilizing solution for your needs? Read on to learn more about this versatile and highly useful material.

What Is Ag Lime

Agricultural lime is simply limestone that has been carefully crushed down to the proper size for use with soil. Although it’s frequently used for lager-scale agricultural applications, the material is also extremely useful for residential and commercial lawns, as well as for smaller home gardens. For use as a fertilizing material, ag lime should be washed and screened through a sand plant.

Positive Impacts of Ag Lime on Soil

You may wonder why anyone bothers with agricultural lime when there are so many other fertilizing products on the market. Interestingly enough, the material actually offers more benefits to the earth than many chemically engineered compounds on the market. Some of the key advantages to using ag lime include:

pH Balance – After years of exposure to fertilizers, chemicals, heavy acidic rain fall and constant crop turnover, many fields, gardens and landscaping features end up with higher-than-desirable pH levels. When introduced to the soil, agricultural lime can actually lower the overall acidity of the earth. This creates healthier growing conditions for plant life.
Lowered Toxicity – In addition to restoring the pH balance of soil to almost neutral, agricultural lime is also able to reduce the toxicity of manganese and the amount of aluminum that may be present in the earth. This works to effectively promote good soil microbe activity and improve soil structure overall.
Plant Nutrients – Another common problem with soil is that, with the passage of time, valuable nutrients are depleted and it becomes increasingly difficult for plants to obtain the “food” that they need to grow properly. Ag lime does two things to remedy this issue. First, it adds nutrients into the soil, such as calcium and phosphorous. Secondly, the material makes it simpler for plants to absorb important nutrients that may already be present.
Long-Term Results -It’s important to be aware that, unlike chemically formulated fertilizer products, agricultural lime may not promote improved plant growth quite as quickly. While its slower reaction time may seem like a drawback, it actually isn’t. This is because the long-term effects are much more significant. After being limed, soil will remain in-balance for years, meaning that fewer applications are required.

Proper Application of Ag Lime

In order for growers and property owners to get the most benefit from agricultural lime, certain application guidelines should be considered:

Particle Size – The size and fineness of ground limestone makes a big difference on its ability to improve soil conditions. The smaller the particles are, the easier it is for the carbonates to react with the acids, and the faster soil will be restored to optimum health.
Chemistry – When purchasing agricultural limestone, you should look at the calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) and the total neutralizing value (TNV) as this will compare the chemistry of the lime at a particular quarry against the neutralizing capabilities of pure calcium carbonate.
Plant Type – Keep in mind that certain vegetables and other plants may have different soil balance requirements. If you’re unsure, you should speak with a professional to ensure that you don’t over or under-lime.
Required Volume – Utilizing too much ag lime could actually be just as detrimental to plant life as not using enough. Always be careful to apply only that which is needed.
Spreading Consistency – It’s extremely important that agricultural lime is spread evenly and consistently across the desired coverage area. It should be broadcast on the soil’s surface. To avoid the possibility of the material being blown around, use as a fertilizer when wind speeds are less than 10mph.

Using Ag Lime With Other Fertilizing Products

It’s true that agricultural lime is often used to correct the effects of long-term fertilizer usage and frequently used soil. At the same time, though, the material can actually be used in conjunction with these other products to actually improve growing conditions. Because the material improves plant nutrient uptake, ag lime can boost the efficiency and effectiveness of other fertilizers by as much as 50%. As long as the proper application techniques are followed, the combination of agricultural limestone and additional products can yield healthy and bountiful vegetation.

Do you still have questions about using ag lime as a fertilizer? The experts here at Braen Stone are more than qualified to provide you with useful answers and advice. Our agricultural lime is available at competitive wholesale rates. Pick up your materials at your convenience or have them bulk delivered to locations in NJ, NY, PA and CT.

Aglime: When and How Should I Apply It?

Agriculturists from as far back as the Roman Empire recognized that finely ground lime actually had the effect of improving their crops. What they may not have realized, though, is why this is the case.

Today we know that after years of tilling, crop growth, and exposure to rain, soil can become acidic in nature, and depleted of its nutrients. Aglime helps to counteract these problems.

As it dissolves, the material helps to raise the pH of soil back to normal levels, and it introduces important plant nutrients back into the earth.

While many people are aware of the positive effects of aglime, we often receive questions about this particular material. Growers are confused about when the best time to introduce agricultural lime into their fields actually is. After all, how long will it take for the material to start working?

Individuals are also eager to learn the best methods for applying agricultural lime. Fortunately, after decades of experience in the industry, we’ve got the answers that you’re looking for. We’ll cover the basics of applying aglime so that you and your crops can see the largest benefit.

When to Apply Aglime

In order for you to get the full benefit of agricultural lime, you first need to know when it’s best to apply it to your soil. Lime tends to dissolve quite slowly and requires water to do so. As a result, it will typically take as long as a year for a significant response to be measured (although a response can be observed and detected within weeks in cases where the soil is extremely acidic).

Keeping that in mind, it’s in your best interest to apply aglime immediately following the growing season and crop removal. This will allow ample time for the lime to react and create balance in the soil’s pH levels before the next growing season arrives.

After the initial application, you should be aware of how much time should pass before you introduce agricultural lime into your soil once again. Soil that has a low CEC level won’t need a lot of lime in order to raise the soil’s pH but may need more frequent applications.

Conversely, soil with a higher CEC level will need to have a large amount of aglime introduced to it initially, but may benefit from the application for as many as 2 years. Keep in mind, too that the amount of tillage will impact liming frequency. Fields with frequent till passes will cause the lime to be continuously spread and benefit the soil, whereas low or no-till fields may need to apply small amounts lime more frequently in order to maintain pH levels.

How to Apply Aglime

First, you need to consider the fact that there are different types of liming materials. As a rule, the agricultural lime that has a higher calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) will neutralize soil acidity more quickly. Additionally, the coarseness of the material makes a difference. The finer the liming material, the faster the reactivity.

Whenever possible, aglime should be tilled into the soil. This allows for a larger portion of its surface area to be exposed into the soil, resulting in faster reactivity. In circumstances when areas like a perennial pasture must be treated, you may require a surface treatment. Stick with the method of applying less agricultural lime more frequently.

Remember, different crops require different amounts of aglime. For wheat and bermudagrass, the soil pH must be raised above 5.5, so a half ton (25% of the soil test deficiency amount needed to bring the soil up to a pH of 6.8) is ideal. In the case of legumes, soil pH must be brought up to 6.8.

For surface liming, up to 2.5 tons can be applied per acre per year, with up to 4 tons for tilled soil. If you’re unsure of how much agricultural lime to utilize, talk to a local professional.

Buying Aglime

Every farmer, gardener, or grower should have the ability to take advantage of all that aglime has to offer. At Braen Stone, we take pride in our ability to work with our customers and to answer any questions that they may have about the material.

We produce aglime from our own limestone quarry in NJ, so we’re familiar with the composition and makeup of the materials that we sell, and are more than happy to keep you informed. We have a large supply of agricultural lime that’s available at wholesale prices for pickup or delivery throughout most NJ, NY and Eastern PA.

Agricultural Limestone vs. Hydrated Limestone

Here in the northeast, we’re not unfamiliar with periods of heavy rain – especially throughout the summer months.

Unfortunately, this type of weather can actually raise the acidity in our soil, creating less-than ideal growing conditions for crops, and even for residential lawns.

In order to combat these conditions, many farmers and homeowners look to agricultural limestone. Sometimes referred to as “aglime”, this valuable material is a soil additive that’s comprised of crushed, or pulverized limestone.

Due to its high composition of calcium carbonate, the material is able to neutralize the soils pH levels. When applied correctly and regularly, agricultural lime can prevent the soil from becoming too acidic, while also improving the uptake of important plant nutrients.

Understanding how agricultural lime works and what it can accomplish is the easy part. Where people find themselves confused is when they’re faced with the decision to choose between traditional aglime and hydrated (liquid) lime. Some of the most common questions we’ve seen are:

Are both materials essentially able to accomplish the same objectives?
Is one of the materials better suited for certain applications?
Which is the right solution for your particular needs?

In order to help you make the smartest and most effective choice for your soil, we’ve decided to compare agricultural limestone vs hydrated lime.

Agricultural Limestone

Agricultural lime is the most commonly utilized additive for improving the health of the soil. It is simply limestone that has been crushed down to an aggregate size. The material is worked into the soil, and reacts when introduced to water.

Pros of Agricultural Limestone

Agricultural lime has been in use as far back as ancient Roman times, and has proven time and again to be an extremely effective and efficient method for achieving balance in soil pH.

The material is easy to work with and, when thoroughly mixed into the soil, can begin to work relatively quickly. As the material dissolves, it will begin to raise the pH levels of the soil directly surrounding it. Noticeable results can be detected within a few weeks of the agricultural lime’s introduction.

Considerations of Agricultural Limestone

In order for agricultural lime to be effective over the long run, ongoing tillage and mixing is necessary. Due to the fact that limestone dissolves very slowly, it’s only able to neutralize soil acidity in the earth directly surrounding each particle of lime. Regular tillage operations allow the particles to be redistributed, thus bringing them into contact with more acidic soil. In fact, when regularly maintained, aglime is capable of continuing to raise the soil’s pH for as many as four years after the original application.

Hydrated (Liquid) Lime

Hydrated, or liquid, lime is a mix of 50% agricultural lime and 50% water. The liquid lime can then be sprayed upon the surface of the soil.

Pros of Hydrate Lime

One of the key advantages of hydrated lime is that the liquid state of the material makes it easier to provide increased uniformity of spread over the field or yard than with traditional agricultural lime. Another benefit to utilizing liquid lime is that, due to the high water content, the material is actually able to react faster, yielding quicker positive results on the soil.

Considerations of Hydrated Lime

Although hydrated lime is able to work more quickly than agricultural lime, more frequent lime applications are actually required in order to maintain the positive effects. In addition to this, liquid lime often comes with higher operational costs since both water and lime must be toted across the field.

Agricultural Limestone vs Hydrated Lime – Which is Right for You?

While it’s true that both agricultural limestone and hydrated lime both have their merits, it’s important that you carefully calculate your needs and preferences before making a final decision.

Typically, agricultural limestone is a great long-term solution, and when properly maintained, will keep your soil healthy and vibrant for years at a time. Because of the higher costs, hydrated lime may not be a practical, sustainable solution for very large fields. Instead, it can be used in conjunction with agricultural lime in order to quickly raise the pH, with the aglime providing lasting results.

Liquid lime is also great for smaller areas of land, such as residential lawns, that need a temporary boost in pH levels for improved health. In order to make your investment in lime as cost-effective as possible, you should compare the total neutralizing power/unit weight of each, as well as the cost/unit weight of each.

Be sure to talk to a local agricultural lime expert for further advice on which material is best for your purposes, and which is most economical.

After more than a century in the business, the team here at Braen Stone is equipped with the knowledge to answer all of your questions. Our team would be excited to work with you on your upcoming agricultural lime project.

Our core delivery areas for agricultural limestone include NJ, NY and Eastern PA.

Buying Aglime in NJ: The Comprehensive Guide

Aglime is an extremely popular material during the spring and summer months as these two months are the most important times of the year for crop growth. It is very well known for it’s ability to lower acid levels in the soil. This allows soil to become more nutrient rich and in turn allows the soil to produce more fertile crops.

When you’re looking to buy aglime in NJ you’ll likely be looking at many different suppliers who offer their product at different price points. We’ve found that finding a local trustworthy supplier can lead to the greatest return on investment for you and your crops.

We’ve seen countless people search for aglime, which is why we’ve compiled this guide to buying aglime in NJ. We’ve broken down what aglime truly is, what you should look for in a supplier and how to find the best price.

What is Aglime?

Agricultural lime (aglime) is a soil additive made from crushed, or pulverized limestone. The reason that buying aglime and introducing it to farmland soil is so beneficial is that its most active component is calcium carbonate. This works to neutralize the soil’s pH levels, making it safer and healthier for crop growth.

Aglime also replenishes the earth with calcium and magnesium, boosts the uptake of major plant nutrients (including nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) and helps to improve water absorption rates.

While you might be aware of the advantages of agricultural lime, you might be less familiar with the buying process. You want to ensure that you’re purchasing the right amount of high quality aglime and from a trusted supplier who sells at fair, wholesale rates.

We’ve broken down the buying process into 3 main steps and what you should look for when buying aglime.

Your Guide to Buying & Using Aglime

Step 1: Understand Your Aglime Needs

Many people wonder if they should be buying aglime of a dolomitic or calcitic nature. While both sources are very efficient at raising the soil’s pH to a more balanced level, you’ll also want to consider the needs of your soil. Dolomitic aglime tends to increase the soil’s magnesium levels, so if your land is magnesium-deficient, you’ll want to talk to your supplier about your options in purchasing a material derived from dolomite.

You may also need to make a decision between liquid lime and dry lime. While liquid lime (which is a formula consisting of 50% dry lime and 50% water) can offer a more uniform spread of the substance over a field, dry lime is often preferred in expansive coverage areas. This is because there are lower operational costs associated with the use of dry lime. In addition, the spread rate of liquid lime can result in under-liming, which is not nearly as common with dry lime.

Step 2: Calculate How Much Aglime You Need

Determining how much aglime you’ll need can be a bit tricky, as it largely depends on the type of crops that you are growing. Various plant life thrives at different pH levels. Any plants containing wheat or bermudagrass, for instance, will require that the soil pH be raised above 5.5. This means that only .5 a ton (or 25% of the earth’s test deficiency volume) is necessary to bring the pH up to 6.8. For assistance in determining your need, it’s strongly recommended that you speak with an aglime professional.

Step 3: Choose an Aglime Supplier

Before buying aglime, you need to find a supplier that you can count on and trust. For best results, your supplier should be well-established within the industry and should be very knowledgeable about their agricultural lime product.

It’s always smart to purchase from a company that manufactures its own agricultural lime from their own quarry. This will ensure that your supplier is well aware of the mineral count within the aglime and can guarantee its quality and value to your crops.

Finding the right aglime supplier for you and your business is important. It will ensure you get only the highest quality material at the best prices.

Braen Stone has dedicated and passionate team members available to discuss your project, how much material you may need and any other questions you may have.

This photo is an original version, used via creative commons and is courtesy of Sarah.

Agricultural Lime: Top 10 Questions & Answers

There are many different factors that can impact which agricultural lime is best for you and your needs. This is why we had our experts break down the top 10 agricultural lime questions we’ve come across in the industry. These aglime questions combined with definitive answers will provide you with the direction you’re looking for.

What is Agricultural Lime and Why Do I Need It?

After years of heavy and repeated exposure to nitrogen-containing fertilizers, soil will grow acidic unless a soil conditioner is applied. Agricultural lime (sometimes referred to as aglime), works as such a conditioning agent. Composed of a finely-ground limestone, the aglime is able to neutralize the soil, which maximizes the availability of plant nutrients, promotes soil microbe activity, lowers toxicity levels, and improves soil structure.