Question

When a farmer treats the soil of his field with lime when the soil has
(A) Acidic nature
(B) Basic nature
(C) Neutral nature
(D) None of the above

Answer 1

Lime is added to the soil to maintain its pH and make the soil more fertile for the growth of a particular plant or crop. Lime also known as calcium hydroxide is added to lawn grass making the soil optimal for growth.

Complete step by step solution:
Lime is also known as calcium hydroxide which is alkaline in nature. Its use includes treatment of acidic soil as it neutralizes the soil’s acidity. This soil has sulphates, chlorides or even phosphates which is neutralised by the alkalinity of lime.
Hence a farmer will always add lime or calcium hydroxide to the soil when the soil is acidic in nature and maintain the pH for better growth of grass, plants, crops, etc. Lime is mostly used for lawn grasses.

Additional Information:
In many parts of the country, adding calcium hydroxide to the lawn is very important for mowing it. Without lime, lawn grasses were unable to get the benefit from the nutrients present in the soil. If we understand how lime helps the lawns and why we need lime, we can help the lawn to grow better. Most of the lawn grass grows in a soil with pH ${\mathbf{5}}.{\mathbf{8}}{\text{ }}{\mathbf{and}}{\text{ }}{\mathbf{7}}.{\mathbf{2}}$ .The pH varies from season to season .i.e. during warm season the pH should be low , while during winter it needs slightly higher Ph. Lime balances the over acidic soil and maintains the Ph for optimal growth.

Note:
Calcium hydroxide is a compound which is in colourless crystal form or white powder and is made when quicklime is mixed with water. It is also been called as names including hydrated lime, caustic lime, builders' lime, etc