What function does limestone powder serve when applied to acidic soils in agriculture?
Answer
To raise the pH level, effectively acting as a liming agent.
Limestone powder is extensively utilized in agriculture specifically for soil management. When applied to soils that are overly acidic, its primary function is chemical modification: it raises the soil's pH level. This process is known as liming. By neutralizing excess acidity, the application of limestone powder improves the chemical environment of the soil, which subsequently enhances the availability of essential nutrients for crops. While it does contain calcium, which is beneficial, its operational role in this context is defined by its ability to adjust acidity.
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