Features
- Calculate value for money lime source based on cost, freight, quality and reaction for your defined soil type.
- Evaluate the impact of soil acidity on the profitability of different crop rotations.
- Five and 10-year return on investment and net present value after 20 years for two lime strategies
- Evaluate the benefit of incorporating lime.
- Users can generate results with just a few selections and may specify options to suit their circumstances.
- App works entirely off-line.
- iLime implements the Optlime spreadsheet model in an easy-to-use app.
Download the iLime App
About the app
iLime estimates the impact of applications of lime on soil pH, yield, and profitability of a paddock or area of soil over 20 years.
The model uses a dynamic budgeting approach to determine net inputs of acidity or alkalinity in 3 soil layers (0 – 10 cm, 10 – 20 cm, and 20 – 30 cm), the change in pH and toxic aluminium in each of the layers and hence, the impact of yield on crops and pastures.
Two liming scenarios may be evaluated and compared with an unlimited scenario.
Users can specify crop, fertiliser, and soil characteristics specific to their farm. Different lime sources, rates of application and timing may be compared to estimate the optimum economic return for your paddock.
Yield, soil pH, soil aluminium and cash flow responses are displayed for lime strategies compared to not applying lime, allowing a long-term strategic view to liming decisions made today. It is available for Android and iOS.
Comparing lime sources using the iLime app
The following video provides instructions on how to use the iLime mobile app.
Acknowledgements
iLime was conceived and created by the department and developed as part of a project co-funded by GRDC and the department.
Thanks to farmers, consultants and researchers who provided initial suggestions and/ or feedback through the development of iLime.