Meadows are man-made biotopes that cannot be left to their own devices. Instead, depending on the type of meadow, they need more or less care so that the biodiversity growing on them can continue to thrive. Sufficient care also includes liming for some types of meadow.
Why should you lime meadows?
Liming ensures that soils that are too acidic are upgraded. If the pH value of the soil falls into the acidic range, the meadow plants can no longer grow and are crowded out by other plants that are used to more acidic soil. Above all, dry and poor meadows need liming, although you shouldn't just lime in the dark, but determine the actual need based on a soil sample. So-called indicator plants such as field horsetail, sorrel, wild pansies and, above all, moss provide an initial indication of the need for lime. If, on the other hand, deadnettles, stinging nettles or shepherd's purse are found in your garden, this is an indication of a rather alkaline soil with a high pH value.
Caution: Do not lime every meadow!
Not every meadow may be whitewashed, because many a habitat is permanently disturbed by this measure. The ban applies in particular to all wet and marshy meadows, because the rather boggy subsoil needs an acidic pH value so that the plants, which are specially adapted to these environmental conditions, can thrive. On the other hand, liming makes sense above all on lean and rich meadows as well as on meadows used for agriculture.
When and how is lime used?
Liming is done about every two to three years, preferably in spring or autumn. If fat meadows are limed, no animal fertilizers such as liquid manure etc. may be spread at the same time. Otherwise, the nitrogen does not end up in the soil, but simply escapes into the air. Depending on the type of lime used, the treated meadows may not be grazed for at least four weeks, depending on the frequency of rain, in order to avoid poisoning the animals. However, this only applies to burnt lime, which is also known as quicklime.
What types of lime are there?
There are basically three different types of lime. Calcium carbonate is the gentlest because it only releases the active ingredients very slowly. With this lime, overcalcification is almost impossible. Although caustic lime or burnt lime works much faster, it is not recommended for the home garden due to its caustic effect on people, animals and plants. In addition to the two types mentioned, there is also mixed lime, which - depending on the type and supplier - can be composed in very different proportions.
tips and tricks
As with liming, when fertilizing meadows, not every meadow should be fertilized. Especially rough meadows should be fertilized little or not at all due to the sensitive ecological balance.