Application rate of dolomite flour for deoxidation. Other useful properties

What is dolomite flour?

To begin with, let us explain that dolomite is a mineral from the carbonate class that has a crystalline structure. It has a glassy luster, and the color can be very diverse - grayish, white, slightly reddish and even brownish. Dolomite flour is obtained by grinding minerals to a powder and further drying. All this is done in a production environment. Dolomite flour contains 8% more calcium than lime. And one more important difference from lime is the presence of about 40% magnesium in dolomite flour. If there is little magnesium, then the plants stop in development and growth, brown spotting and chlorosis appear. The price of this fertilizer is relatively low, and a lot of useful properties are found, which contributed to its popularity among gardeners.

The benefits of dolomite flour.

Bring in dolomite flour it is possible not only in open ground to the beds, but also in greenhouses and hotbeds. Yes, and flower growers widely use it. Its use is especially good on sandy and sandy soils, poor in such an element as magnesium. What to expect if you periodically add it to the ground?

1. The biological, physico-chemical and physical properties of the soil are improved. Neutralized hyperacidity soil.
2. In the soil, there is a significant increase in the amount of forms of phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, and molybdenum that are readily available to plants.
3. There is an increase in the efficiency of fertilizers applied by summer residents, especially manure.
4. The soil is enriched with calcium, while improving root system plants.
5. The soil is saturated with magnesium, which is an integral component of chlorophyll, actively participating in photosynthesis.
6. Plants feed better, their conditions change for the better.
7. The harvest becomes better, more environmentally friendly (radionuclides are neutralized), better and longer stored in the winter.
8. It can be used as a means of controlling insect pests, because well-ground dolomite destroys the chitinous covers of insects dangerous to plants.

How to use correctly?

The amount of dolomite flour that needs to be applied to the bed depends on the acidity of the soil at a given place and the mechanical composition of the soil mass. MirSovetov will name only average norms:
. acidic soils (environment reaction less than 4.5) - from 500 to 600 grams are applied per square meter;
. medium acid (reaction of the environment in the range from 4.5 to 5.2) - per square meter goes from 450 to 500 grams;
. slightly acidic (the reaction of the medium is from 5.2 to 5.6) - from 350 to 450 grams are taken per square meter.
If the soil is clayey, heavy, then the amount of this fertilizer is increased by 10-15%. For light soils, the dosage can be reduced by 50%.
You can check the soil and find out the acidity indicators by purchasing special devices or tests at a garden store or center.
The efficiency of use increases if copper sulfate and boric acid are added at the same time.

Crops are divided into the following main groups, depending on how they relate to the reaction of the environment in which they grow and liming:

1. Do not tolerate acidic soil - cabbage, beets, alfalfa. They need soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. They really like it when they are fed with dolomite flour.

2. Sensitive to living in an environment with high acidity - cucumber, lettuce, beans, onions, peas, corn, wheat, soybeans. For them, soil is preferable, the reaction of the environment of which is close to neutral, they respond quite well to the use of dolomite flour.

3. Slightly sensitive to an increase in soil acidity - tomatoes, carrots, radishes, oats, buckwheat. Grow quite normally with any reaction of the environment soil mixture, but top scores shown on slightly acidic soils. If the soil has strong or moderate acidification, then dolomite flour can be given to the soil in full dosage. Then the plants will be better fed with nitrogen and ash compounds.

4. Requiring liming only for strongly acidic and moderately acidic lands. For example, flax likes to grow in slightly acidic soils. A slight acidity will not affect the yield of potatoes planted in this area.

Application features.

On heavy clay soils, dolomite flour will have to be applied every year, on the rest - once every three years.
It is more convenient to do liming in the fall. But if necessary, dolomite is added in the spring or at any time.

When carrying out liming, distribute dolomite flour evenly over the entire surface of the soil to a depth of 15 cm, mixing thoroughly. If you just sprinkle dolomite on the surface, then the effect will be, but you will notice it not earlier than after 12 months.
Dolomite and manure can be added to the soil at the same time, but they cannot be mixed together. First, dolomite flour is scattered, then manure is spread, the third stage is digging.

The leaves will not be harmed if you scatter this flour over the lawn, pasture.

For cherries, plums, apply one or two kilograms of dolomite flour every year after you harvest.

Once every two years, add about 500 grams of dolomite under each blackcurrant bush. If the bush is large, then you can add a kilogram.

Under cabbage, turnips, add dolomite when planting.
In the spring, you can water plants, for example, beets, clematis, with dolomite "milk" - water to which dolomite flour is added.
Do not apply this fertilizer under sorrel, gooseberry.
Under the flowers, dolomite flour is applied before planting - in a pot or hole, be sure to mix well with the rest of the components of the soil mixture. Hyacinths, orchids, violets respond positively to the introduction of dolomite flour.

You can not mix dolomite flour with urea, superphosphate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate.

If it turned out that the soil in your area has a neutral reaction of the environment, then liming is not necessary.

Positive results will not be noticeable immediately, and the greatest effect appears somewhere in the second or even third year after liming. Scientists believe that dolomite flour can increase the yield by an average of 4-12%.

Dolomite does not burn plant leaves and can be spread on pastures and lawns. Lime can be applied at any time of the year, it's just more convenient to do it before winter. You can apply lime once every few years, but it is better to do it a little each year.

Stone fruit trees (cherries, plums, apricots) require an annual application of 1-2 kg. per tree by area trunk circle after harvest.

For blackcurrant, 0.5 - 1 kg is added. under the bush 1 time in 2 years.
Under vegetable crops, especially cabbage, dolomite flour is applied before planting.

For potatoes, tomatoes, dolomite flour is applied in advance.

Under gooseberries, cranberries, blueberries, sorrel, dolomite flour is not used.

Dolomite flour, as well as lime, cannot be mixed with ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, urea, simple superphosphate, granular superphosphate, double, manure.

The return from liming depends on the degree of soil acidity, the characteristics of cultivated crops, the rate and type of lime fertilizers. The more acidic the soil and the higher the rate of lime, the greater the effect of liming. Since lime fertilizers slowly interact with the soil, the greatest effect of liming appears in the second or third year after application.
Liming significantly increases the effectiveness of organic and mineral fertilizers. On acidic soils, after liming, the decomposition of organic fertilizers is accelerated, and the latter enhance the positive effect of lime on soil properties. With the joint application of lime and manure, it is possible to halve the dose of manure, while the effectiveness of mineral fertilizers will not decrease. Liming is especially favorable when making physiologically acidic ammonia and potash fertilizers capable of acidifying soils, as well as for crops that react negatively to high acidity.

Advantages of dolomite flour: Calcined lime and fluff to eliminate excess acidity are used much less frequently, since these products act much harder than limestone flour, which often leads to local overdoses, burns and burning of plants.

Liming according to the Mitlider method.

In the Mitlider method, lime (more precisely, mixture number 1: ground limestone or dolomite plus 7-8 g boric acid for each kilogram of lime) are brought in for digging at each change of crop, along with filling the soil with mineral fertilizers. For heavy soils and peatlands, 200 g per running meter narrow ridge, for light soils, 100 g/r.m. In the southern regions, on saline and alkaline soils, gypsum is used in the same amount.

Gardeners in Russia and neighboring countries grow cabbage with pleasure and quite successfully. But the "set" is usually limited to varieties white cabbage different ripening period, broccoli and cauliflower. Meanwhile, we already have popular types of cabbage that ripen earlier, and bring less trouble when growing. In this article, we bring to your attention 5 types of cabbage that you may not have heard of yet, but which are definitely worth growing.

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extreme sensitivity to low temperatures makes zinnias flyers, which are usually grown through seedlings. But on the other hand, in sowing, and growing young zinnias, there is nothing complicated. It is hardy and does not require special care plants that are easy to grow from seed. And if you collect more own seeds, then you get one of the most “economical” flyers in your collection. Bright baskets of inflorescences color the garden with a special cheerful canvas.

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Eggplant - high upright plants with wide leaves of dark green color and large fruits - create a special mood in the beds. And in the kitchen, they are a popular product for a wide variety of dishes: eggplants are fried, stewed and canned. Of course, to grow a decent crop in middle lane and to the north is not an easy task. But subject to the agrotechnical rules of cultivation, it is quite accessible even to beginners. Especially if you grow eggplant in a greenhouse.

Lenten charlotte with apples and cinnamon on vegetable cream - a simple pie that is suitable for fasting people, this pastry can also be included in vegetarian menu. There are situations when dairy products need to be replaced with vegetable ones, then vegetable cream prepared on the basis of vegetable fats comes to the aid of housewives. The taste of cream goes well with apples and cinnamon, the baking powder makes the dough fluffy and airy, the cake is simply delicious.

Buying blooming orchid, lovers of exotic plants are wondering - will it bloom just as well at home and is it worth waiting for it to bloom again? Everything will be - and grow, and bloom, and delight for many years, but on one condition. As for any indoor plants, for an orchid, initially you need to try to create conditions acceptable for growth and development. Sufficient lighting, humidity and air temperature, a special substrate are the main points.

noble lush greenery, unpretentiousness, the ability to purify the air from dust and pathogens make nephrolepis one of the most popular indoor ferns. There are many types of nephrolepis, but any of them can become a real decoration of the room, and it doesn’t matter if it’s an apartment, Vacation home or office. But only healthy well-groomed plants can decorate the room, so the creation suitable conditions and proper care- the main task of flower growers.

The right herring under a fur coat - layers in turn, the order of which depends on the taste of the dish. It is important not only to put the fish and vegetables in a certain sequence. Great importance has also the preparation of products. Never boil vegetables for this snack the day before, they will lose some of their taste in the refrigerator overnight, they will become insipid. Boil vegetables 2-3 hours before cooking and cool them until room temperature. You can also bake carrots, beets and potatoes in the oven in foil.

In the garden first-aid kit of experienced gardeners, there is always crystalline iron sulfate, or ferrous sulfate. Like many others chemicals, it has properties that protect horticultural crops from numerous diseases and insect pests. In this article, we will talk about the features of using iron sulphate for the treatment of garden plants from diseases and pests and other options for its use on the site.

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Most of the crops grown in horticultural areas are sensitive to soil quality. receive regularly abundant harvests only if the soil is neutral or slightly alkaline. Acidic soil is not suitable for agriculture, so acidity is neutralized before planting. A suitable tool for this is dolomite flour, but there are some nuances in the use of fertilizer.

What is dolomite flour?

Dolomite flour is a dolomite mineral crushed to a powder state. Since it is very common in Russia, there are no problems with raw materials. The finished powder is slightly lustrous, its color varies from white to grayish, sometimes it can even be reddish or beige, depending on the raw material.

Dolomite contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium carbonates, which effectively neutralize the acidity of the soil, which makes it useful for Agriculture. The same substances are present in dolomite flour not in pure form, but in the form of salts, which prevents the deposition of trace elements in grown vegetables, berries and fruits in excessive concentration.

Dolomite flour can be used as fertilizer. In the process of purely mechanical processing, no chemical additives are introduced, the product is used in in kind. Therefore, such a fertilizer is completely safe for both the environment and human health.

The finer the grinding, the higher the quality of the fertilizer. That is what you need to focus on when buying it. Best for the garden is a product whose granules do not exceed 1 mm in diameter (similar to sea sand).

Please note that dolomite can be unfired and fired. The advantage of the second option is that the plantings will receive more magnesium.

Photo gallery: raw materials and mechanical processing product

Packages with dolomite flour are sold in stores

Mineral after crushing

Mineral in nature

Useful properties for the garden

Dolomite flour is an excellent fertilizer that helps to consistently get a crop, regardless of the quality of the soil.

But the benefits of this remedy are not limited to soil deoxidation. In addition to the fact that due to the increase in the concentration of calcium and magnesium in an easily digestible form, fertility increases and soil structure improves, the use of fertilizer has other positive effects:

1. On the garden plot, the number of weeds is reduced.
2. Microorganisms, bacteria and insects that live in the soil and are beneficial for plants are stimulated to reproduce.
3. The effect of other fertilizers applied for planting (chemical or natural) becomes more noticeable.
4. The number of pests is drastically reduced. Powder particles play the role of an abrasive, damaging the chitinous cover of beetles and the soft tissues of slugs. By the way, flour can not only be buried in the soil, but also sprinkled with trunks, branches, stems and leaves. It is absolutely safe for people and pets.
5. Fruits that receive less damage from pests are much better stored.
6. Plantings take root well, since the roots grow faster and become stronger in the presence of calcium. The plant is better able to resist various infections (especially rot) and receives more water from the soil. nutrients.
7. Ecological cleanliness of grown vegetables, berries and fruits. Dolomite flour has unique property neutralize salts of heavy metals deposited in the soil, even radionuclides.

Magnesium, which is part of the fertilizer, is needed for the formation of chlorophyll, without which photosynthesis is impossible.

When to contribute?

Dolomite flour can be applied to the soil at any time, as improving the quality and additional sanitation of the soil will never be superfluous.

Table: recommendations for making dolomite flour depending on the time of year

The nuances of applying and applying fertilizer

Dolomite flour will be useful to you only if the soil in the area is really acidic. In order not to waste your own time, effort and money, first find out if you need such fertilizer at all. To do this, there are special devices and litmus paper. But on garden plot the high measurement accuracy they provide is not needed. You can understand if the soil is acidic using time-tested folk remedies- vinegar essence and grape juice.

It should be immediately noted that with uncontrolled scattering of dolomite flour over the area, high yields should not be expected.

Processing of the entire area of ​​​​the site and open ground

If the entire area is cultivated, the procedure should be carried out every 6–9 years, depending on the level of soil acidity, the amount of mineral fertilizers applied and the intensity of precipitation. Flour is scattered over the site, leveled with a rake, and then the earth is dug up to a depth of at least one bayonet of a shovel.

Digging is necessary so that the fertilizer begins to act faster. Otherwise, you will have to wait for the rains, which, soaking into the soil, will deliver useful substances to the address. By the way, rains wash out all fertilizers from the soil, including dolomite flour.

Burying dolomite flour into the ground will give a greater effect than fertilizer left on the surface.

Be prepared for the fact that the positive effect will not appear immediately. The composition of the soil will be the best in 2-3 years. Then the effect of dolomite flour will gradually begin to fade away. Due to energy consumption and high fertilizer consumption, this method of soil deoxidation is rarely used.

How to use dolomite flour in greenhouses?

There are no obstacles to the use of dolomite flour in greenhouses, greenhouses and greenhouses. On average, about 100 g is needed per 1 m². But, unlike open ground, having scattered fertilizer over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe beds, the earth is not dug up. Flour creates a thin film on the surface of the soil that retains moisture inside, preventing it from evaporating. Thus, upper layer the earth does not dry out.

Instructions for use for individual beds in the country

Another option is to treat specific beds where it is planned to plant cultures that are sensitive to acidity, or the root zone of trees and shrubs. Dolomite flour is introduced into the holes during planting, into the beds when digging, or crumbles at the roots (then the soil must be well loosened). But an urgent question arises: how much dolomite flour is required?

If the soil on the beds is heavy (peaty, silty, clayey, loamy, aluminous), the corresponding rate is increased by about 15%. An annual application of dolomite flour is recommended.

For light sandy and sandy loamy soils in the beds, the rate is reduced by about a third. One procedure with an interval of 3-4 years is enough. In this case, much less fertilizer is consumed and the acid-base balance is maintained at the same level due to the regular intake of new portions of the necessary substances.

The amount of dolomite flour directly depends on the type of soil

The introduction of dolomite flour into neutral and alkaline soil is strongly discouraged. You can disturb the natural acid-base balance. An excess of calcium is a much more serious problem than a lack of this trace element.

Table: application rate of dolomite flour depending on the soil

Video: adding dolomite flour to beds and plantings

What crops need dolomite flour?

Different plants react to acidic soil in different ways. For some of them, increased acidity is very suitable. Therefore, before scattering dolomite flour on the beds, find out if such a fertilizer is needed for this crop.

Table: soil type and different crops

And a few more notes:

1. Crops that prefer moderately acidic and slightly acidic soils will respond to the introduction of dolomite flour with an increase in yield.
2. For plants that prefer alkaline soils, the product is applied to the root zone every autumn, the recommended dose is increased by 10-15% compared to the amount of fertilizer when planting. If you are planting a new tree or shrub, apply fertilizer to the hole. It will take about 0.1 kg per bush, a seedling of pome fruits (pears, apple trees) - 0.3 kg, a seedling of stone fruits - 0.5 kg.
3. If flour is needed by vegetable and berry crops, it is placed in holes or furrows for seeds and immediately planted. This is especially true of beets and cabbage. The exception is tomatoes, potatoes and strawberries (fertilizer must be applied to the soil in advance, in autumn or early spring).
4. Dolomite flour increases the yield of any winter crops, such as onions and garlic. This tool is also needed for perennial flowers and ornamental plants.

Do not neglect the introduction of dolomite flour either when planting or during the growth of trees and shrubs

Compatibility with other fertilizers

Table: compatibility of dolomite flour with other fertilizers

1. J. Mitlider's method. For 1 kg of dolomite flour, 7–8 g of boric acid powder is taken. This mixture is scattered over the beds after harvest, then the soil is dug up. The norm for 1 p / m is 200 g if the soil is heavy or peaty, and half as much if the soil is light sandy. After 5–7 days, mineral fertilizers containing potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen are additionally applied. The bed is dug up again.
2. Method B. M. Makuni. The method is also suitable for open ground, but is more often used for greenhouses, greenhouses, indoor flowers and seedlings. Mix 2 liters of soil from the garden, special soil for the crop that is supposed to be grown, and sphagnum moss, 4 liters of peat, 1 liter of coarse river sand. Separately, add 30 g of dolomite flour and double superphosphate and two glasses of powdered charcoal. Everything is thoroughly mixed.

What can replace dolomite flour?

The function of deoxidizing the soil, in addition to dolomite flour, is performed by slaked lime and wood ash. But the first tool in comparison with them has a number of advantages.

Slaked lime is a bit cheaper and can be purchased at any hardware store. But this is only calcium, and not in the form of carbonate, but as hydroxide. Such a chemical compound is 1.5–2 times more effective for neutralizing the increased acidity of the soil, and, accordingly, the consumption of the product also decreases. However, it acts too sharply and strongly. In the event of even a small overdose, crops are guaranteed to suffer - you will simply burn the roots.

Calcium hydroxide also neutralizes soil acidity

In addition, calcium hydroxide cannot be applied to the soil immediately before planting - it will prevent plants from absorbing the nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus contained in the soil or in fertilizers. Processing is possible only in the fall, when the crop is fully harvested, or at the very beginning of spring (in the southern regions, where the snow melts early).

Wood ash, like dolomite flour, does not pose any harm to the soil; application is allowed at any time. In addition to calcium, ash contains other substances necessary for the soil - magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and so on.

Wood ash is sold, but in small packages

But it is problematic to use ash to deoxidize a large garden plot. In free sale there are only packages of small volume. And since the consumption of ash per unit area exceeds the consumption of dolomite flour by about twice, most often the right amount is not on the farm. Acquiring ash every year is quite expensive.

Dolomite flour is a tool that, when used properly, will allow you to consistently obtain high yields and store the grown fruits for the winter. In addition, it is safe for people, animals and the natural environment.

In order to get a good harvest and healthy plants, it is necessary to feed them, as well as monitor the acidity of the soil. If the soil is alkaline, then acidity problems are not terrible for it, otherwise its level should be maintained by adding lime or dolomite flour.

What are the properties of dolomite flour?

The mineral substance, which is called dolomite, is brought to a powder state by crushing, so dolomite flour is obtained. Such a tool is inexpensive and of high quality, it is used to neutralize the acidity of the soil, and enrich it with useful elements.

Dolomite flour is rich in potassium and magnesium, these substances allow plants to fully develop. In addition to the fact that dolomite flour creates a suitable and favorable composition for plants, it has other useful properties.

1. Dolomite flour can improve the consistency of the soil.
2. Such a tool creates a favorable environment in the soil for the development of various microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on it.
3. The constant use of dolomite flour nourishes the topsoil with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. And also increases the usefulness of the applied mineral fertilizers.
4. The use of dolomite flour cleans the fruits of plants from radionuclides, and they become environmentally friendly.
5. The soil is saturated with a useful element, magnesium, without it the process of photosynthesis does not occur, the efficiency of organic fertilizers increases.
6. Such a tool is able to destroy pests, while not harming plants and their fruits.

How is dolomite flour used?

Dolomite flour is actively used in horticulture, horticulture and floriculture. It can be added to open area or in a greenhouse. This tool is used for sandy or sandy soils in which there is a lack of magnesium. Before adding dolomite to the soil, it is necessary to determine its acidity, for this, litmus paper is used.

At elevated level acidity, such a tool is not used. And if this figure is below 4.5, then dolomite flour is used per square meter about 600 grams. With an average acidity of 4.5 to 5.2, add 500 grams per square meter. If the acidity of the soil exceeds the number 5.2, then 400 grams of dolomite flour are added.

AT without fail the correct dosage must be observed, otherwise the soil structure may deteriorate. The application of dolomite flour can be combined with organic fertilizers.

Dolomite flour can be made milk of lime, it is better absorbed by plants than a pure composition. For example, with this fertilizer, beets give a rich harvest and healthy tops.

Also, with the help of dolomite flour, liming is performed garden plants, that is, trees and shrubs, do this every two years. This tool helps to actively fight pests.

Dolomite flour cannot be used in conjunction with mineral fertilizers, superphosphate, urea or saltpeter.

What are the properties of lime?

Lime is obtained by burning carbonate rock. The material is divided into three types, but the most common is slaked lime, which is obtained by adding water. So that the product does not lose its beneficial properties, when extinguishing it, use cold water.

Lime is rich in calcium, it is this element that contributes to the development and vital activity various plants. Thanks to this fertilizer, the plants become stronger, and are not subject to various diseases that arise due to a lack of calcium.

After liming, nodule bacteria actively multiply in the soil, which help to retain nitrogen in the soil after loosening. As a result, nitrogen is actively supplied to the roots, and the plant fully develops, receiving useful elements. The movement of carbohydrates through plant tissues improves. Due to calcium, the elements dissolve well in aquatic environment. By adding lime to compost pit, beneficial bacteria are created that are able to release and mineralize nitrogen from organic substances. Calcium contributes to the rapid breakdown organic elements, and the creation of humus, maintains neutral acidity in the soil.

Lime prevents the release of toxic substances from heavy metals, makes the soil structure ideal, it takes on the appearance of lumps, and not flowability.

How is lime used?

Lime is used to normalize the soil acidity index, liming is carried out once every five years. With active exploitation of the soil, such work is carried out once every three years. First, you need to pay attention to the soil itself, if horsetail, wormwood or moss is actively spreading on it, then the earth needs to be treated with lime.

The main work on liming must be carried out in autumn period, and in the spring only partial processing can be done, adding a small amount of the product. In the spring, you need to observe the interval before planting seedlings or seeds for about seven days.

When using only mineral fertilizers, the processes of liming the soil must be increased. And the use of natural fertilizers contributes to the independent maintenance of a normal acidity index, so the use of lime will be superfluous.

Tree trunks are also whitewashed with lime, this helps to prevent the appearance of pests. The tool is effective and inexpensive, it is done in the spring and autumn.

Dolomite flour or lime which is better?

Compared to lime, dolomite flour contains eight percent more calcium. Thanks to this element, the root system of plants is well formed and developed, and the structure of the soil improves. Also, dolomite contains 40 percent magnesium, it contributes to the passage of photosynthesis in plants, and this element is absent in lime.

With a lack of magnesium in the soil, the shoots develop poorly, the leaves may wither and fall off, and the plant itself may be subject to various diseases that are difficult to fight.

To normalize acidity, slaked lime is used, that is, fluff, its cost is lower than dolomite flour. The use of lime is the most in a strong way to restore soil acidity. Calcium, which is part of its composition, is in the form of hydroxide, and in dolomite it comes as a carbonate. That is, lime has an active effect on soil acidity than dolomite one and a half times.

Lime helps to restore the acidity of the soil faster, but it also has its drawbacks. Immediately after its introduction, it is quite difficult for the plant to absorb such necessary elements as nitrogen and phosphorus. Therefore, lime is applied in advance before planting, so that the soil can rest. Lime is usually used in the fall to keep the soil free throughout the winter.

Dolomite differs from lime in that it can be used at any time, so it is actively used to normalize the acidity of the soil.

When should lime and dolomite flour be used?

You can fertilize the site with dolomite flour in any season, this remedy does not negative impact on plants and allows them to favorably absorb other nutrients from the soil. But this remedy must be applied before the rest of the fertilizers, since it is not combined with all types of dressings.

If the fertilizer will be produced in the area where vegetables are planted, in the spring, flour must be scattered over the entire surface two weeks before planting. Dolomite flour is able to improve the structure of the soil, fertilize it, and prevent the development of diseases. With this tool, you can actively fight pests that affect potatoes and other crops, for example, a bear or Colorado potato beetle. In the spring, such a fertilizer is especially important, as it acts as a mineral supplement for plants, and kills fungal diseases. In autumn, dolomite flour can be used to process and feed plants in the garden, that is, trees and shrubs. For one tree, you will need 2 kilograms of dolomite flour, and for a bush - up to 1 kilogram, it is buried in the soil under the plant.

Lime is also used to normalize the acidity of the soil. But this should be done only on the soil where the acidity is high. If the soil is not acidic, then liming is not performed. I process the soil with lime in the preparation of the planned site or garden. If it is planned to plant strawberries on the site, then liming is carried out two years before the work. You can also apply lime after the plants have grown stronger, that is, two months after they were planted. Liming the garden can be carried out in any season. The tool is applied in the autumn and spring during the digging of the soil.

Lime must be thoroughly mixed with the earth, so it is used in a powdered state. It is forbidden to use quicklime, as it comes in lumps, and you can oversaturate the soil. You can extinguish it with water per 100 kilograms of material 4 buckets of liquid, only after that lime is used as a fertilizer.

Lime is poured evenly over the entire earth, while the correct dosage must be observed. If the soil has a loamy and clayey character, then by 10 square meters contribute up to 14 kilograms of such a product, this fertilizer is enough for 15 years. And for sandy and sandy loamy soils, add up to 1.5 kilograms to the same area, this is enough for two years. If the dosage is not observed or exceeded, the soil can be oversaturated and become harmful to plants.

How to determine the acidity of the soil?

Before applying fertilizers in the form of dolomite flour or lime, it is necessary to determine the acidity of the soil in the area so as not to oversaturate the earth. This is done in several ways, with the help of weeds, vinegar, grape juice or special devices.

Weed grass will not grow on soil that does not meet normal acidity. They can serve as a certain indicator of the acidity of the soil. On a site with low acidity, chamomile, dandelions, wheatgrass and clover are actively growing. On too acidic soil, plantain, buttercup or wood lice grow well, and on land with a neutral indicator, nettle or quinoa grows well.

With the help of vinegar, you can easily, simply and quickly determine the acidity of the soil. A few drops of table vinegar are applied to the soil, if it swells and bubbles appear, then the soil is neutral or acidic.

Also, acidity can be checked with grape juice, they put earth in it, and if it changes its color, and bubbles appear on the surface, then the soil is neutral.

The most reliable determination of soil acidity is to use special devices such as a pH meter or litmus paper. This allows you to accurately determine the acidity of the soil.

The difference in the use of dolomite flour from lime

Dolomite flour is not capable of harming plants and burning their leaves, so it can be used not only for vegetable plants but also to fertilize lawns. It can be used in any season. And it is better to apply lime in the autumn, so that the earth rests, since after such fertilizer, it is necessary to wait for time for planting.

Dolomite flour and lime cannot be combined with mineral fertilizers such as saltpeter, superphosphate or urea. Lime is very rarely used to reduce or normalize acidity, since it has a harsher effect, this can lead to oversaturation of the soil, and plant burns.

Soil liming improves efficiency organic fertilizer, it begins to decompose faster, and nourish the plants. Lime can be combined with manure for fertilizer, while the amount organic feeding reduce. But before using such fertilizers, it is necessary to determine the acidity of the soil on the site.

Dolomite flour is a fertilizer in the form of a powder, which is produced from the mineral dolomite, which belongs to the class of carbonates (formula - CaCO3 MgCO3), by grinding it to the smallest fractions. The introduction of this fertilizer into the soil not only normalizes its acidity, but also improves the structure of the upper fertile horizon, simultaneously enriching it with useful trace elements, such as magnesium and potassium. Also, dolomite flour helps to reduce the number of weeds on the site, and enhance the activity of beneficial microorganisms and low-bristle (annelid) worms. Another plus is availability, since its price is low, and you can buy this mineral fertilizer of natural origin in containers of any volume, based on personal needs.

Since this mineral supplement has natural origin, it is not additionally saturated with various additives, and is used in its pure form. This allows us to attribute it to a high ecological class of use, and to conclude that the use of dolomite flour does not harm human health. Calcium and magnesium are in its composition in the carbonate form, which prevents their deposition and accumulation in the finished fruit and vegetable products in too large quantities.

Properties

As mentioned above, dolomite flour, the composition of which includes calcium and magnesium, significantly affects the composition of the soil, changing its acidity.

But, in addition to the ability to deoxidize the soil - that is, to bring its composition to values ​​\u200b\u200bmost suitable for the growth of various plants, dolomite flour has a number of other advantages. She is:

• Improves soil structure;
• Promotes the development of colonies of microorganisms in it, which have a healing effect on the soil;
• If you make dolomite flour constantly, then it saturates the upper layer of the earth with easily digestible nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium;
• Increases the return on the applied mineral fertilizers;
• Increases the content of calcium and magnesium in the soil;
• Helps plants to get rid of radionuclides;
• Destroys insects by dissolving their chitinous cover. For all other living beings, dolomite is completely safe.

Determination of soil acidity

In order not to be mistaken with the amount of dolomite flour introduced, before applying fertilizer, it is necessary to determine the acidity of the soil. This can be done in many ways, here are the most accessible and popular ones:

weed plants

Weeds, as well as cultivated plants, will not grow on soil that does not suit them in its acidity. Therefore, they are a kind of indicator indicating the pH-factor of the soil mixture on the site. For example, dandelions, wheatgrass, chamomile, clover, and coltsfoot grow on slightly acidic soils. On sour ones - woodlice, plantain, buttercup, and on neutral ones - quinoa and nettle.

Vinegar

The use of this table sauce is one of the simplest and most quick ways to establish the norms for the introduction of dolomite flour. It is used like this - a handful of soil is poured with a few drops of vinegar and look at the reaction. If the earth begins to swell and bubble, then its pH reaction is neutral or acidic.

The grape juice

This natural ingredient is used in the following way: put a handful of earth in a container with juice, and if the juice changes its color, and bubbles stand out on the surface of the liquid, the soil has a neutral reaction.

Special devices

Of enough a large number specialized devices that are produced by both foreign and domestic producers, can be recommended for private use following models digital and analog portable pH meters. These are non-volatile EPA-102 and EPA-103 produced in Brazil, and HI-9025 and HI-9024, digital portable devices made in Germany, providing high measurement accuracy. You can also use plain litmus paper.

Video: Determination of soil acidity using litmus paper

Dolomite or lime - what to choose?

For soil deoxidation, in addition to dolomite flour, they are often used slaked lime(Ca (OH)), which is popularly called "fluff". It is more commonly found on sale, and is cheaper than dolomite powder. But does it surpass it in terms of consumer properties?

Limestone flour is considered the most powerful tool for normalizing soil acidity. Calcium is included in its composition in the form of hydroxide (unlike dolomite, which contains Ca in the form of carbonate), which enhances its effect on soil acidity, increasing its ability to neutralize by one and a half times.

Lime "works" faster and more actively, but this property also has negative sides. For example, in the first time after application, it prevents the absorption of the most essential substances for plants, such as phosphorus and nitrogen. Therefore, immediately after its introduction, nothing can be planted, the earth must “rest”. Therefore, lime meal is usually applied in the off-season, when the beds are prepared before winter, or in early spring, to provide a good gap before planting seeds and seedlings.

Unlike lime, dolomite can be applied at any time, as soon as the need arises. Therefore, it has become one of the most popular fertilizers that normalize the acidic environment of the soil.

The use of dolomite flour

Dolomite flour is always used only after the acidity of the soil has been accurately determined, otherwise it can cause significant harm to plants, up to their complete destruction. General instruction on the use of dolomite flour is as follows:

• If the soil pH is less than 4.5, it is considered acidic. In such soil, 50 kg of dolomite flour per 1 hundred square meters are applied.
• At a pH of 4.5-5.2, the soil is considered medium acidic, and the rate of application of this mineral fertilizer- about 45 kg per 1 weave.
• Slightly acidic soils, with a pH reaction of 5.2 to 5.7 units, are fertilized with dolomite powder at the rate of 35-40 kg per hundred square meters.

Also, the amount of fertilizer applied depends on the structure of the soil. On light soils, the use of dolomite flour is reduced by 1.5 times, and on heavy, loamy and aluminous soils, on the contrary, it is increased by 10-15% to normalize their structure.

When you are going to buy dolomite flour to fertilize beds, gardens or lawns, all these nuances must be taken into account when calculating. It can be purchased both in the store and ordered online. This fertilizer has different packaging, it is sold in bags, bags and in bulk. To fertilize all the land on suburban area an area of ​​​​six acres, 300 kg is enough. Taking into account the fact that the price of one bag weighing 50 kg, according to the prices of leading suppliers for the spring of 2015, does not exceed 200 rubles, then you can completely fertilize the entire plot for 1200 rubles. Taking into account the fact that dolomite flour is applied no more than once every three to four years, the price of the issue is more than acceptable, because all this time the soil will bring good yields and will not turn sour.

Dolomite flour is also added to compost, both in simple and in its biologically active form - vermicompost. Worms launched into untreated humus cannot live in compost with an unsuitable pH reaction, therefore, for their comfortable existence, which causes their active reproduction, which in turn accelerates the processing of organic matter, it is necessary to add ground dolomite to the collar. She will provide required level acidity.

When to contribute?

As mentioned above, dolomite fertilizers can be applied at any time of the year, since they do not negative impact to the uptake of other nutrients from the soil. But, they are usually applied before applying other fertilizers, since dolomite flour cannot organically interact with all of them.

In the area intended for growing vegetables, in the spring it is scattered in advance, a couple of weeks before planting. It not only fertilizes and improves the structure of the soil, but also sanitizes it. This is very relevant for various cultures, including for, which is often affected various diseases, whose occurrence and spread dolomite is able to stop. It is also especially important for potatoes that this mineral destroys insects by dissolving their chitinous shells at the joints. This helps to fight the bear, the Colorado potato beetle and other potato pests.

Dolomite flour, the use of which has a sanitizing effect on the soil, is especially relevant in the spring, as a mineral supplement for plants in greenhouses. When cultivating the soil with this mineral in the greenhouse, various fungal diseases, which has a positive effect on the yield, and on the subsequent preservation of the resulting fruits and berries.

This autumn mineral supplement used for processing and nutrition of fruit trees and shrubs. In this case, the following rates of application to the soil are recommended - under a tree - about 2 kg, along the edge of the near-trunk circle, deepening into the ground, for shrubs (depending on size) - 0.5-1 kg according to the same scheme.

Liming is a term often used to describe soil fertilization with rocks containing calcium. This is not always true, since different substances have different effects on plants. Therefore, before proceeding with the improvement of the soil by normalizing its pH factor, it is necessary to carefully study the instructions for the use of fertilizer intended for this purpose, since an excess of Ca and all its compounds is much more harmful than its deficiency.

Video: the use of dolomite flour at their summer cottage