Final answer:
Fertilizer and lime should not be mixed prior to application because lime can cause nitrogen in fertilizer to volatilize, reducing its effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
When establishing a new garden or preparing a field for planting, soil amendments such as fertilizers and lime may be recommended based on a soil test. The statement that a foundation fertilizer and agricultural lime can be mixed together is false. These materials should not be mixed prior to application, as lime can cause nitrogen in fertilizer to volatilize as ammonia, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the fertilizer and harming plant growth. Instead, lime should be applied separately from fertilizer, often recommended to be done at different times to ensure each amendment works effectively to improve soil conditions.