How much dolomite lime to raise ph

Nearly all of the lime should pass through an 8-mesh sieve and 50 percent should pass through a mesh sieve. Lime particles that are finer than 60 mesh react more quickly than coarser particles between 8 and 60 mesh.

The coarser lime particles provide residual neutralizing power. Most soil-testing labs will analyze lime to determine its neutralizing value and particle size distribution. Calcic limestone is a naturally occurring rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate. It is sometimes referred to as high calcium or calcitic limestone.

It usually contains less than 5 percent magnesium carbonate and 90 to 95 percent calcium carbonate. Marl is a soft calcitic material, which has settled out of water over long periods. Fine textured, it consists of calcium carbonate, clay and organic matter.

Dolomitic limestone being marketed in Michigan contains 15 to 45 percent magnesium carbonate by weight, the remaining 85 to 55 percent being largely calcium carbonate by weight. To determine the exact answer, an analysis of the material is required. The limestone analysis report usually expresses magnesium as percent magnesium carbonate. To convert to the elemental form, multiply the percent magnesium carbonate by 0. For example, a dolomitic limestone having 30 percent magnesium carbonate contains pounds of elemental magnesium per ton 0.

Multiply by 2, to convert tons to pounds. Use dolomitic lime when the soil test indicates the magnesium level is low to marginal. When the soil magnesium level is adequate, use either calcitic or dolomitic lime. There is no evidence that dolomitic lime has any harmful effects.

Pelletized lime consists of very fine calcitic or dolomitic limestone formed into pellets with a soluble binding agent. There is nothing special about the effectiveness of pelletized lime. It is chemically the same as traditional agricultural lime and neutralizes soil acidity the same way. The first two products are made up of more finer particles compared to particle size makeup of Soil Doctor Dolomite and James River Dolomite Table 1. On June 9, , five days before fertilizer treatments were initiated, pH of leachate collected from growing medium of Camille dieffenbachia averaged 5.

Although all plant grades were above 4. Soil Doctor Dolomite had more larger size particles and James River Camadil had more smaller particles. The recommended fertilizer rate of , the second lowest rate, produced the largest best quality plants Table 2. When pH was measured soon after incorporation, on June 9, growing medium leachate from products made up of finer dolomite particles had higher electrical conductivity compared to leachate collected from growing medium getting one of the two products having coarser particles Table 3.

On later sampling dates, however, electrical conductivity of the growing medium leachate was not significantly different due to dolomite source. Electrical conductivity of leachate from samples collected from July through September increased as fertilizer rate increased.

In experiment 2, when dolomite sources were compared, no significant differences due to dolomite source were found in plant grade, plant growth and electrical conductivity and pH of the growing medium leachate data not shown. However, for each dolomite source tested, incorporation rate did affect pH and electrical conductivity of leachate and most plant growth measurements.

Electrical conductivity of leachate was variable in its response to increasing dolomite rate, although it generally increased Tables 4 through 7. However, over time conductivity decreased, and this probably related to use of nutrients by the plants as well as leaching of calcium and magnesium from dolomite. When the amounts of Asgrow dolomite in growing medium increased plant growth increased but plant quality was not similarly affected Table 8.

Hydrated lime is more finely ground, and it can cause skin and eye irritation without proper safety precautions. While you would need about 4 tons per acre of the agricultural lime and dolomite lime to raise the pH level two points, you would use a little less than 3 tons of hydrated lime for the same space. Most soil amendments are sold with application instructions for to 1, square feet. This is impractical for the home gardener who needs to amend a small space.

According to the University of California Vegetable Research and Information Center , the rate of application to raise the pH level two points in 1 square foot of garden space is 4 tablespoons of lime.

The math equation is 8, divided by 43, square feet, with a quotient of. The lime application should be done the year prior to planting to ensure the soil benefits from the amendment. Performance of lime is enhanced by applying well in advance of the growing season. Another consideration: most lime is spread by fertilizer dealers who have more time to apply it in the fall and winter. It is very important to incorporate lime into the top four to six inches of soil where it is available uniformly to the plant root systems.

Lime does not move downward quickly in the soil profile. Fertilizer without lime is about as effective as a deer rifle without bullets! Most crops grow well at a soil pH of 6. However, to get even better performance especially from legumes , we shoot for 6.

Other tips include using a spreader truck wherever possible for convenience and price. I know hunters who have done it with a four-wheeler or even shoveled it out of the back of a pickup truck.