Story: Topdressing

Applying lime

Applying lime

Each year, large quantities of lime are applied from the air. Unlike most fertilisers, lime is finely ground and powdery, making the cloud it forms after leaving the aircraft whiter and more visible than that of superphosphate. Lime poses a special challenge because it can become compacted in the hopper and be difficult to dislodge. In extreme situations the pilot may have to jettison the load.

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Natural Sciences Image Library of New Zealand
Reference: Ag4717fRbt.tif
Photograph by G. R. Roberts

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How to cite this page:

John Maber, 'Topdressing - Origins of aerial topdressing', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/16554/applying-lime (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by John Maber, published 24 Nov 2008