Granulated Calcium Lime and Ag Lime: what is the difference?

Granulated calcium lime and Ag Lime are both used to help correct soil acidity. Both are based on calcium carbonate, which works by reacting with acidity in the soil and helping to raise soil pH. The key difference is not the purpose of the product, but the way it is processed, applied and made available to the soil.

Traditional Ag Lime is usually supplied as a bulk, ground limestone material and is commonly applied by specialist contractors using dedicated spreading equipment. Granulated calcium lime is different. Parkers Granulated Lime is made using ultra-fine limestone dust from the Bath stone reserves at the Park Lane mine, bonded into clean, uniform 2-5mm granules. This gives farmers a product that can be applied with standard farm fertiliser spreading equipment, without needing to wait and pay for a specialist lime contractor.

That matters because soil pH is not something to leave until a field has already started to underperform. A more flexible lime product allows farmers to manage pH more proactively, more accurately and at the right point in the farming calendar.

Why soil pH matters

Soil pH plays a key role in how well crops can access the nutrients already present in the soil. When pH levels are too low or too high, essential nutrients can become less available to the plant, even if fertiliser has been applied.

This means poor pH balance can limit growth, reduce crop performance and lead to nutrient deficiencies. In simple terms, the right soil pH helps crops absorb nutrients more effectively, making better use of the soil and the inputs applied to it.

A well-balanced pH supports healthier root development, stronger nutrient uptake and improved growing conditions across grassland and arable crops.

Why Granulated calcium lime is easier to apply

One of the main advantages of granulated calcium lime is application control.

Because Parkers Agricultural Lime is supplied as regular 2-5mm, it can be spread using conventional farm fertiliser equipment. This means it can be handled as part of normal farm operations, rather than relying on third-party contractors.

The practical benefits are clear:

• It can be applied using a standard spreader.

• It allows targeted application, so you spread what you need, where you need it.

• It can be stored on farm and used when conditions are suitable.

• It can be applied to bare ground or growing crops.

• It reduces the need for specialist contractors.

Traditional Ag Lime still has its place, particularly for broad-acre correction programmes, but it is less flexible. If the product requires specialist equipment and contractor availability, timing can become more difficult. Granulated lime gives farmers more operational control.

Parkers Granulated Lime Product Analysis

Parker’s Agricultural Lime is a high-calcium product produced from bath stone reserves at the Park Lane mine in Corsham. The bath stone limestone is one of the richest calcium sources in the UK and forms the basis for Parkers granulated fertiliser and ground limestone bedding products.

When should granulated calcium lime be used?

Granulated calcium lime should be used when soil analysis shows that pH correction or pH maintenance is needed. It is suitable for grassland, cereals, fruit, vegetables and oilseed crops, and can be applied to bare ground or growing crops. For best results, application rates should be guided by soil type, current pH, target pH and crop requirements.

Conclusion

Traditional Ag Lime remains a long-established option for correcting soil acidity, but granulated calcium lime gives farmers a more flexible, accurate and practical alternative.

Parkers Agricultural Lime is made from high-purity Bath stone reserves at Park Lane Bathstone mine, using ultra-fine limestone flour formed into clean 2-5mm granules. It is fast-acting, easy to spread and suitable for a wide range of crops and grassland.

For farmers who want better control over soil pH, stronger nutrient uptake and a more efficient approach to lime application, Parkers granulated calcium lime is the perfect option.

Speak with the Parkers sales team to learn more about agricultural lime products, application rates and supply options.