Which situation would require the addition of lime to the soil?

The addition of lime to the soil is specifically beneficial when the soil is overly acidic. Lime, which is primarily calcium carbonate, works to raise the pH of acidic soils, making them more neutral. Acidic soils can impede plant growth by limiting the availability of essential nutrients, causing nutrient deficiencies and altering soil microbial activity. By increasing the pH, lime helps create a more hospitable environment for plant roots, enhancing overall soil health and promoting better plant growth.

In contrast, a neutral soil pH does not require lime, as it is already at an optimal level for most plants. Similarly, alkaline soils, which have a pH above 7, would not need lime since introducing more calcium could increase the pH further and exacerbate the alkalinity. Additionally, sandy soils' composition is not inherently related to the need for lime; while they can be acidic, their structure and drainage properties dictate other management strategies rather than simply lime application.