What is a benefit of proper lime incorporation in the soil?

Proper lime incorporation in the soil predominantly serves to neutralize soil acidity effectively. Most agricultural soils in Ontario and many other regions can become acidic over time due to various factors such as rainfall, crop removal, and organic matter decomposition. When lime is added to the soil, it reacts chemically with the acids present, leading to an increase in soil pH. This neutralization process is crucial because an optimal pH level is essential for nutrient availability, ensuring that essential minerals and nutrients are accessible to plants.

While other options mention benefits associated with lime, such as influencing nutrient movement or enhancing microbial activity, the primary and direct effect of lime application is the adjustment of soil acidity levels. An improved pH environment fosters better nutrient uptake by plants, which indirectly could influence microbial activity; however, the main emphasis of lime's role is in correcting acidity rather than in enhancing microbial activity independently. Therefore, the effectiveness in neutralizing soil acidity stands as the key benefit of incorporating lime into the soil.