Soil Types

• An ideal soil environment contains a balanced level of water and nutrients and a stable chemical composition. These factors provide for needed plant nourishment and required moisture levels. Environmental factors such as weather patterns, rock formations and high levels of organic matter can offset the composition of the soil, according to Clemson University. Environments that develop a high acid content can be particularly harmful to certain types of plants and vegetation. Soil deionization treatments are designed to lower acid levels and restore a natural chemical balance.
  
  

PH Balance

• A soil's overall chemical balance can be measured by administering a pH level test. PH levels have to do with the acid versus alkaline content of the soil, according to Clemson University. A pH scale ranges from 1 to 14 with higher acid levels falling within the 0 to 6 range where 0 is the highest acid content. Higher alkaline levels fall within the 8 to 14 range with 14 being the highest alkaline content. A reading of 7 represents a neutral balance. Typically, optimal plant growth ranges fall between 6 and 8. Soil deionization treatments may be necessary if pH levels fall lower than 6.
  
  

Effects

• According to Clemson University, high acid levels in soil develop when high concentrations of hydrogen ions are present. Hydrogen ions are charged particles that can eventually destabilize other materials in the soil. High acid environments can result from over-fertilization, heavy rainfall or soil that originated from rock formations. When high acid levels are present, healthy nutrients like calcium, potassium and phosphorous may become depleted from the soil while harmful materials like copper, iron and aluminum begin to increase. Soil deionization treatments are designed to lower hydrogen ion concentrations and restore chemical balances in the soil.
  
  

Lime Applications

• When soil pH levels fall within the acidic range, lime or limestone applications are the most commonly used treatments for deionizing soil environments, according to Clemson University. As a material, lime is not water-soluble so an even spreading is needed so the lime can disperse throughout soil layers. For this reason, lime applications come in either dust particle or pellet form. Pellet forms contain a mixture of clay and limestone, which disintegrates inside the moisture environment of the soil. Calcitic and dolomitic are the two types of lime used.
  
  

Considerations

• To ensure deionizing treatments penetrate soil layers, lime applications should be mixed in with the soil as far down as 6 to 8 inches, according to Clemson University. Applications can be done anytime throughout the year; however, winter and spring may be the best times when soil is prepared for the next growing season. Other treatments like hydrated lime, burned lime and wood ashes can be less effective at deionizing soil layers and may be too harsh for plants to endure during the growing season.