Profile

The Agricultural Lime Association (ALA) is the trade association for producers of natural quarried agricultural lime in the UK.

The ALA represents the interests of 9 member companies covering all aspects of the industry, from technical and environmental issues to the promotion of the final product. Input into European standards has also become an important role of the Association. Natural quarried agricultural lime has vast and proven environmental benefits, which will be a vital ingredient in the movement towards sustainable development.

The ALA is a constituent body of the Mineral Products Association, which represents over 90% of the aggregates quarrying industry. We also benefit from affiliate membership of the Agricultural Industries Confederation. This enables us to have a closer interaction with most aspects of the agricultural industry.

INTRODUCTION

Agricultural Liming is a fundamental aspect of soil husbandry, which farmers throughout the world have recognised as playing a major role in overall profitability. The decline in lime application has resulted in an increase in the proportion of UK soil samples exhibiting pH values below optimum levels. This means that the full agricultural potential for these soils has not been realised. Such soil acidification in catchment areas could also lead to adverse effects on watercourses.

There are two key messages worth remembering:

• Measurement of lime requirements of soil is a job to be carried out professionally
• Neutralising value (NV), fineness and reactivity are the three factors that influence lime quality