CRT Agline: “Optimising Lime Application”

While ag-lime is still considered a relatively cheap input, we are now seeing some cost increases coming through. However, due to the heavy application rates used, the real impact will be in cartage and application costs.

This can be easily overlooked when you are looking at a product that might cost as little as $20/t. It is important to understand where your budget is being spent. In the aerial application example shown, 80% of the cost in the ag-lime scenario is spent on cartage and application. That is over 6.5 times the cartage and application cost for Optimise.

Optimise has been shown to be effective at significantly lower application rates than conventional ag-lime. Optimise achieves this by getting accurate placement of effective ultra-fine particle lime. While most ag-lime contains a portion of fine particles, this is inherently prone to drift, especially in aerial application. Optimise also benefits from having an extremely low moisture content, further increasing the value in each tonne. Optimise also breaks-down quickly to provide a rapid return on investment. 

In the example shown, Optimise is applied at a typical application rate of 250kg/ha, whereas a common aglime rate is 2,500kg/ha (ie 1t/acre). The example is typical of a hill-country scenario where cartage and application costs are relatively high.

Optimise isn’t an across-the-board replacement for ag-lime, which will remain the preferred option in many scenarios. But Optimise is an invaluable tool to be used in your lime and fertiliser strategy, especially where cartage and application costs are a concern. 

Optimise can also be custom blended with additives such as elemental sulphur, RPR and trace elements to suit your specific needs. This means you can address liming and other nutrient requirements in a simple combined application. All ingredients are fine-ground prior to pelletisation to maximise availability.

The graphed example is illustrative of a typical high-country aerial application — naturally costs will vary. Use our Cost Calculator to assist with calculating your own cost comparison.