Attapulgite for Lime Suspension Fertilizers

Dry agricultural lime has long been the most widely used liming material for soil amendment. Lime improves the soil structure, neutralizes low soil pH, and supplies calcium and magnesium (from dolomitic limestone) as secondary elements.

Unfortunately, the handling and spreading of dry limestone makes for a dusty, non-uniform application.

Liquid Lime vs Lime Suspensions

Liquid lime is simply a liming product that is dissolved in water. It is typically a high quality lime with small particle size that dissolves easily in water. Liquid lime usually has a high relative neutralizing value (RNV) so it can quickly modify soil pH. However, lime dissolved in water typically consists of a maximum of approximately 50% lime and 50% water by weight.

Lime suspensions prepared with 2-3% HiLoad™ predispersed liquid clay are capable of holding more powdered lime per gallon than water alone. Typical limestone suspensions are 60-70% lime, depending on the mesh (particle) size.

Advantages of Lime Suspensions:

  • Neutralizes soil acidity and raises the soil pH faster than dry ag lime due to its particle size.

  • Better uniformity of spread, with no drift or dust.

  • Suspensions prepared with HiLoad™ liquid clay hold solid content in suspension with no settling. It's unique thixotropic properties create a gel at rest, which thins to a liquid upon agitation for easy pumpability and spraying.

  • Extremely effective in the first year. Practical to apply in small amounts every year rather than a 3 year basis.

  • Lime suspension have the unique ability to include other suspended ingredients such as nitrogen, potash, pesticides and micronutrients.

  • Higher ECCE content per ton compared to dry ag lime.

  • Can be applied with fertilizer combinations even in cold fall weather.

  • Can be used with any sprayer.

  • Livestock safe. HiLoad™ is EPA, FIFRA, FDA, and AAFCO approved.

Suggested formulation and order of addition for

70% Limestone, per 1 Ton of Suspension:

540 lbs. water

1400 lbs. lime (-200 mesh)

MIX

60 lbs. HiLoad™ liquid clay

MIX until uniform

Viscosity: 1,220 cps

Settling/100 cc: Trace

Suggested formulation and order of addition for

60% Limestone, per 1 Ton of Suspension:

700 lbs. water

1200 lbs. lime (-100 mesh)

MIX

100 lbs. HiLoad™ liquid clay

MIX until uniform

Viscosity: 665 cps

Settling/100 cc: Trace

Blair Ag’s Research and Marketing staff stand ready to assist users in plant design, handling,
and use of pre-dispersed liquid clay in your plant or farm.

HiLoad™ pre-dispersed liquid clay is available for purchase in bulk truckloads or 275 gal totes.
Lime suspensions can alternately be prepared with dry bulk Tonnegel 350 attapulgite clay, if your mixing equipment has sufficient shear.
Blair Ag is the leading distributor of dry Tonnegel® 350 clay; available in bulk truckloads, 1-ton bulk bags, or 50 lb bags.

HiLoad™ is a trademark of Blair Ag LLC.

HiLoad™ predispersed liquid clay is manufactured with Clariant Tonnegel® attapulgite products at our headquarters in Blair, NE. 

Tonnegel® is a trademark of Clariant Corporation.