Agricultural lime is priced at $35–$80 per ton (ENP basis) in spring 2026. At typical application rates of 1–3 tons/acre, liming costs $35–$240/acre. Gypsum (calcium sulfate, for calcium supplementation without pH change) runs $60–$120/ton. Calcium deficiency is rarely a standalone issue — it almost always accompanies low soil pH or magnesium imbalance.
Current Signal: BUY
Year-over-year change: +5–10%
| Market / Region | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Ag lime (ENP basis) | $35 – $80/ton |
| High-calcium calcite | $45 – $90/ton |
| Gypsum (CaSO4) | $60 – $120/ton |
| Calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0) | $500 – $700/ton |
Agricultural lime (calcium carbonate) serves dual purposes: calcium supply and pH correction. In most U.S. soils, pH management drives lime application decisions — calcium adequacy follows as a co-benefit. Applying lime purely for calcium on neutral-pH soils is rarely economically justified.
Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) supplies calcium and sulfur without raising pH. It is used on soils with adequate pH but low calcium saturation, or on high-Na soils to displace sodium. At $60–$120/ton, gypsum is more expensive than lime per unit of calcium.
Calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0-19Ca) is used in fertigated vegetable and specialty crops and occasionally in grain production on extremely calcium-deficient soils. At $500–$700/ton, it is expensive relative to lime or gypsum.
Lime quality (effective neutralizing power, ENP) varies enormously by quarry and product. Agricultural lime at $35/ton at the quarry may have ENP of 80%, equivalent to $43.75/ton for lime with 90% ENP. Always compare on ENP basis.
Agricultural lime is $35–$80/ton (ENP basis) in spring 2026. Prices vary significantly by region based on quarry distance and local freight costs.
At 2 tons/acre application rate and $50/ton lime cost, liming costs $100/acre for product. Add $25–$50/acre for spreading. Total: $125–$150/acre. Lime corrections last 4–6 years, making the annual equivalent cost $21–$38/acre.
Lime (calcium carbonate) raises soil pH and supplies calcium. Gypsum (calcium sulfate) supplies calcium and sulfur without changing pH. Use lime to correct acidic soils; use gypsum when pH is adequate but calcium or sulfur is low.
On actively cropped ground, lime applications every 4–6 years are typical to maintain target pH (6.2–6.8 for most crops). Sandy soils and high-rainfall regions require more frequent application due to faster acidification.
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