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Watershed liming has been proposed to mitigate lake acidification and depletion of soil base cations. This paper reviews and synthesizes literature describing the effects of liming on natural terrestrial ecosystems, with a specific emphasis on watershed liming studies. Specifically, we look at the purpose of liming, types of lime, physiological role of calcium, lime effects on soil and belowground processes, and plant response to liming with special attention to growth and tissue chemistry, roots, and plant–plant interactions. Liming increases soil pH and either increases or decreases soil nutrient availability. Liming affects litter decomposition, mineral soil processes, root growth, plant nutrient uptake, and plant productivity. Interspecific plant interactions can be affected after liming. Specific soil and biotic responses depend upon the type and amount of lime applied, the period of observation, soil characteristics, and species composition.Key words: watershed liming, CaCO3, calcite, dolomite, calcium, ecosystem response to liming, wetland liming, forest liming, nutrient availability, soil acidity.

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