Use of limestone?

[Merrymeeting]

I'm curious to get the opinion or expertise of others on this.

We have some plants on our lot that prefer alkaline soil over acidic. The application of limestone is often recommended to counter soil acidity and add ph buffer capability to an area.

As has been discussed here many times, the use of fertilizers should be avoided on lakefront lots. But how about limestone? On one hand, my inclination is to assume it is another agent that alters the normal balance of the soil. But at the same time, we often hear of the effects of acid rain and this could be a benign counter to that (at a very micro level!)

Any experts who can weigh in here? I'm not talking about within the 50' buffer, rather beyond that.

Thanks

[meteotrade]

Limestone is OK in the 50' buffer per the new rules. After all, a little limestone can't hurt- most lakes up here are too acidic already.

[moose tracks]

Limestone is OK in the 50' buffer per the new rules. After all, a little limestone can't hurt- most lakes up here are too acidic already.

I agree, and limestone will do as much as fertilizer to help your plants and grass without hurting the environment.

[ACutAbove]

Limestone,
There are 2 different kind caltic and dolemietric (sp) Both are used for the same purpose to counter act the acidic soil, although you should know which one to actually put down for the correct reason. A soil test will tell you what kind is best suited for your areas you would like to treat.
Also it takes an averadge of 100 days for it to start to work. And the amount you put down to much can have ill effects if to much is applied.
I have seen lots of people put down lime and really not know how much to apply. Just because the guy at Lowes or home depot says the soil here is acidic and you should put lime down doesnt mean he knows what is right for your lawn areas.

[Merrymeeting]

I agree, and limestone will do as much as fertilizer to help your plants and grass without hurting the environment.

Moose tracks,

Does your post really mean to imply that the use of fertilizer near the lake will NOT cause harm? I think there is plenty of evidence to the contrary if so. If I misinterpreted, my apologies.

Thanks to all who responded on the limestone.

[Lakegeezer]

Aubuchon hardware store in Moultonborough is selling lake-safe fertilizer. It has a very low phosphorus level. Any chance this has been run by the state EPA?

[chipj29]

Moose tracks,

Does your post really mean to imply that the use of fertilizer near the lake will NOT cause harm? I think there is plenty of evidence to the contrary if so. If I misinterpreted, my apologies.

Thanks to all who responded on the limestone.
I think you may have misread that. I read it that he is saying that limestone is as good as fertilizer for the plants...without the possible harm of fertilizer.

[moose tracks]

The use of limestone close to the shore line is allowed by the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act. Here is a quote from Section 483B.9:

(d) No fertilizer, except limestone, shall be used within 25 feet of the reference line of any property. Twenty-five feet beyond the reference line, low phosphate, slow release nitrogen fertilizer or limestone, may be used on lawns or areas with grass.

The reference line is the water line. This indicates to me that the NH Dept of Environmental Services approves the use of limestone near the shore line.

[Onshore]

That is correct.

[Merrymeeting]

Again, thanks all. And Moose thanks for the clarification on your post. I now see I misread what you posted.