Barn Lime

What is barn lime?

Other names for barn lime include dairy lime, ag lime, quarry lime, and garden lime.

Barn lime is made up of calcium carbonate (ground limestone). Barn lime is marketed as a desiccant, soil PH amendment (basic), odor reducer, traction aid and insect repellant. Barn lime does not have the caustic properties that hydrated lime has and should not be accidently mixed up. Barn lime is advertised as being animal friendly but has been known to be dusty so use proper precautions upon application. Lime applications can increase ammonia volatilization if bedding contains high levels of ammonia/nitrogen. The finer the barn lime particulates, the quicker they react with soil. If you are looking to adjust soil PH, try to get the finest material you can find. Be aware, some brands of barn lime is 'cut' with sand or quartz. These brands will generally be labeled as a traction aid or non-slipping.



Uses

Soil Amendment (raise PH/source of calcium)

Desiccant

Antibacterial

Deodorizer (reduce ammonia smells in bedding/litter)

Traction aid

Safety Considerations
While calcium carbonate is not caustic, it is something you don't want to be breathing in. If you are spreading it, it is recommended that you look into particulate masks to be safe.