lime, active, refers to calcium carbonate that is available to the vine because it is finely divided and therefore more soluble than limestone rock. Its presence in the soil is not necessarily due to underlying limestone, which is generally hard and insoluble, and may be the result of weathering and soil-forming processes. There is no direct relationship between the amount of active lime in the soil and wine quality. However, active lime raises a soil’s ph above 7 and may enhance the vine’s root development. Too much may lead to lime-induced chlorosis. See also lime and soil alkalinity.
