Pond Lime

Agricultural limestone can greatly increase the productivity of lakes and ponds that have low alkalinity and acidic soils. These conditions are very common in the southeastern United States. Limestone is composed principally of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). When limestone is applied to water, it dissolves into its two primary components of calcium (Ca), which contributes to the hardness of water, and carbonate (CO3) which neutralizes acids in water and soil it contacts. The chemical result of limestone applications are increases in water hardness, alkalinity, pH, and pH buffering capacity. The tangible results of limestone applications are water that clears from wind or rainstorms faster, increases in beneficial plankton algae booms, and increases in general fish health and carrying capacity.

Unlike soil, water pH levels naturally cycle up and down during a 24 hour period. Fish are designed to handle moderate daily pH swings, but dramatic pH swings due to low alkalinity, acidic soil and even naturally acidic rainfall are difficult for fish and other aquatic life to handle. Water pH fluctuates due to cycles of carbon dioxide, a weak acid, and oxygen resulting from photosynthesis and respiration in aquatic organisms. During the day, Oxygen is produced and carbon dioxide is consumed through photosynthesis resulting in a gradual increase in pH. At night, plants switch to respiration which consumes oxygen and release carbon dioxide resulting in gradual decrease in pH. This is why water pH and oxygen levels are lowest right before sunrise. Abundant plant growth and low alkalinity can make these pH swings even more dramatic, increasing the stress on your fish. Unlike humans, fish eat less when they are stressed so they do not grow as quickly or as large. 

Agricultural limestone application rates  are commonly measured in tons per acre. This can be a daunting task to accomplish correctly with out the appropriate equipment.  Aquatic Resource Consulting has the equipment purpose-built for applying limestone in bulk with staff trained to do so safely and effectively. Give ARC lake and pond a call today for your liming needs. We look forward to working for you.