Sprinkle dolomite flour. How to use dolomite flour in your garden

main reason increasing the acidity of the soil and, accordingly, the deterioration of its properties is the displacement of calcium by hydrogen ions. Therefore, acidic soils are fertilized with dolomite flour to balance the concentration of calcium and hydrogen ions. Dolomite flour helps protect roots from decay and increase yields.

What is dolomite flour

Dolomite flour is a powdered fertilizer made from dolomite. It is a mineral from the carbonate class (CaCO3*MgCO3). The introduction of dolomite flour into the soil allows you to normalize acidity and improve the structure of the upper fertile layer. Together with fertilizer, important trace elements such as magnesium and potassium enter the soil.

With the help of dolomite flour, you can reduce the number of weeds and stimulate the activity of annelids. In addition, fertilizer helps to activate the activity of microorganisms. Dolomite flour contributes to soil deoxidation, which is most suitable for the growth of many plants.

Properties of dolomite flour:

• improvement of soil structures;
• at constant use fertilizers, it saturates the upper layers of the soil with easily digestible microelements (phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium);
• creating conditions for the development of microorganisms that heal the soil;
• dissolution of the chitinous membrane of some insects, reducing their number;
• purification of plants from radionuclides;
• increasing the efficiency of other mineral fertilizers;
• replenishment of magnesium and calcium reserves.

The indisputable advantage of fertilizer is its availability. It is released at a low price and in different containers, which allows the practical use of dolomite flour for small areas and large farms. The use of dolomite flour increases the yield by 10-15%. The advantage of fertilizer is the gradual effect and the preservation of the effect for 2-3 years.

Insofar as dolomite flour is of natural origin, it does not contain additional additives and is used in its pure form. It can be concluded that fertilizer does not harm human health. Due to the carbonate form of calcium and magnesium in dolomite flour, substances accumulate in fruits in a minimal amount.

Effects of dolomite flour on soil and plants

Dolomite is used to neutralize soil acidity in areas where vegetables, shrubs, fruit trees and flowers are grown. Calcium, which is contained in dolomite flour, stimulates the coagulation of soil colloids, which improves soil structure. The earth is lumped together, between which air freely penetrates to the root system of the plant.

Improving the structure of the soil, of course, has a positive effect on plants, but fertilizer also strengthens the root cells. This prevents the penetration of rot into the tissues and increases the vitality of the roots, and with a healthy root system, the plant optimally consumes nutrients.

The effect of the use of dolomite flour is most pronounced when fertilizing heavy soils. Under conditions of increased acidity, the clay becomes more viscous and dense, and when dried, it becomes caked. Dolomite flour creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of beneficial bacteria that protect the rhizome from fungi.

Determination of soil acidity

Fertilizing the soil with products with calcium is called liming. Before making such top dressing, the level of acidity of the earth should be determined, since an excess of calcium can be more detrimental than its lack.

To calculate the dosage of dolomite flour for a particular area, you need to determine the acidity of the soil. by the most in a simple way is the analysis of weeds growing on the site. Chamomile, dandelions, couch grass, coltsfoot and clover can be found on slightly acidic soil, nettle and quinoa grow on neutral soil, and buttercups, wood lice, and plantain grow on acid soil.

You can also test the acidity of the soil with grape juice. You need to add earth to a bowl of juice. If the liquid changes color and begins to emit bubbles, then the soil has a neutral acidity.

The most accurate way to determine the acidity of the soil is to measure it with a special device. For private use, you can use both digital and analog portable pH meters (German HI-9025 and HI-9024, Brazilian EPA-102 and EPA-103).

Dolomite, lime or ash

Similar in action are ash. Lime (CaOH) is the most strong remedy from this category. In addition to calcium, the fertilizer includes the OH hydroxyl group. Due to this, the activity of lime is one and a half times higher than that of dolomite. This tool is cheaper, but it acts more aggressively.

Lime works faster and much more actively, but because of this, at first, the substance does not allow useful substances like phosphorus and nitrogen to be absorbed. Since lime cannot be planted immediately after use, it is applied in the off-season, in preparation for winter or in early spring. Dolomite flour can be applied to the soil at any time.

Wood ash is 30-60% calcium salts, and the remaining components are ambiguous and will depend on the type of trees and where they grew. It is important from which part of the tree the ash is obtained. For this reason, the dosage wood ash cannot be calculated without analysis, and often a conditional amount of fertilizer is applied.

Usually, twice as much ash is used as dolomite flour is required for the same area. And it is difficult to get such an amount of ash, so it is often used to fertilize seedlings and indoor plants to enrich the soil also with phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and other trace elements.

Dolomite flour is currently the most popular fertilizer to reduce soil acidity. Such top dressing is required less than ash, and it can be used in each of the seasons, unlike lime. Due to the high amount of magnesium in dolomite flour, it is the best acid neutralizer in light soils where there is a shortage of the element.

Although limestone and dolomite flour contain calcium, the second fertilizer is better for improving soil properties due to the additional magnesium content. Using dolomite flour is much easier than other top dressings to normalize acidity. No need to resort to complex schemes, it is enough to add flour in the spring, before planting.

Features of fertilizing plants with dolomite flour

Since dolomite flour does not have a negative effect on plants and does not interfere with the absorption nutrients, you can enter it at any time. As a rule, fertilizers are applied before other top dressings, because dolomite cannot interact with all substances.

What plants are useful for:

1. Cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant, cucumbers.
2. Salads and greens.
3. Barley, beans.
4. Winter crops (onion, garlic).
5. Stone trees.

Dolomite is not suitable for fertilizing sorrel, cranberries, blueberries, gooseberries. The product is not compatible with acidophilic plants that prefer soil with high acidity (blueberries, rhododendrons).

In the area where vegetables are grown, dolomite flour is scattered a few weeks before planting. In addition to fertilizing and improving the structure of the soil, the substance contributes to the sanitation of the soil. This is useful for many crops, especially for potatoes, which are often subject to diseases. In this case, dolomite flour prevents the occurrence and spread of harmful elements, including insects that infect potatoes. Dolomite flour can dissolve the chitinous shells of some insects, which helps to destroy the populations of the bear, Colorado potato beetle and other pests.

An excess of nutrients is no less destructive than a deficiency. With an excessive amount of minerals in the soil, there are Negative consequences for plant growth and yield. In order not to harm the garden, you need to know the features of the use of dolomite flour.

Features of using dolomite for soil fertilization:

1. Before applying top dressing, you need to assess the condition of the soil. This will help determine the need to fertilize the soil with potassium-magnesium compounds. When the acidity exceeds 6 units, it is better to refuse feeding with dolomite flour.
2. It is very important to correctly calculate the dosage. Incorrect proportions can destroy young plants in the spring months.
3. It is necessary to take into account the compatibility of dolomite flour with other types of fertilizers. With some dressings, it can be used in combination, while dolomite does not interact with others.
4. Dolomite flour can be added to compost (plain or vermicompost). To ensure a comfortable life of worms in humus, ground dolomite is brought into the collar. This is necessary for the active reproduction of worms and their processing of organic matter.
5. Dolomite flour is not combined with ammonium nitrate, superphosphates and urea.
6. It is not recommended to stir dolomite and organic fertilizers like manure. If this combination is used, you need to fill in the powder in early autumn, and add organics later. After that, the soil is dug up and leveled.

Dosage of dolomite flour

Dolomite flour is applied only after exact definition soil acidity. Without this, it is impossible to correctly measure the dosage, and you can greatly harm the plants.

If the soil acidity factor is less than 4.5 units, it is considered acidic. It is permissible to apply 50 kg of fertilizer per hundred square meters. With an acidity of 4.5-5.2 units, the soil has an average acidity index. The application rate of dolomite flour will be 45 kg per hundred square meters. Indicators of 5.2-5.7 units indicate a weak acidity of the soil. You can make 35-40 kg of flour per one hundred square meters of land.

You should also consider the structure of the soil. For fertilizing light soil, the rate is reduced by 1.5 times. Heavy, loamy and aluminous areas require 10-15% more dolomite flour to normalize acidity.

Dolomite flour can be bought in a specialized store or on the Internet. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account all the listed nuances in order to buy a pack that is suitable in size. Fertilizer is distributed in bags, in bags or in bulk.

When to add dolomite flour

In spring, dolomite flour is suitable for fertilizing plants closed ground. When using top dressing in a greenhouse fungal diseases, mold and rot do not spread, which allows you to save the crop and improve the shelf life of the fruit. On the open ground flour is scattered over the beds 15-20 days before planting, or the entire area is covered. This usually happens in April-May.

In autumn, dolomite flour is often used to feed shrubs and trees. You can apply fertilizer after harvest, at the end of August and until the end of October. 1.5-2 kg of fertilizer are applied under the tree (along the border trunk circle loosening and deepening into the soil). The norm for shrubs is calculated according to the size of the plants. Usually it is 0.5-1 kg in a similar way.

In winter, dolomite flour is best applied from February to March. Fertilizer is scattered directly on the snow, so that with the onset of heat it is absorbed into the soil along with moisture. However, it must be understood that the effectiveness of such an event is possible only in certain areas. The ground should be flat and the snow loose. If the snow layer exceeds 30 cm, there will be no benefit from complementary foods. Also, do not scatter flour when strong wind, because by the spring the flour will blow away. So that the substance does not freeze in the cold, it must be scattered in a dry form.

In summer, dolomite flour can be applied throughout the growing season. This is great way nutrition and pest control. It is permissible to process plantings every 4-6 weeks, but only with strict adherence to the dosage. If speak about combined version, 2/3 of the fertilizer is applied to the soil when plowing in the fall, and the rest is added when plowing in the spring.

Potato

It is possible to fertilize potatoes with dolomite flour only in areas with acidic or medium acidic soil. Top dressing helps protect plants from scab and prevent starch deficiency in tubers. Dolomite is often used to control Colorado potato beetles. Dolomite flour is scattered over the site so that it mixes with the ground when plowing.

Strawberry

For strawberries, top dressing is prepared from several fertilizers. Substances need to be applied in the fall so as not to harm young shoots. Norm per square meter: 2 tablespoons of nitrophoska, a glass of ash, 2 glasses of dolomite.

Fruit trees and shrubs

Plums and cherries need to be fed once a year, in the fall. Under one bush, 1-2 kg of fertilizer is applied. Apple trees with a dolomite hand are fertilized less often: once every 2-3 years with high acidity of the soil and once every 5-7 years with normal acidity.

For fertilizing bushes, 0.5-1 kg of powder is used for one plant. Fertilizer is scattered along the border of the near-stem circle.

Extensive soil fertilization

If dolomite flour is used to fertilize the area, it is necessary to distribute the powder evenly over the surface, slightly loosening and deepening by 10 cm. Stirring allows the active substances to act immediately. The procedure should be repeated every 6-9 years, taking into account the acidity of the soil and the intensity of precipitation.

If you do not loosen and dig up the earth, the effect of fertilizer will appear only on next year. In this case, the substance will take longer to penetrate deeper into the soil, which occurs when precipitation enters and snow melts.

in the greenhouse

To fertilize the soil in a greenhouse, greenhouse or greenhouse, 100 g of flour per square meter is required. AT closed conditions the soil is not dug up, because dolomite creates a film on the surface that retains moisture. This prevents drying out upper layers earth.

Dolomite flour - ideal remedy to normalize the acidity of the soil. In addition, fertilizer will help control pests and increase the yield of most crops. Availability and low cost have made dolomite flour a very popular fertilizer.

What mineral fertilizer did you use?

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

Description and characteristics

Dolomite flour is a substance in the form of a powder. It is produced from carbonate minerals. In particular, from dolomite, a material with a crystalline structure that 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 intensive displacement of calcium from the once neutral soil by hydrogen ions.

Properties

Experienced gardeners use this tool 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 preparation for garden season because it improves growth horticultural crops, enriches the soil with microelements.

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

This supplement 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 making both open areas, and in greenhouses, makeshift greenhouses, indoor flower containers or pots.

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

Soil deoxidation

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

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

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

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

Accurately determine the level of soil acidity will help special devices, which are widely represented in retail gardening stores.

Benefit

• Normalizes acidity.
• Provides the soil with useful minerals.
• Improves the physical, biological properties of the soil.
• Enhances the effect of other fertilizers.
• Enhances 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, liming should be delayed a little. For now, it's not needed.
• Failure to comply with the dosage will lead to the death of plants, especially for the spring application of flour.
• Haste and the wrong combination with other fertilizers leads to disastrous results.

When to apply?

Inexperienced gardeners are concerned not only with the correct dosage of fertilizer, but also with recommendations for the time of application.

Dolomite deoxidizer is best applied in autumn. Optimal time- 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 earth.

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

Often the flour is simply scattered on the site before digging.

Experienced gardeners advise not to delay the autumn application of dolomite. This will help the soil to fully prepare for the next garden season, and will not cause any harm to garden crops.

How to enter correctly?

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

Application rates

• For acidic lands (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.

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

Before you buy 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 top dressing is needed.

For different plants

Flour will benefit if you apply it:

• When preparing beds for planting vegetables: tomatoes and peppers, cabbage, potatoes and eggplant.
• 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 trees.

Fertilizer is mandatory for application in areas with strongly or moderately acidic soil. It will save potatoes from scab disease, make up for the lack of starch. In addition, flour will help fight the main pest of potato beds - Colorado potato beetle. To do this, top dressing is scattered over the area 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. For its preparation, two large spoons of nitrophoska, 200 g of ash, 400 g of dolomite are mixed (the dosage is given for 1 sq. M.).

Cherries and plums will also appreciate top dressing. Under each plant contribute 2000 g of dry matter. But for apple trees, dolomite is practically not used. An exception is cases with very strong acidification of the soil. 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 bury it in the ground (at least 10 cm deep). When it enters the soil immediately, the fertilizer begins to intensively release minerals.

Note. If flour is left on arable land (without loosening and embedding into 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 can be achieved through the use of combined mixtures. Many gardeners combine dolomite flour with boric acid, compost, humus, blue vitriol. In view of the fact that this substance normalizes the level of acidity, they begin to actively multiply in the soil. earthworms. The latter not only contribute to loosening the soil, but also accelerate the rate of assimilation of organic matter.

However, it should be remembered that dolomite powder is not combined with saltpeter, urea, superphosphates. Also, fertilizer should not be applied along 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 do it late autumn, and dolomite flour is embedded in the ground immediately after harvesting - no later than the end of August.

Basic 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 fertilizer. Despite the fact that everything is written in detail on the packaging with top dressing, not all gardeners follow the instructions. As a result, there is no longer any benefit from the introduction.
• The use of fertilizer in combination with manure and complex top dressing, which was mentioned above. It is absolutely impossible to do this.
• Dolomite flour will not appeal to those plants that live well on acidic soils. We are talking about cranberries and blueberries, sorrel and gooseberries.

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

• By inspecting your property.

Sometimes it is enough to walk around the site to understand in which areas dolomite is required. Weeds are excellent clues in this matter. So, if woodlice have firmly settled on the beds, and not only during the rainy period, then the soil here is very acidic. The growth of loach or sparrow indicates more of a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Slightly acidic soils like dandelions and chamomile, but quinoa and nettles prefer exceptionally fertile, neutral soil.

• With the help of infusion of blackcurrant leaves.

A few 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, if slightly acidic - bluish.

• With 9% vinegar.

They take a handful of earth, water it acetic acid and are watching. If small bubbles appeared 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

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

Exist universal fertilizers that are of natural origin. With them, the harvest in the garden will always be good and environmentally friendly. One of these dressings is dolomite flour, which is made from rock. How to use dolomite flour correctly?

What is dolomite flour?

Dolomite (limestone) flour is a crushed dolomite belonging to the group of carbonate rocks. It is produced in accordance with GOST 14050-93, according to which the particles do not exceed 2.5 mm; fractions up to 5 mm, but not more than 7%, are allowed. Limestone flour is widely used in home gardens to deoxidize soils and control insects with chitinous cover. For other living organisms, the product is safe. But nevertheless, the flour contains extremely small particles, work with it should be carried out in calm weather, if possible protecting your eyes and respiratory tract.

Photo gallery: Dolomite path - from the mountain to the garden plot

Dolomite flour is sold in stores, packaged in 5 or 10 kg, has a white or grey colour. In its production, third-party chemical elements are not mixed in, since dolomite is useful in itself.

The smaller the particles of dolomite flour, the higher its quality.

Table: advantages and disadvantages of dolomite flour

Table: chemical composition of dolomite flour

The percentage of moisture in dolomite flour is allowed within 1.5%.

Recommendations for the use of fertilizer depending on the type of soil

The application rates for dolomite flour depend on the chemical and biological composition soil in the country house or garden plot. For one square meter you need:

• with acidic soil (pH less than 4.5) - 600 g,
• with medium acid soil (pH 4.6–5) - 500 g,
• with slightly acidic soil (pH 5.1–5.6) - 350 g.

For maximum effect limestone flour is evenly distributed throughout the site and mixed with the soil (about 15 cm from the top layer). You can simply scatter the remedy over the ridges, in which case it will begin to act no earlier than in a year. Dolomite does not burn plant leaves. Its effect at the right doses is 8 years.

The introduction of dolomite flour on the ridges is best done in the fall

There are plants that grow on acidic soils and therefore can die from the presence of dolomite flour in the soil. By responsiveness to the introduction of such fertilizers, crops are divided into four main groups:

1. They do not tolerate acidic soils, plants grow well on neutral and alkaline soils, and react positively to the introduction of dolomite even on slightly acidic soils. These crops include: alfalfa, all types of beets and cabbage.
2. Sensitive to acid soil. Plants of this group prefer neutral soils and respond positively to the introduction of limestone powder even on slightly acidic soil. These are barley, wheat, corn, soybeans, beans, peas, beans, clover, cucumbers, onions, lettuce.
3. Weakly sensitive to changes in acidity. Such crops grow well in both acidic and alkaline soils. Nevertheless, they respond positively to the introduction of dolomite flour in the recommended rates for acidic and slightly acidic soil. These are rye, oats, millet, buckwheat, timothy grass, radish, carrots, tomato.
4. Plants that need liming only when the soil is acidic. Potatoes, for example, when adding dolomite flour without the recommended amount potash fertilizers can get sick with scab, the starch content in tubers decreases, and flax can get sick with calcium chlorosis.

Table: rules for applying dolomite flour

There are two most popular methods of liming the soil. They are named after their agronomist developers:

1. The Mitlider method. Instructions: for 1 kg of dolomite flour take 8 g of powder boric acid, distributed over the ridges, dug up. A week later, mineral chemical fertilizers are applied and dug up again. Suitable for open ground.
2. Makuni method. Mix 2 liters of soil from the ridge, 2 liters of a special substrate for a particular crop that is being prepared for planting, 2 liters of sphagnum moss, 1 liter river sand, 4 l of peat, then add first 30 g of dolomite flour, then the same amount of double superphosphate and two glasses of crushed charcoal, mix thoroughly. Suitable for preparing soil mixtures for indoor flowers or for growing crops in greenhouses and conservatories.

Table: compatibility of dolomite flour with various fertilizers

Fertilizers incompatible with limestone flour should be used no earlier than 10 days after the application of dolomite.

Garden tricks for using fertilizer

1. If the soil on the site is clayey, dolomite is applied annually. In other cases, it is used once every three years.
2. It is better to apply fertilizer in the fall so that the soil rests and is saturated with all the useful elements.
3. In spring or early summer, plants can be watered with a mixture of water and dolomite flour (200 g per 10 liters of water).

Dolomite flour under the trees is brought along the perimeter of the near-stem circle

Analogs means for use in the garden

Dolomite flour is not the only tool that can be used to deoxidize the soil; it can be replaced with other compounds.

It is also successfully used to reduce the acidity of the soil. But here you need to take into account the type of wood from which the ash was made, calculate required amount for deoxidation is very difficult, especially on large areas. In any case, its consumption is several times higher than that of dolomite, therefore, the procedure is more expensive.

Wood ash is a costly soil deoxidizer

Lime (fluff). It is very active, quickly leads to soil neutralization, prevents crops from absorbing phosphorus and nitrogen sufficiently, so it is better to apply lime in autumn for digging. In no case should it be poured onto the plant - fluff causes leaf burns. And an excess of slaked lime leads to serious damage to the roots.

Lime causes burns on leaves and roots of plants

Thanks to dolomite flour, you can get a safe, tasty, rich harvest. This is an economical, but effective way to enrich the soil of the garden plot with useful microelements, while not having to be afraid of plant damage.

Dolomite flour, in addition to providing nutrients for plants, helps to change the acidity of the soil, bringing it into line with the needs of plants. In the past, lime meal 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. A large number of sodium can change the salinity of the soil, which will negatively affect the plants.

Dolomite flour is used to increase soil pH (deacidification), in agriculture and gardening. Thanks to the neutralization of acidity, plants can easily absorb nutrients. Dolomite also improves soil texture and helps convert other nutrients into comfortable shapes for assimilation by the following vegetables:

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

Dolomite is the best to use to reduce the acidity of the soil. For example, heavy rains can lower the pH level, so applying this fertilizer is important aspect garden or yard maintenance.

Most plants are best suited for an acidity value between 6.0 and 7.4. If 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 check the needs of specific plants before adding dolomite. Some plants, especially vegetables with lots of seeds inside like tomatoes, need extra calcium as they grow, and dolomite is a great way to provide this nutrient.

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

How and when to use

Instructions for use of dolomite flour says that it can be pour 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 you need to raise it closer to 6.5, add 5 kilograms of dolomite at 30 square meters space.

How much fertilizer to add depends on the pH level. If you don't have soil test results, it's usually safe to apply 250 ml (1 cup) for every 15 square meters of soil.

Before adding flour, you need to prepare the soil. Remove weeds and other unwanted vegetation, as well as rocks and fallen branches.

Wear protective gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a mask. Scatter the dolomite over the surface of the earth using a rake to ensure even distribution.

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

Things you will need:

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

The powdery and caustic nature of dolomite makes it a potential irritant to the skin and lungs. When laying the material, wear a mask, gloves, gown and trousers.

Know the soil needs of the plants you plan to grow on garden plot. Some plants, including azaleas and blueberries, prefer high acidity.

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

How to use dolomite flour in the garden? It should only be used when you have a soil test showing a magnesium deficiency. The test is the main way to find out if you need this fertilizer. Adding fertilizers that are not based on pH results does not make any sense.

Flour is scattered over the area, usually intended for planting vegetables, after which the earth is intensively loosened with a rake and a shovel. Observing the norm, it is possible to carry out the application 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 to prevent disease by spreading a light dust around fruit tree annually in spring or autumn.

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

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

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Every summer resident who cares about the harvest in his area has at least once heard of dolomite flour. The advantages of this tool are efficiency, environmental friendliness and availability. Today we will talk about the features of the use of dolomite flour, its unique properties and methods of application in the garden and garden.

Dolomite flour: what is it and what is it for?

This substance is produced by grinding dolomite, a limestone rock (chemical formula CaCO3*MgCO3). It is calcium that is the leading component in the action of dolomite flour on the soil. It is known that hydrogen ions displace this chemical element from the soil, which causes its acidity to increase, and physical and Chemical properties, respectively, decrease.

Dolomite flour is one of the cheapest and most effective fertilizers.

If the soil is on your suburban area acidic, then you will have to artificially equalize, and then adjust the balance of hydrogen and calcium. One of better ways to achieve a good result in this matter is the use of dolomite flour, often in combination with other means.

Composition and properties

Dolomite flour has the form of a powder consisting of very small crystals with a glassy sheen. It can be white, gray, reddish, and in some cases even Brown. Flour is made in industrial scale exclusively under production conditions.

This fertilizer is a limestone rock dolomite crushed into flour

In dolomite flour, the calcium content is higher than in lime, by 8%. In addition, it contains 40% magnesium, which is very important for the growth and development of plants: it helps to resist many diseases (chlorosis, brown spotting).

Dolomite flour is successfully used not only on open ground, but also in greenhouses, greenhouses, and even when growing indoor flowers.

Effect on soil and plants

The effectiveness of dolomite ground into flour is difficult to overestimate. This tool performs a whole range of useful actions:

Usually experienced gardeners and gardeners know about the characteristics of the soil on their site. But if you are a beginner and are only going to master the cottage, you need to find out the level of soil acidity. You will need this data in order to apply the optimal amount of fertilizer.

There are special devices and one-time tests that determine acidity; they can be purchased at any store focused on gardening and horticulture. But if this is not possible, you can easily measure the acidity of the soil yourself. It is expressed in terms of pH and denoted by the numbers 0–14.

There are 2 ways to determine the level of soil acidity.

1. Take some land, lay on flat surface and pour a small amount of table vinegar. The bubbling reaction with the release of foam indicates that the acidity is weak or neutral.

   Neutral and slightly acidic soil will react to table vinegar.

   Vinegar will simply soak into soil with high acidity without reacting.

   Soil with high acidity will not react to vinegar.

2. Place a small lump of soil in a glass of grape juice (natural). If the color of the juice changes, and bubbles float to the surface, the soil is neutral or slightly acidic.

   Grape juice can be used as a catalyst for the reaction to soil acidity: on the right, the soil is neutral or slightly acidic

Video: how to independently determine the acidity of the soil

When to fertilize and how much dolomite flour is required?

Having found out the level of acidity and the mechanical composition of the soil, you can easily calculate the amount of dolomite flour required for application.

Table: the amount of fertilizer depending on the acidity

For light sandy soils, the amount should be reduced by 1.5 times, for heavy clay soils, on the contrary, increased by 10–15%.

Note! To increase the effectiveness of dolomite flour, distribute it as evenly as possible over the surface.

Dolomite flour can be applied to the soil in any season. But we recommend that you carry out deoxidation in the fall, after you have harvested the entire crop. In winter, the earth will rest, and by spring it will be completely saturated useful substances. AT stationary greenhouse enough heat and air humidity is reached much faster than on open ground, so the introduction of dolomite flour can be carried out in the spring, during the first digging of the soil.

Try to distribute dolomite flour evenly over the soil surface.

If your area is heavy clay soil, the annual application of dolomite flour will be appropriate. For soil of a different composition and type, it is enough to carry out deoxidation using this agent once every 3-4 years.

When distributing dolomite flour over the surface of the soil, be sure to loosen it by 10-15 cm, mixing thoroughly. If the fertilizer is simply scattered, the effect of its action will appear only after a year, when everything will be washed deep into the soil by rainfall. This rule especially applies to stationary greenhouses, in which watering is usually artificial.

The combination of dolomite flour with various types of plants (table)

Traditionally, agricultural crops are divided into 4 groups according to the reaction to the typical composition of the soil and the addition of dolomite flour to it.

Combination with individual plants

What fertilizers can dolomite flour be used with (table)

A greater effect can be achieved if you use dolomite flour for digging the soil on the site

The Mitlider method has become quite popular when deoxidizing the soil. Prepare a mixture in the ratio of 7–8 g of boric acid per 1 kg of dolomite flour. Enter at the same time as mineral fertilizers for digging every time you change the crop in the garden. For a peat bog and heavy soil, you will need 200 g of such a mixture per 1 running meter narrow ridge, for light soil - 100 g, respectively.

Analogues of dolomite flour

Lime

Hydrated lime (popularly called "fluff"). Chemical formula Ca(OH)2. The substance has the highest soil deoxidizing properties. The calcium content is supplemented by a hydroxyl group (OH), which gives the lime a neutralization capacity that is one and a half times greater than the same characteristic of crushed dolomite.

But the speed of action and the high activity of fluff significantly reduce the absorption of phosphorus by plants. Therefore, it is recommended to apply lime only in the autumn period, so that by spring the balance of chemical processes in the soil is established.

Ash

Wood ash is the most available remedy to reduce the acidity of the soil. It contains from 30 to 60% calcium. The disadvantage of ash is that it is very difficult to determine its composition by eye. It can depend not only on the type of trees burned, but also on the type of soil on which they grew, and even on what was burned - branches or trunk.

Therefore, the amount of ash required to be applied to the soil is conditionally given in the recommendations. However, in any case, it will require 2 times more per unit area than dolomite flour. Is there always so much material at hand? This is the reason why ash is more often used as a component plant soils used for seedlings and houseplants.

Chalk or dry plaster

accessible way. These substances contain the highest calcium content. The introduction of chalk or plaster can be carried out in early spring, before planting, under plowing. The method is quite effective, but the material will require 30% more than dolomite flour.

Chalk has a low solubility in water, which clogs the soil, and over time leads to its salinization, which is easy to detect by white coating on the surface.

Gypsum or alabaster

These inexpensive tools do a good job of deoxidizing the soil. But, firstly, they will need 2 times more to achieve the effect, and secondly, gypsum is not useful for humans, and alabaster is completely harmful. These tools must be used with caution.

Eggshell

This material is found to be quite effective. Crushed egg shells are brought into the soil calcined in a pan or in the form of an infusion. But it will take quite a lot, and collect right amount material to the beginning of the sowing is very difficult. Therefore, eggshells are more often used in small areas, separate beds or flower beds.

Photo gallery: what can replace dolomite flour?

Ordinary chalk will replace dolomite flour, but you will need large quantity Alabaster and gypsum are often used to deoxidize the soil. egg shell have been used for a long time to improve the physical and chemical qualities of the soil Slaked lime too aggressive on the soil compared to dolomite flour The benefits of wood ash on the soil are quite difficult to predict

Of course, liming the soil with dolomite flour will not give you visible instant results. Real effect in the form high yield you will see in the second or third year after regular treatment of the site. But now you know how to properly deoxidize the soil in your garden so that the labor invested in growing garden and garden crops brings good fruit. Share with us in the comments your experience of using dolomite flour in your summer cottage, or ask questions that you have after reading the article. Easy work and good harvest!