The House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation Thursday that would provide farmers more information about the effectiveness of agricultural lime. 

HB 155 is sponsored by Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, and would require lime to be labeled with its relative neutralizing value. Supporters say the additional information would help farmers improve efficiency when applying the soil amendment. 

Lauderdale County farmer James Walker owns a custom lime and fertilizer spreading business.  He said the bill will ensure farmers are getting their money’s worth.

“Currently, there’s no standard for the quality of lime available to farmers,” said Walker, who serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation’s State Wheat and Feed Grain Committee. “For lime to be effective, the particle size needs to be fine and uniform. This bill is another step in helping us apply the right amount of lime where it’s needed, which is better for our crops and the environment.”  

The proposed legislation would define relative neutralizing value based on the calculation of calcium carbonate equivalent in relation to the percent of lime passing through certain size mesh screens.

HB 155 is supported by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. The companion bill, SB 190 by Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, was unanimously approved this week by the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee.