What Is Dolomite Lime?
Dolomite lime is a calcareous fertilizer derived from a rock called dolomite. The term “dolomite” refers to its magnesium content. In addition to being rich in calcium, dolomite lime also contains a significant amount of magnesium carbonate, which is a distinctive feature of this product. Dolomite is typically defined as having at least 53% alkaline content and at least 3.5% magnesium that is soluble in citric acid. There are three known types of dolomite lime: dolomite carbonate lime, dolomite slaked lime, and dolomite quicklime.
Dolomite-slaked lime is commonly used for general soil improvement and as an agricultural fertilizer.
Uses of Dolomite Lime
The primary uses of dolomite lime are to provide calcium and magnesium to the soil and to adjust the soil pH. Calcium is a vital nutrient for plant growth, essential for cell formation, and particularly crucial for the development of plant growth points and root tips. Adequate calcium supply is also known to enhance disease resistance in plants. Since calcium is water-soluble in the soil and can be leached away by rainfall, it is important to replenish calcium regularly in fast-growing crops and other plants. Dolomite lime not only supplies calcium but also magnesium, a trace element, making it particularly beneficial in areas with magnesium-deficient soils.