Dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate): Similar to garden lime but slower acting. Also contains magnesium carbonate so good for
trees like apples and pears
. Gypsum (calcium sulphate): Great for acid loving plants (like rhododendrons) as it adds calcium to ground without altering soil pH.
What is the difference between lime and dolomite lime?
Calcitic lime is derived from deposits of primarily calcium carbonate. Dolomitic lime is derived from deposits of calcium carbonate combined with magnesium carbonate and contains much higher levels of magnesium. …
There is little difference between lime types
in their respective ability to neutralize soil acidity.
What is dolomite lime?
Dolomitic lime is
calcium magnesium carbonate
. It has something like 20% calcium and 10% magnesium, but that can vary quite a lot. When you buy dolomite garden lime, it has been ground into granules that can be coarse or very fine, or it could be turned into a prill, a pellet, not necessary but easier to apply.
How do I use dolomite lime in my garden?
- Mix dolomite into the top 6 inches of soil before planting.
- To change the soil’s pH, determine how much dolomite you need and spread it on top of the soil.
Is dolomite lime poisonous?
Safety Precautions
Because burned and hydrated lime are caustic, extreme care should be used when applying these to your lawn. According to Virginia State University, calcitic and dolomitic lime
are nontoxic to humans, wildlife and pets
, which means they haven’t been found to cause illness or death when ingested.
How long does it take dolomite lime to work?
Applied in the same manner as calcitic lime, dolomitic lime takes
at least a year
before achieving measurable results unless the soil pH is extremely low, when results may be observed within only a few weeks. Several factors affect reactivity time.
Is dolomite lime good for tomatoes?
Tomatoes grow well and produce healthy fruit in larger quantities when grown in slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter and contains adequate amounts of calcium and magnesium. Using dolomite, also known as dolomitic lime, can
help to adjust soil pH to the desired range
for growing tomatoes.
Can I mix dolomite lime with water?
Ideally, you will want to
add 6 to 7 teaspoons of fine dolomite lime for each gallon unit of water
. Using fine dolomite lime is crucial because coarse dolomite takes a year before your plant’s roots can absorb it.
Is dolomite lime good for lawns?
Lime is very alkaline so helps by reducing soil acidity which in turn improves the uptake of major lawn nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. It also provides a
great source of calcium and magnesium
for the lawn and helps improve water penetration.
Can you use too much dolomite lime?
It is also possible to use too
much
dolomite lime. It will cause the same problems as too much ordinary lime. The soil pH will get too high, the pH may rise too rapidly, and you may end up with excessive amounts of calcium or magnesium in the soil.
Is dolomite better than lime?
So if you are merely looking to correct the pH balance, you are much better served choosing
calcitic lime
. With this in mind, you should only use dolomite lime if you need to add magnesium to your soil. The risks posed by introducing too much magnesium far outweigh any benefits.
Which vegetables do not like lime?
You shouldn’t add lime to
potatoes or sweet potatoes
, and nor should you use lime if you are trying to grow tomatoes or capsicums. Many types of berries prefer acidic soils, and blueberry bushes, raspberries and strawberries won’t do well if you apply lime. The same is also true of grapes.
What can I use instead of dolomite?
If you can’t get dolomite, I imagine any other source of calcium carbonate should work somewhat-
cuttlebone
, crushed coral, limestone rock, etc.
Is lime on lawn bad for dogs?
So, while
lime likely won’t cause your dog to become seriously ill
, it’s not a good idea to spread pellets and then let your dog run free. Lime dust, in any form, may cause lung, skin and eye irritation, and it should be fully integrated into the soil before anyone — human or animal should use the lawn.
Can dolomite lime burn plants?
Some types of lime are significantly more hazardous than others. Dolomitic and calcitic lime, both types of agricultural lime,
pose little danger of burning lawns
or ornamentals when applied where they already are growing or to the soil in which you plan to plant.
Is dolomite harmful to human?
Dolomite contains varying levels of crystalline silica, which can
cause damage to lungs or even cancer when it is breathed
in. The material can also cause irritation to the skin and eyes. The Department of Health also attested to dolomite’s health risks, especially the adverse reactions in humans when inhaled.
