When to pour dolomite flour. The use of dolomite flour to improve the soil. A simple way to determine the acidity of the soil

Dolomite flour besides providing nutrients to the plants, it helps to alter the acidity of the soil, bringing it in line with the needs of the plants. Previously, lime flour was used for this purpose, but dolomite, unlike lime, contains much more nutrients and is often used as an addition to balanced fertilizers.

Dolomite is a mineral containing calcium and magnesium... Dolomite flour is produced by grinding dolomite to a powder consistency. Hence the name of the fertilizer. The best dolomite mixes contain 8 to 12 percent magnesium and 18 to 22 percent calcium. These elements contribute to soil deoxidation and provide valuable plant nutrients. Dolomite may contain sodium, but it should only be 0.2 percent or less. Large amounts of sodium can alter the salinity of the soil, adversely affecting plants.

Dolomite flour is used to increase the pH of the soil (decrease acidity), in agriculture and gardening. By neutralizing acidity, plants can easily absorb nutrients. Dolomite also improves soil texture and helps convert other nutrients into convenient forms for the following vegetables to digest:

  • peas;
  • beans;
  • corn;
  • cabbage;
  • salad;
  • spinach.

Dolomite is best used to lower the acidity of the soil. For example, heavy rainfall can lower the pH, so applying this fertilizer is important aspect maintenance of the garden or suburban area.

For most plants, an acidity value of 6.0 to 7.4 is best suited. If the soil registers with a pH of 5.9 or lower, dolomite can help raise the pH to make the soil more suitable for plants. Some plants prefer acidic soils, so you need to check the needs of specific plants before adding dolomite. Some plants, especially vegetables with big amount seeds inside, such as tomatoes, need extra calcium as they grow, and dolomite is a great way to provide this nutrient.

When the pH level is too low, the essential nutrients that most plants need are not available to the plants.

How and when to use

The instruction for the use of dolomite flour says that it can be sprinkle on the ground at any time of the year when there is no frost, but it is better to apply in spring or autumn. To do this, select a day when rain is not predicted.

To deoxidize the soil, it is necessary to correctly determine the rate of dolomite. For example, if the soil has a pH of 5.5 and needs to be raised closer to 6.5, add 5 kilograms of dolomite per 30 square meters of space.

How much fertilizer you need to add depends on the pH level. If you do not have soil test results, it is usually safe to apply 250 ml (1 cup) for every 15 square meters of plot.

Prepare the soil before adding flour. Remove weeds and other unwanted vegetation as well as stones and fallen branches.

Wear protective gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, and a mask. Scatter dolomite over the ground using a rake to ensure an even distribution.

Use a shovel to push dolomite into the top 15 centimeters of the soil. After application, wait at least two weeks before planting seeds or seedlings.

Things you will need:

  • soil test results;
  • rake;
  • gloves;
  • shirt, robe and trousers;
  • shovel.

The powdery and caustic nature of dolomite flour makes it a potential skin and lung irritant. Wear a mask, gloves, robe and trousers when packing material.

Study the soil requirements of the plants you intend to grow on garden plot... Some plants, including azaleas and blueberries, prefer increased acidity.

Dolomite works as an antacid, buffering the soil and raising its pH level while providing magnesium and calcium at the same time.

How to use dolomite flour in your garden? It can only be used when you have a soil test showing magnesium deficiency. The test is the main way to find out if you need this fertilizer. Adding fertilizers not based on pH results makes no sense.

Flour is scattered over the area, as a rule, intended for planting vegetables, after which the soil is intensively loosened with a rake and a shovel. Observing the rate, you can apply once every 1-2 months.

The use of dolomite during planting is usually the most effective way use of the product, although the dosage depends on the existing pH of the soil type and the desired pH level. Gardeners can also use this fertilizer for disease prevention by spraying light dust around fruit tree annually in spring or fall.

Gardeners often ask themselves - dolomite flour or lime, which is better? Moreover, lime is cheaper and is an alternative to dolomite, having the same properties to lower acidity.

Yes, the effect of lime on acidity is stronger than that of dolomite, but lime after application at the initial stage prevents the absorption of nutrients by plants, especially phosphorus and nitrogen. Therefore, after adding lime, the soil should stand for some time under "steam", that is, remain unseeded. Dolomite can be replaced with limestone flour, but it should only be used in the off-season.

Attention, only TODAY!

Dolomite flour is a crystalline mineral formation, ground and dried. This substance contains a lot of calcium and magnesium. Qualitative composition dolomite flour and low price contributed to the fact that this substance has gained immense popularity among gardeners and gardeners as a fertilizer.

Dolomite flour can be added to open ground, hotbeds and greenhouses. This substance is also popular among flower growers. The best effect can be achieved after adding crushed dolomite to sandy and sandy loam soils, which suffer from a lack of magnesium and calcium. In plants that receive minerals in the required amount, an improvement in the root system is noted, and the yield increases. After the introduction of dolomite flour, the physical, biological and physicochemical characteristics of the earth improve several times, and the acidity also decreases. If dolomite flour is used in parallel with other fertilizers, for example, manure, then the efficiency of the latter will increase. However, you need to be careful not to mix these two fertilizers. At the first stage, dolomite should be added, at the second - manure, at the third - to dig up the site.

The amount of fertilizer that must be applied to the site primarily depends on the level of acidity of the soil and its mechanical composition. The average rates are as follows: on acidic soil (Рh 4.5) 0.5-0.6 kg of dolomite is applied per 1 square meter... If the soil is moderately acidic (reaction 4.5-5.2), then the amount of fertilizer should be 0.45-0.5 kg per square. And with a slightly acidic reaction of the earth (Ph 5.2-5.6), 0.35-0.45 kg of dolomite is introduced per square meter. If you are dealing with heavy clay soil, then you need to increase the amount of added dolomite by 12-15%. If light earth, then you can reduce the dosage by 2 times. To check the acidity of the soil and other chemical indicators, you can buy a testing device at a specialized store. Clayy heavy soils will have to be treated with dolomite fertilizer annually. All other types of soil require fertilization every 2-3 years. As a rule, dolomite liming is carried out in autumn. If necessary, the agent is applied in the spring. During liming, the substance must be distributed evenly throughout the entire area 12-15 cm deep. The surface layer of the soil must be thoroughly mixed with dolomite flour. Of course, you can simply sprinkle the soil with dolomite, but the effect of such an impact will be slow and will appear no earlier than in a year. There are plants that especially "love" dolomite flour. These include cherry, apricot and plum trees. It is useful to add 1.5-2 kg of dolomite under them every autumn after the harvest has been harvested. It is worth applying fertilizer under blackcurrant bushes - the rate is 0.5 kg 1 time in 2 years. Add dolomite when planting turnips, cabbage.

Dolomite has long become an indispensable tool for any personal plot... It is an excellent soil deoxidizer. In addition, dolomite flour saturates the earth with microelements, simplifies the fight against weeds, pests, and plant diseases.

Description and characteristics

Dolomite flour is a powder. It is produced from carbonate minerals. In particular, from dolomite - a material of a crystalline structure, which can have different colors (from white to brown). Flour is prepared by crushing dolomite. Therefore, the deoxidizer looks like fine sand or powder.

Dolomite flour consists mainly of calcium and magnesium, which are lacking in acidic soils.

Note. The main reason for the increase in soil acidity is the intense displacement of calcium from the once neutral soil by hydrogen ions.

Properties

Experienced gardeners use this remedy not only as a fertilizer, but also to resist diseases of garden plants.

Often, top dressing is applied to acidified soil that has become unsuitable for cultivation.

Crushed dolomite is important in the process of preparing for the garden season, as it improves the growth of garden crops, enriches the soil with microelements.

Calcium from dolomite stimulates the development of rhizomes, and magnesium improves the process of photosynthesis.

This dressing is useful for vegetable crops(beets, potatoes, onions, carrots), fruit trees, berries (cherries, plums, cherries). And also for some herbs and cereals.

A positive effect can be achieved by introducing both open areas and in greenhouses, homemade greenhouses, indoor flower containers or pots.

It is irreplaceable on soils poor in magnesium, as well as on sandstones and sandy loam soils.

Soil deacidification

Before using dolomite, you should find out the degree of acidity of the soil. Otherwise, you can do more harm than good to the plants.

To determine pH, a 14-point scale is used. Based on the results obtained, three types of soils are distinguished:

  • Alkaline - from 7.
  • Neutral - 7.
  • Sour - those up to 7.

In addition, the composition of the soil is a significant factor. In particular, the predominant component is humus, clay or sand.

Special devices, which are widely available in retail gardening stores, will help to accurately determine the level of acidity of the soil.

Benefit

  • Normalizes acidity.
  • Provides the soil with useful minerals.
  • Improves the physical and biological properties of the soil.
  • Enhances the action of other fertilizers.
  • Strengthens intercellular metabolism, accelerates photosynthesis.
  • Preserves the harvest, improves its taste.
  • Forms a powerful root system.
  • Fights pests.

Harm

The negative effect of dolomite is often due to its incorrect use or neglect of the advice of knowledgeable gardeners.

  • If the acidity level is 6, you should wait a little with liming. There is no need for it yet.
  • Failure to comply with the dosage will lead to the death of plants, especially for spring flour application.
  • Haste and incorrect combination with other fertilizers leads to disastrous results.

When to apply?

Not experienced gardeners worries not only about the correct dosage of fertilizer, but also recommendations on the time of application.

It is best to use a dolomite deoxidizer in the fall. The optimal time is from August (after harvest) to October. It is advisable to do this before frost, otherwise the substance will not have time to give all its mineral elements to the ground.

On highly acidified soils, it is also used in spring.

Often, flour is simply sprinkled on the site before digging.

Experienced gardeners advise not to delay the addition of dolomite in the fall. This will help the soil to fully prepare for the next gardening season, will not do any harm. garden crops.

How to deposit correctly?

Only after finding out the exact level of soil acidity is it planned to apply the powder. In this case, not only the acidity itself is taken into account, but also other factors: the mechanical composition of the soil, the specific place of application, the potential connection with other dressings.

Application rates

  • For acidic soils (pH 3-4), 55 kilograms per hundred square meters will be required.
  • For slightly acidic (from 4.4 to 5.3) - 50 kilograms for the same area.
  • For soils with barely noticeable acidity (within 5.6), 30 kilograms per hundred square meters is enough.

The exact dosages are also calculated taking into account the structure of specific soils. For example, loams and alumina require a larger amount of deoxidizer (it is increased by 20%). On light soils, the dosage, on the contrary, is reduced by 1.5 times.

Before purchasing dolomite flour, you need to calculate the required amount of fertilizer. Manufacturers of this top dressing offer various forms packing, starting from 1 kg.

Note. On a plot of 6 acres, an average of 350 kg of dry dressing is taken.

For different plants

Flour will be beneficial if you use it:

  • When preparing beds for planting vegetables: tomatoes and peppers, cabbage, potatoes and eggplants.
  • To accelerate the growth of lettuce, barley, peas, beans, beans and cucumbers.
  • In order to increase the yield of onions and garlic.
  • When caring for stone fruit trees.

Fertilization is mandatory in areas with highly or moderately acidified soil. It will relieve potatoes from scab disease, make up for the lack of starch. In addition, flour will help fight the main pest of potato beds - the Colorado potato beetle. To do this, fertilizing is scattered over the site before digging.

Loves dolomite and garden strawberry... Top dressing based on it is applied to autumn period, so as not to harm young seedlings during spring transplantation. To prepare it, mix two large spoons of nitrophoska, 200 g of ash, 400 g of dolomite (the dosage is given for 1 sq. M.).

Cherries and plums will also appreciate the top dressing. Under each plant, add 2000 g of dry matter. But for apple trees, dolomite is practically not used. The exception is cases with very strong soil acidification. But even in this case, flour is added no more than once every 6 years.

A similar scheme is suitable for berry growers: crushed powder is used in the autumn, the dosage is up to 1000 g for each bush.

If a decision is made to introduce a deoxidizer in the garden, then the main thing is to scatter it as evenly as possible, not forgetting to then seal it into the ground (at least 10 cm deep). When it enters the soil immediately, the fertilizer begins to intensively release minerals.

Note. In the case of leaving flour on the arable land (without loosening and embedding in the ground), the effect of this fertilizer is delayed. Until it is in the ground, it is useless to wait for the effect.

Compatibility

Good results are achieved through the use of combined mixtures. Many gardeners combine dolomite flour with boric acid, compost, humus, copper sulfate... The view that this substance normalizes the acidity level begins to actively multiply in the soil earthworms... The latter not only contribute to soil loosening, but also accelerate the rate of assimilation of organic matter.

However, it should be remembered that dolomite powder is not combined with nitrate, urea, superphosphates. Also, do not fertilize with fresh manure. The combination of these fertilizers causes chemical reaction accompanied by the release of substances harmful to plants.

Attention! If it is not possible to refuse to apply manure, then they do it in late autumn, and dolomite flour is embedded in the ground immediately after harvesting - no later than the end of August.

Major mistakes

Despite the outward simplicity of using dolomite flour, not all gardeners manage to do it right.

Among the most common mistakes:

  • Failure to comply with the dosage of fertilization. Despite the fact that everything is written in detail on the package with top dressing, not all gardeners follow the instructions. As a result, there is no longer any need to wait for the benefit from the introduction.
  • The use of fertilizer in combination with manure and complex fertilizing, which were mentioned above. It is categorically impossible to do this.
  • Dolomite flour will not please those plants that thrive on acidic soils. We are talking about cranberries and blueberries, sorrel and gooseberries.

Not all gardeners are ready to purchase a special device to determine the level of soil acidity in their area. Therefore, before using dolomite flour, they are guided by by own methods identification of soil pH.

  • By examining their possessions.

Sometimes it is enough to walk around the site in order to understand in which of its zones dolomite application is required. Weeds are excellent guides in this matter. So, if wood lice have firmly settled on the beds, and not only in the rainy period, then the soil here is very sour. Loach or passerine growth indicates more neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Slightly acidic soils are for dandelions and chamomile, but quinoa and nettle prefer extremely fertile, neutral soil.

  • With the help of infusion of black currant leaves.

Several currant leaves are placed in a jar, poured hot water, insist, cool. To determine the acidity of the soil, take a handful of earth, pour it into this jar. Then mix, wait for settling and analyze. If the soil is acidic, the solution will acquire a reddish tint, if neutral - green, with slightly acidic - bluish.

  • With 9% vinegar.

They take a handful of earth, pour it with acetic acid and observe. If small bubbles appear on it, it means that a reaction has begun. In such cases, it is concluded that there is alkali in the soil. If nothing is formed, the soil is acidic, therefore the vinegar did not react with it.

Conclusion

The competent use of dolomite flour helps to increase the yield of fruit berry crops by 15-20%. In addition, the fertilizer has a prolonged property, that is, it works for several years. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply it annually.

Dolomite is a rock, which is 95% composed of dolomite mineral. The main features of such rocks were first described by the French geological engineer Dolomier, after whom the mineral got its name. At specialized enterprises, large stones of the breed are ground into flour, dried, and stored packaged in bags and sacks. Gardeners interested in soil improvement use dolomite flour as a fertilizer and deacidifier in their gardens.

Why you need to reduce soil acidity

Chemical reactions occurring in the ground can negatively affect the ability of plants to absorb nutrients that are beneficial for their growth and development. As a result of such reactions, free hydrogen ions accumulate in the ground, which block the access of necessary substances to the root system of the plant. Acidity is determined by the amount of hydrogen compounds in the soil (pH). You can determine this value in special laboratories.

Vegetable and fruit crops prefer soils with neutral or alkaline pH. A pH value of 7.0 is considered neutral, a figure below this value indicates an increased acidity of the soil, if it is above this mark, then the soil is alkaline.

Attention! Even within the limits of one summer cottage, this indicator can differ significantly; soil samples for laboratory determination of pH must be taken from several small areas.

If it is found that the composition of the earth has a pH value below 7.0, it should be neutralized using dolomite flour. The video describes in detail how to do this correctly, in addition, you can see with your own eyes the whole process of introducing dolomite flour into the soil.

Apply the substance depending on the acidity of the soil

Useful properties and application in horticulture

Dolomite flour rocks has many useful properties that have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of vegetables and fruits, fruit trees and shrubs:

  • the use of flour reduces the number of weeds in the beds that grow in acidic soil;
  • it stimulates the reproduction of beneficial microorganisms, bacteria and insects that live in the earth, which contributes to the good growth and development of fruit crops;
  • the beneficial effect of other fertilizers becomes more noticeable by reducing the blocking effect of hydrogen ions;
  • acts destructively on harmful insects, rubbing their tissues and integuments, like an abrasive material;
  • vegetables and fruits not damaged by pests are stored longer, their presentation is much better;
  • the high content of calcium in the composition of dolomite contributes to good survival and the development of the root system of the plant, the roots become strong and absorb nutrients well, almost do not get sick, are not affected by rot;
  • the introduction of flour is a process that allows you to grow an ecologically clean crop of vegetables, fruits and berries; flour neutralizes the effect of heavy metal salts that settle in the soil;
  • magnesium, which is part of dolomite, forms enough chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis.

Advice. If it is impossible to determine the acidity of the soil in the laboratory, you can apply for this folk remedies: vinegar or grape juice, because the high accuracy of the pH of small summer cottages is not required.

When to fertilize

The timing of the introduction of flour is not regulated: in spring, summer or autumn, you can use it in garden plots and gardens:

  1. In the spring, usually April-May, flour is scattered on the beds, then I dig it up and loosen it.
  2. From August to November, flour is applied around trees and bushes in a circle of 2 meters. One trunk will require about 2 kg, for a bush - half as much.
  3. Even in winter, you can fill up a certain area, the main thing is that it is even, and melt water, enriched with dolomite flour, were absorbed into the ground, and did not flow down an inclined plane.
  4. In summer, dolomite is used as a top dressing that destroys pests.

Flour should be applied only on acidified areas of the land; it is not recommended to do this with neutral and alkaline soils. Such uncontrolled use can adversely affect plant growth and garden yield due to excess calcium.

The flour can be used in greenhouses, adding only 100 g per square meter. After that, the earth does not need to be dug up, since flour retards the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the earth, which is very important for plants planted in closed rooms.

In vegetable gardens and orchards they grow all kinds of plants, they all prefer different composition soil: acidic, neutral or alkaline, so you need to have a specific approach to each crop. If necessary, apply dolomite only to areas where it is required.

The use of dolomite flour helps to increase yields and excellent plant growth, be patient and use it constantly. After 2-3 years, after improving the quality of the soil, you will notice this, and you will not regret the work and time spent, your pets will only delight you with their fertility.

Dolomite flour: video

Dolomite flour is effective fertilization in the form of a powder, which is obtained from the carbonate mineral of the same name by grinding it to the smallest fractions. It has the chemical formula CaCO3 MgCO3. The introduction of this substance into the soil not only normalizes its acid composition, but also improves the fertile structure, enriching it with such useful elements like manganese, potassium and magnesium. This flour also helps to reduce the number of weeds in the garden.

Dolomite flour in horticulture - fertilizer characteristics

Lime flour is a substance of natural origin, which is used as an independent feeding without additives. With its help, the functioning of beneficial microorganisms, including annelids, is activated, which leads to an improvement in the condition of the soil and the normalization of positive chemical processes.

Dolomite flour is classified as a highly environmentally friendly product that is completely safe for the environment and human activities. Calcium and magnesium - the main elements in the composition of this mineral fertilizer - are in a carbonate form, which does not allow them to be deposited in large quantities in fresh fruits and vegetables. Low cost, availability and effective qualities make this complex indispensable in gardening for the most different plants and horticultural crops.

When introduced into the soil, the active substance improves its acidity and saturates the fertile layer with the necessary chemical elements especially nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. In addition, limestone or dolomite flour has a number of other advantages, among which are:

  • the ability to form colonies of beneficial microorganisms;
  • increasing the active properties of other mineral and organic fertilizers;
  • cleansing the soil layer from harmful radionuclides;
  • destruction of dangerous insects and pests by changing their chitinous cover.

You can use flour in gardening both in its natural form and in complexes with other useful dressings, but before adding it to the soil, it is necessary to determine its acidity, otherwise an excess chemical substances will give the opposite effect of soil depletion.

Determination of the acid composition of the soil

It is possible to determine the acidity of the soil with maximum accuracy using special instruments, which are called pH meters. They are of foreign and domestic production, characterized by different power and degree of error. But buying expensive equipment is not always advisable, so gardeners and gardeners resort to folk methods.

Weeds. Many of these plants are some kind of indicators of the acid factor. On slightly acidic soils, dandelions, wheatgrass, clover, chamomile or coltsfoot most often "settle". On highly acidified soils, you can find green thickets of plantain, buttercup, woodlice, etc. For neutrals, an abundance of nettles, hops or quinoa is more characteristic.

Table vinegar. Another folk way to superficially determine the composition of the soil on the site for the introduction of dolomite flour - this is to use a solution of table vinegar. A few tablespoons of the essence are poured onto a clean part of the soil and watch the reaction. If nothing happens, then the earth is practically not acidified, foaming or bubbling of the liquid indicates a neutral or acidic pH reaction.

The same goes for grape juice. A handful of earth is placed in a glass with fresh and natural grape nectar, and if the liquid changes its color, then a reaction occurs and a conclusion is made about the approximate acidity from the degree of these changes.

The use of dolomite flour in the garden

After determining the required acidity factor of the soil, depending on the indicators obtained, the application rates of this fertilizer are determined. For highly acidic soils with a pH of 4.5 and above, the site is sprinkled at the rate of 50 kg of flour per 1 hundred square meters of land. For moderately acidic or neutral soils, no more than 40 kg per one hundred square meters, for slightly acidic soils from 25 to 30 kg for the same measure of area.

In addition to the acid factor, attention is also paid to the structure of the site. On light fields and vegetable gardens, the amount of dolomite fertilizer is reduced by 1.5 times from the recommended norms. For heavier, loamy or alumina options, the composition can be increased by 10-15% if necessary.

The product is usually packed in bags or plastic bags of various capacities. Its cost is low and varies on trading floors in the range of 300-400 rubles for a 50-kilogram bag. Before purchasing, it is necessary to take into account all the above factors of the garden and carry out calculations. On a standard site in middle lane with a relatively neutral soil, 200 kilograms of fertilizer per 6 acres is enough to increase the overall yield.

Terms of application no more than 1-2 times with a frequency of 2-3 years. This fertilizer is effectively used in complexes with high-quality organic fertilizers, which allows you to speed up the process of formation of beneficial microorganisms and processing of organic matter, which is fed to plants in the garden. It also goes well with such species as Bordeaux liquid, boric acid or inkstone, improving and complementing their basic properties.

Adding fertilizer from dolomite according to the seasons - we follow the basic rules

Dolomite flour is added all year round since it does not provide any negative impacts and helps the soil to assimilate all the necessary elements. But it is even better to pour this remedy 1-2 weeks before the main complex dressings, since not all of them can be qualitatively interacted with carbonates from the flour composition.

This is especially true for plots for growing popular vegetables. This fertilizer has the most effective effect in the following cases:

  • when applied to plantings or beds with tomatoes, eggplants, cabbage, radishes, potatoes and zucchini;
  • to normalize and accelerate growth legumes, soybeans, barley, herbs and cucumbers;
  • when growing stone fruit trees and winter crops (garlic, onions, etc.).

Less commonly, dolomite flour is used in areas for the cultivation of crops such as sorrel, celery, blueberries, as well as gooseberries and cranberries.

In the spring, 10-14 days before planting seedlings or seeds, flour is scattered over the entire area of ​​the garden. After its assimilation by the soil within the layer, the risks of the occurrence of infectious and fungal diseases, which are prone to all garden plants... In greenhouses in the garden or in the country it is also recommended Preliminary processing soil with this mineral fertilizer, it can be poured in combination with nitrophos and wood ash.

Potato fields are treated with dolomite fertilizers without fail. They not only sanitize and improve the properties of the soil, but also destroy harmful insects such as Colorado beetle or bear, gradually "eating away" chitinous shells, which leads to their death.

In autumn, flour is used mainly for feeding fruit trees (especially cherries and plums) and some berry bushes.

From 2 to 3 kilograms of a substance is introduced under an average tree, scattering it over near-trunk circle... They spend a little on lush thickets less material(1-1.5 kg), sprinkling them around the perimeter and slightly deepening the crystals into the ground (5-7 cm). Apple and pear trees are fertilized with dolomites less often than other fertile crops, about once every 3-4 years.

Dolomite flour or lime?

To deoxidize the soil and improve its main indicators, slaked lime is often used, chemical formula which is Ca (OH). Among experienced gardeners, it is also called "fluff". Such material is more often found on the market than lime flour, and its cost is slightly cheaper.

By commensurability useful qualities lime is slightly more effective than dolomite flour. Calcium in its composition is in the form of hydroxide, not carbonate, which enhances its effect on the general oxidizability of the soil by almost 1.5 times. Experts believe that slaked lime acts much faster and is better absorbed by the fertile layer.

However, this "speed" has a disadvantage under certain conditions. It consists in the fact that immediately after adding lime, it interferes with the normal assimilation of vital important elements for any plants such as potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. Therefore, after adding such a "fluff" for some time, nothing can be planted in the ground until it "lies down" properly.

It is for this reason that the site is fertilized in this way either in the off-season, or in the process of preparing the beds for winter, or in early spring to ensure better germination of seeds in enriched and deoxidized soil. Dolomite fertilizer is applied all year round, and this is a definite advantage, according to which the choice of gardeners is increasingly falling towards this component.

Precautions for use and tips

Liming is a general term used to describe normalization acidic soil various substances with a high calcium content, including dolomite and lime. But before starting this process in your garden plot, you need to carefully study the features of this or that material and the degree of its impact on the soil and others. species plants... An excess of calcium in the earth, with all its carbonate or hydroxide compounds, is much worse than a temporary lack of it.

Too frequent fertilization of the site with limestone flour and its other derivatives or analogues is fraught with dangerous consequences, up to the loss of the entire seasonal harvest. Thus, before using this mineral, be sure to take into account factors such as:

  • condition and nature of the soil;
  • dosage of the drug (especially before planting young plants);
  • compatibility and expediency of use with other types of fertilizers.

As for the last point, experts do not recommend the simultaneous application or frequent mixing with most nitrogen fertilizers, namely ammonium nitrate, superphosphate or urea. But the combination with ammonium sulfate and its varieties is quite acceptable and justified.

The correct and timely use of dolomite flour will allow gradually (within 2-3 years from the moment of the first application), to increase the fertility of the soil, and with it the overall yield by 10-15% of the previous indicators.