Optimal frequency and quantity of agricultural lime applications

Crop yields can be limited by soil pH. This study was conducted to determine the optimal level and frequency of lime applications to low pH soils. A model was developed to reflect the dynamics of pH change in response to lime application and continuous cropping. Data were obtained from field trials. A wheat (Triticum aestivum) grain yield response to soil pH function was estimated. An evolutionary algorithm was used to solve the discontinuous nonlinear model to determine the optimal level and frequency of lime application. Optimal lime application strategies that maximize net present value of returns from continuous monoculture wheat production were determined for several levels of initial soil pH.