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Liming materials can be compared by considering their ability to neutralize soil acidity, fineness, and cost to deliver and spread. The neutralizing value (NV) of a lime indicates its potency. It is determined in the laboratory by comparing its ability to neutralize soil acidity with that of the standard, pure calcium oxide. A neutralizing value of 50 signifies that 100 kg of that material has the same effect on soil acidity as 50 kg of calcium oxide.

So if it is very weedy then only roughly prepare the surface and cover any sharp projections with a wad of newspaper to prevent the plastic being punctured. Basically, if you can drive a rough, tough mower over the surface beforehand, that will do. The plastic light-exclusion method works best if applied just before the spring flush of growth, so it should be laid in late February or early March.

If it's in the ground outdoors, then it is probable that it has tried to carry too many crops. Figs can potentially give three crops a year, but not happily so in England's climate. Small figs that form in late summer and autumn get slightly damaged by winter and then grow again in the spring.

The rhizosphere is a zone in the soil oith no definite boundary which is influenced by roots. Living roots change the atmosphere around them by using up oxygen and producing carbon dioxide (see respiration). Roots exude a variety of organic compounds which hold water and form a coating that bridges the gap between root and nearby soil particles. Micro-organisms occur in greatly increased numbers and are more active when in proximity to roots.