Update:
Research has been conducted and shared through various outreach activities that include three producer/crop consultant meetings, two podcasts, and the North Central Research Extension Center 2020 Annual Report. An Extension publication is being developed to guide soybean producers on how to determine lime applications. Similar projects have been funded for corn, wheat, and soybean production. All that data is being combined to develop the lime recommendations.
View uploaded report 
Liming Impacts of Soybean Yield and Quality Executive Report
Chris Augustin, Brian Jenks, Gary Willoughby, Tiffany Walter
Research conducted
Sugar beet waste lime is a byproduct of the sugar refining process. The calcium carbonate (lime) can neutralize soil acid and improve soil health. Lime was applied at 0, 1.5, 2.9, and 5.8 tons/acre in 2018. The research plot was tilled after application. Peas (2018 growing season) and wheat (2019 growing season) were raised prior to the study. In 2020, soybean was grown.
Why the research is important to North Dakota Soybean Farmers
Soil pH greatly influences many soil factors that impact crop growth and yields for all crops. Soil factors include nutrient availability, biological activity, and soil extractable aluminum. Nutrients are most available when the soil pH is approximately 5.5 to 7.5. Soil bacteria activity reduces when the soil pH is less than 5.5. Soil bacteria greatly help soybeans fulfill their nitrogen needs. Soil extractable aluminum levels greater than 25 parts per million can reduce plant root development. If nutrients are not available, biological activity reduced, or extractable aluminum is too high, yields will likely suffer.
Final Findings of the research
All lime treatments statistically improved soil pH and soil extractable aluminum (Table 1) at the 0-6 inch depth. However, soybean yield and grain quality were not impacted by the lime treatments. This work was done during a drought which likely prevented an impact from the lime treatments.
Benefits/Recommendations to North Dakota soybean farmers and industry
Soil pH is very important for soil health and crop production. Soybean yield and quality was not influenced by lime applications. However, 2.9 tons of lime/acre was the most effective lime application for improving soil pH and extractable aluminum.