Which is better: lime or dolomite flour and how they differ, application rules

For soil deoxidation, various calcareous materials are used, for example, lime and dolomite flour. The difference between them is determined by the composition. Consider what is better to use: lime or dolomite flour, the properties and application of each material. What is preferable to choose, lime or dolomite flour, for household use.

What is the difference between dolomite flour and limestone flour

Mainly, limestone flour is used in agriculture, which accounts for most of the deoxidizing materials. But sometimes ground dolomite is also used, although much less frequently.

Properties and uses of lime

In lime flour, which is obtained from the grinding of limestone, there are 85-90% of calcium and magnesium oxides, which neutralize soil acid. The best way to deoxidize the soil is slaked lime - fluff. When applied to 1 sq. m. area contribute, on average, from 300 to 700 g of powder, the dosage is determined by soil pH - the lower it is, the more lime is required.

In order for the effect to appear faster and better, it is necessary that the lime be crushed as finely as possible and well mixed with the earth. The effect of liming is manifested over several years, so it is not necessary to carry out this agrotechnical event every year.

Reducing the acidity of acidic soils with the help of slaked lime increases the yield of plants by 30-40%, deoxidation of strongly acidic soils gives an even greater increase in yield.It is recommended to apply fluff in the fall, when applying in the spring, you need to lime no later than 2 weeks before sowing seeds or planting plants.

During application, it is important to mix the powder well with the ground so that the lime does not come into contact with the roots of the plants. This is necessary to avoid burning the root system. It is allowed to mix fluff with organic matter - humus or manure. Organics also need to be well mixed with the soil.

How is it used and what are the properties of dolomite flour

Produced in the form of powder and granules. It contains calcium and magnesium oxides, like lime, but the ratio is different - about half of calcium oxides and 40% magnesium oxides.

The material is used for deoxidation at acidity up to 4.5. Dosage per 1 sq. m. strongly acidic soils - 500 g, medium acidic - 450 g and slightly acidic - up to 400 g. Like lime, dolomite flour must be applied to the soil in crushed form and mixed thoroughly.It is advisable to dig and loosen the soil to a depth of 15 cm before applying. Sprinkle the powder on top and loosen again.

It is preferable to apply deoxidizing material in autumn, but it is also possible in spring, for digging. Depending on the acidity, it is necessary to carry out processing every few years. In the spring, it is necessary to deoxidize no later than a couple of weeks before planting crops in a permanent place. But it is better to apply the product in the fall, dolomite flour is harder than lime, it dissolves longer in water and soil, so it takes time to manifest its effect. The effect of the application is smooth and long lasting. Fertilizer is recommended for use on light or sandy soils where there is a lack of nutrients.

Crushed dolomite is recommended for soil deacidification for potatoes and tomatoes, to enhance the growth of legumes, cabbage and radishes, to increase the yield of fruit trees (the powder is applied in the fall, after harvesting).Deacidification of the land for sorrel, celery, cranberries, blueberries is not required.

Which is better to choose

It is believed that for deoxidation, you need to choose lime flour in the form of fluffy lime. She has the best characteristics, fast and long-lasting action. Lime is more effective than dolomite flour.

Both calcareous materials improve soil properties, making it more suitable for growing plants. Even those types of crops that do not grow well on acidic soil can be planted in deoxidized soil. Calcium stimulates root growth, magnesium - photosynthetic processes. With a lack of magnesium, the development of shoots is delayed.

In the soil, the acidity of which decreases, conditions are created for the favorable development of beneficial microflora, the digestibility of mineral elements from the applied fertilizers increases.

Fluff lime and crushed dolomite have almost the same properties, although they differ in composition. Both materials are used in agriculture, vegetable growers prefer to use lime as a more affordable and convenient fertilizer.

Recommended