Question

Arrange the following liming materials, in increasing order as per their neutralizing value of calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) %:
A. Calcium oxide
B. Calcium hydroxide
C. Dolomite
D. Calcite
E. Basic Slag

• A. A, B, D, C, E
• B. B, C, D, E, A
• C. E, D, B, A, C
• D. E, D, C, B, A

Hint:

To remember the hierarchy: Oxide (A) is the strongest/highest, Hydroxide (B) is second, and Carbonate (D) is the baseline 100%. Anything with "slag" (E) is generally a lower-grade industrial byproduct.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The neutralizing value of a liming material is expressed as its Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (CCE). This value compares the material's ability to neutralize acid relative to pure calcium carbonate ($CaCO_{3}$), which is assigned a baseline value of 100%. Materials with higher CCE % are more efficient at raising soil pH.

Step 1: Identify the baseline and low-value materials.
Pure Calcite (D) (calcium carbonate) is the standard and has a CCE of 100%. Basic Slag (E) is a byproduct with a lower neutralizing value, typically ranging from 60% to 90%. Dolomite (C) (calcium magnesium carbonate) has a slightly higher neutralizing power than calcite, usually around 109%.

Step 2: Evaluate high-value processed materials.
Calcium hydroxide (B) (slaked lime) is produced by adding water to burnt lime and has a CCE of approximately 136%. Calcium oxide (A) (burnt lime/quicklime) is the most concentrated form and has the highest neutralizing value, typically around 179%.

Step 3: Arrange in increasing order.
Ordering from lowest to highest CCE %: Basic Slag (E: <100%) $\rightarrow$ Calcite (D: 100%) $\rightarrow$ Dolomite (C: 109%) $\rightarrow$ Calcium hydroxide (B: 136%) $\rightarrow$ Calcium oxide (A: 179%). This corresponds to the sequence E, D, C, B, A.