BD, great example.
3.5 acres in GA usualy recommend 4 tons with low alk so 14 tons, last about 6 years (depends of course on flow and this will effect hydrated also so let's use 6 years). It will cost to have it spread about $50/ton for labor and lime so $700 total in 6 years.
Ok with hydrated lime to raise to good alk levels takes about 100 lbs/acre so 7 bags x $10 equals $70. So how often? At least three times/year. So $210 x 6 years equals $1260
So $1260 vs. $700 not too bad. But wait. This does not figure your time in there for 18 times having to put out the stuff. Another point ever put it out? Very caustic where long shelves and mask.
Also hydrated lime can cause fish kill, the pond guides will warn you about this. Ken has a good formula with the buffer to prevent this. So based on Ken's prices if I may add $13.50 (discount rate) for buffer to help prevent fish kill from hydrated lime (is this right, Deb?). THis would make it another $1701 in example or $2961 for same period of time as ag lime that cost $700.
Again I just would rather do it "right" even it cost more one time in 5-6 years than every few months. Make sense Bill, others?
