Lime Reactivity of Illinois Soils

Abstract

Laboratory studies have shown that variable strength increases are produced by lime treatment of different fine-grained soils. An extensive study of 38 typical Illinois soils indicated that organic carbon content, soil pH, natural soil drainage, clay mineralogy, horizons, carbonate content, and soil weathering substantially influence soil lime reactivity. Lime reactivity is not significantly correlated with such typical engineering properties as liquid limit, plasticity index, AASHO group index, and percentage < 2 μ clay. Natural soil properties and characteristics can be used to evaluate quantitatively the lime-reactivity potential of a soil.