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The quality of agricultural lime material is primarily measured by Effective Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (ECCE). ECCE indicates the efficiency of the lime in neutralizing soil acidity, which is essential for optimal plant growth. It takes into account not only the amount of calcium carbonate present in the lime but also the particle size and reactivity of the lime. A higher ECCE value signifies a more effective lime for raising soil pH and improving soil health.

While calcium content percentage is important, it does not provide a complete picture of lime's effectiveness in terms of how it will change soil acidity. The pH level of the lime itself is not a direct measure of its quality in terms of its performance in the soil. Granule size, while it can affect the rate of reaction and how quickly the lime works, is only a part of what informs the ECCE calculation. Therefore, ECCE is the comprehensive measure of the quality of agricultural lime, reflecting both its chemical composition and its functionality in agricultural practices.