Ideal pH and Range

• The target pH for lima beans is around 6.2. The preferred soil is a sandy or clay loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5, but lima beans can also tolerate higher alkalinity soils.
  
  

Acidic Soils

• Acidic soil can cause or enhance molybdenum deficiency, manganese toxicity, aluminum toxicity and deficiency of calcium and magnesium. Low soil pH negatively affects the lima bean's ability to fix nitrogen. A general plant yellowing may occur. Aluminum and manganese become more soluble as acidity increases. Manganese toxicity often manifests as dead spots on leaves and aluminum toxic plants appear phosphorous deficient.
  
  

Basic Soils

• Basic soils generally contain a greater amount of water-soluble salts. Although basic soils and associated problems are much less prevalent than too-acidic soils, problems may occur by over-liming to fix acid issues. In this case, deficiency of micronutrients like manganese may occur.