Pond Boss Forums Thread Like Summary - Lime for Pond Bed

I am having lime delivered to my lake site in the next week or two and will get it spread in the bottom of the lake before we start filling it up. I was advised to put about 5 tons per acre but have not been able to get soil testing done yet and likely wont be able to in the window of time I have before the lime is delivered. I do know that the general analysis from the lime mine shows a minimum CCE of 70%. Without having a soil test done and knowing that the soil is predominately red clay, does the 5 tons per acre rate sound about right for our conditions?

IMO comparing the lime requirements of a clay subsoil of a pond basin to surface growing crops I think will give just 'ball park' estimates. The clay subsoils 'could' have a higher pH and more calcium present than the surface topsoils due to topsoils having more organic decomposiiton creating humic acid and less calcium leaching and added plant calcium extraction. If one wants the best answer, do a soil test of the pond basin. These tests are often free or very low cost at agricultural supply facilities who usually sell lime.

Remember that lime additions to ponds and farm fields to maintain the proper alkalinity / pH need to be done on a regular basis. Periodic testing determines the need for lime additions.