Description
Dolomitic Lime is a soil amendment made primarily from calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃). It is used in agriculture to raise soil pH and supply both calcium and magnesium, making it particularly valuable in acidic soils where magnesium is also deficient.
Chemical Analysis
- Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃): Typically makes up about 50% to 55% of the material.
- Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO₃): Typically makes up about 40% to 45% of the material.
- Elemental Nutrient Equivalent: In terms of pure plant nutrients, high-quality dolomitic lime generally delivers roughly 20% to 24% Calcium (Ca) and 11% to 14% Magnesium (Mg).
- Neutralizing Value: It is measured by its Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (CCE), which usually ranges from 90% to 110%, making it highly effective atneutralizing soil acids.
Key Characteristics
- Dual Action: It simultaneously raises soil pH (reduces acidity) and corrects magnesium deficiencies.
- Slow-Release & Low Solubility: It is relatively insoluble in water. It requires soil moisture and acid to dissolve, reacting slowly over a period of several months to years.
- Coarseness Matters: The speed at which it works depends entirely on how finely it is ground. Finely powdered dolomitic lime reacts much faster than coarse, granular versions
Major Uses & Applications
- Soil pH correction: helps neutralize soil acidity and create a more favourable environment for crop growth.
- Magnesium supply: provides magnesium, an essential nutrient involved in chlorophyll formation and photosynthesis.
- Calcium supply: supports strong cell walls, root development, and overall plant growth.
- Soil fertility management: helps improve nutrient availability in acidic soils.
- Coffee & tea farming: useful where soil tests indicate acidity and magnesium deficiency.
- Horticulture: applied to vegetables, fruits, flowers, and other crops requiring calcium and magnesium.