What does Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (CCE) measure?

Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (CCE) measures the neutralizing ability of liming materials. It is a critical concept in soil management, particularly in agriculture, where maintaining soil pH is essential for optimal plant growth and nutrient availability. CCE is expressed as a percentage of pure calcium carbonate, allowing for the comparison of different liming materials based on their effectiveness in neutralizing soil acidity.

When assessing liming materials, CCE indicates how much alkalinity they can provide when applied to the soil. Higher CCE values mean that the material has a greater capacity to neutralize soil acidity, making it more effective for raising soil pH levels to improve crop production. Understanding CCE helps farmers and land managers select the appropriate lime product based on the specific needs of their soil conditions. This measurement ensures that sufficient liming materials are applied to achieve desired pH levels for healthy soil and optimal crop yields.