Lime dolomite flour method of application. Lime or dolomite flour: pros and cons. Instructions for use for individual garden beds

Dolomite flour is the most popular and effective means of quickly reducing soil acidity. Low consumption, environmental friendliness and low cost are the main advantages of this substance. In this article we will tell you what it is dolomite flour and how to use it in gardening.

Dolomite flour has proven itself to be convenient natural remedy to reduce soil acidity. It is a crystalline carbonate mineral with a characteristic luster and light color ranging from white to gray. In some cases, the flour may take on a reddish or even brown tint. Dolomite flour is produced industrially by crushing the mineral dolomite into small pieces. The product is popular not only among summer residents, but also among home gardening enthusiasts. Unlike the most well-known means for reducing soil acidity, dolomite flour is not so expensive, and its consumption is much less. Thus, slaked lime, containing calcium ion and a hydroxyl group, “deoxidizes” the soil too much and sharply, as a result of which plants cannot adapt to new conditions and absorb phosphorus very slowly. For this reason, lime should only be applied in autumn period, when the harvest is harvested and the soil has time to reach relative chemical equilibrium before the next gardening season. Wood ash is another powerful way to reduce acidity. It contains from 30% to 60% calcium salts, but the problem is that the exact composition is impossible to know. It depends on the type of trees used to produce ash, on the parts of the plant that were processed (roots, trunk, branches), on the nature of the soil and climatic conditions of the area where these trees grew. It is completely impossible to calculate the exact amount of ash at home without chemical analysis, so you have to act at random. Most often, ash is used for seedlings and indoor plants, because it contains sufficient amounts of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. In both cases (lime and ash), fertilizer is required 2 times more than dolomite flour, if we consider the same unit of area. Properties of dolomite flour Dolomite flour is dolomite ground into powder. This is a mineral with a high percentage of calcium. Over time, after long-term use of soil for growing fruit crops her Chemical properties deteriorate, so replacement of lost elements is required. The addition of dolomite flour allows you to maintain the required level of hydrogen and calcium ions artificially. When lime flour gets into the fertile soil layer, it not only neutralizes its acidity, but also enriches it with micro- and macroelements beneficial for plants. How and when to add dolomite flour? The main advantage of the fertilizer is its versatility - in addition to the fact that flour can be applied at any time of the year, it helps to improve the yield of almost any crop: berries, vegetables, fruits, grains and even flowers. Moreover, fertilizing with lime flour gives the same positive effect both in the garden in the fresh air and in greenhouses or on the windowsill at home. Particular effectiveness is observed on sandy loam soils and soils with low magnesium content. It is not recommended to use flour on soil with neutral acidity, since in this case it can only disrupt the natural physical and chemical balance. What effect does flour have after being added to the soil: improvement of biological characteristics of soil; increasing the content of micro- and macroelements, minerals necessary for plants; increasing the efficiency of other applied compounds; improving the quality of plant nutrition; improving productivity and product quality; removal of radionuclides from crops (environmentally friendly products); calcium in flour promotes rapid growth and development of not only above-ground parts of plants, but also root systems; Magnesium in flour helps improve photosynthesis. Dolomite flour is known as effective remedy for pest control with absolute non-toxicity towards soil and garden crops. The smallest particles of flour act as a highly irritating abrasive, destroying the chitinous shells of insects. Application of dolomite flour To determine required amount dolomite fertilizer, you should find out the acidity of the soil in the area and its mechanical composition (sandy, clayey, light, heavy, etc.). To do this, it is recommended to use appropriate devices and disposable tests, which are sold in any gardening store. Soil acidity is expressed in pH and is designated by numbers from 0 to 14. There are three types of acidity: weak – pH 7 and above; neutral – pH7; acidic – pH below 7. You can measure soil acidity at home: The effectiveness of using dolomite flour will increase if it is added simultaneously with copper sulfate and boric acid. And one more useful video that will help you determine the characteristics of the soil before deoxidizing the soil with dolomite flour: How to fertilize the soil Depending on the acidity of the soil, dolomite flour should be added to the soil in different proportions. So, about 600 g per square meter should be added to acidic soil. m, in neutral – up to 500 g per sq. m, in slightly acidic - up to 350 g per square meter. m. If you are dealing with light sandy soils, reduce this amount by 1.5 times, if with heavy clay soils, increase it by 10-15%. Helpful tip: To increase the effectiveness of lime flour, try to distribute it over the ground as evenly as possible. The benefits of properly spread fertilizer will last for 7-10 years. It should be borne in mind that plants may react to the addition of flour in different ways. Based on this, garden and garden crops are divided into several groups: Intolerance to acidic soils - this group includes beets, white and red cabbage, alfalfa, sainfoin. These crops feel comfortable only on slightly acidic or neutral soil. Improved yields are observed even when dolomite flour is added to non-acidic soils. Sensitive to high acidity, but can grow wheat, barley, beans, corn, soybeans, beans, cucumbers, lettuce, clover, and onions. Soils with neutral or low acidity are best suited for these crops. Radishes, millet, rye, timothy, buckwheat, tomatoes and carrots are practically not susceptible to high acidity. These crops grow equally well in soils with acidity ranging from pH 4 to pH 7.5. To grow potatoes and flax, flour must be added only to acidic and moderately acidic soils. So, if potatoes grow in acidic soil, they will certainly become infected with scab, and the level of starch in the tubers will decrease significantly. In such conditions, flax will develop calcium chlorosis, which will affect the quality of the fibers. Features of soil fertilization If your site is located on heavy clay soil, then dolomite fertilizer should be applied annually. For all other types of soil, it needs to be applied once every 3-4 years. Despite the fact that you can fertilize the soil with flour at any time, it is still better to do it in the fall, so that by spring the soil will become as harmonious as possible chemically. The flour should be distributed as evenly as possible, loosening it 10-15 cm into the soil and mixing properly. If you simply scatter dolomite, but do not dig up the ground, the effect of such “fertilizer” will appear only after a year, when the sediments are washed away deeper. It is very useful to fertilize the soil with both flour and manure at the same time, but you should not mix them together. First, spread the flour, then the manure, and only after that you can dig. If cherries and plums grow in your garden, feed them with 1-2 kg of dolomite flour every year after harvesting - this way you will get consistently large and juicy fruits every year. For those who grow black currants, we can recommend adding 500 g of flour to each bush every 2 years, and for especially large bushes you can even be generous by 1 kg. Cabbage and turnips will grow faster and larger if you add dolomite flour when planting. Dolomite “milk” is another gardening trick. IN spring period water from time to time vegetable crops water mixed with flour. Dolomite flour is not suitable for fertilizing sorrel and gooseberries. To grow flowers, flour should be added before planting, poured into a hole or pot and mixed thoroughly with the soil. Violets, hyacinths and orchids love this fertilizer. Never mix dolomite limestone flour with ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium sulfate or superphosphate as a dangerous reaction may occur. Get ready for the fact that the positive effects of dolomite flour will not appear instantly, but gradually. Greatest benefit it begins to bear fruit in the 2nd and 3rd years after liming the soil, increasing crop yields by 5-15%. We hope this article helped you figure out how to use dolomite flour in the garden to always get rich harvests.

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

What is dolomite flour

Dolomite (limestone) flour is crushed dolomite, which belongs 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; The presence of fractions up to 5 mm is allowed, but not more than 7%. Limestone flour is widely used in household plots to deoxidize soils and control insects with chitinous cover. The product is safe for other living organisms. But nevertheless, flour contains extremely small particles; work with it should be carried out in calm weather, protecting your eyes and respiratory tract if possible.

Photo gallery: the path of dolomite - from the mountain to the garden plot

Dolomite - rock Dolomite flour is produced on an industrial scale Dolomite (limestone) flour can be white, gray and even orange color Dolomite flour is packaged in bags

Dolomite flour is sold in stores, packaged in 5 or 10 kg, has white or grey colour. During its production, no third-party chemical elements are mixed in, since dolomite itself is useful.

How smaller particles 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 using fertilizer depending on soil type

The rates for applying dolomite flour depend on the chemical and biological composition of the soil at the dacha or personal plot. For one square meter required:

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

For maximum effect limestone flour is evenly distributed throughout the area and mixed with soil (approximately 15 cm from the top layer). You can simply scatter the product over the beds, 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.

It is best to apply dolomite flour to the ridges in the fall

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

1. They do not tolerate acidic soils, plants grow well on neutral and alkaline soils, and respond positively to the addition of dolomite even on slightly acidic soils. Such crops include: alfalfa, all types of beets and cabbage.
2. Sensitive to acidic soil. Plants of this group prefer neutral soils and respond positively to the addition of limestone flour 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 react positively to the application of dolomite flour at the recommended rates in acidic and slightly acidic soil. These are rye, oats, millet, buckwheat, timothy, radish, carrots, and tomato.
4. Plants that need liming only when the soil is highly acidic. Potatoes, for example, when dolomite flour is applied without the recommended amount of potassium fertilizers, can develop scab, the starch content in tubers decreases, and flax can develop calcium chlorosis.

Table: rules for adding dolomite flour

For other garden crops, dolomite is applied two weeks before planting in quantities depending on the acidity of the soil.

Dolomite flour in greenhouses is distributed over ridges in the amount of 200 g per 1 sq.m. Only unlike open ground In this case, the soil is not dug up. Dolomite creates a film that retains moisture.

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

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

Table: compatibility of dolomite flour with various fertilizers

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

Video: dolomite flour in agriculture

Garden tricks for using fertilizer

1. If the soil on the site is clayey, dolomite is added 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 can rest and be saturated with all 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 is applied to trees around the perimeter of the tree trunk circle

Analogues of the product for use in the garden

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

It is also successfully used to reduce soil acidity. But here you need to take into account the type of wood from which the ash was made; calculating the 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 neutralizes the soil, and prevents crops from sufficiently absorbing phosphorus and nitrogen, so it is better to apply lime in the fall before digging. Under no circumstances should it be sprinkled on the plant - the fluff causes burns to the leaves. AND Excess slaked lime leads to serious damage to the roots.

Lime causes burns on plant leaves and roots

Thanks to dolomite flour, you can get a safe, tasty, rich harvest. It's economical, but effective method enrich the soil of your garden plot with useful microelements, without having to worry about damaging the plants.

Dolomite is a carbonate rock that is a complex of calcium and magnesium, and the so-called “dolomite flour” is crushed dolomite. This mineral is widely used in plant growing. Knowing what dolomite flour is, how to use this product in the garden and in what ways to apply it, you can significantly improve the condition of the soil and increase plant productivity.

Most Russian garden plots are located on acidic podzolic soils. Among garden crops, it is difficult to find acidophilic plants that prefer to grow on such soils.

The acidic reaction of the environment negatively affects the development of plants:

• Nitrogen is poorly absorbed, plants exhibit symptoms of nitrogen starvation: chlorosis, growth retardation, shredding of leaves and fruits, death of buds;
• phosphorus turns into an indigestible form, plants experience symptoms of phosphorus starvation: general depression, dying of leaves, deterioration or cessation of flowering and fruiting;
• beneficial soil flora is suppressed, pathogen activity increases, plants are severely affected by root rot and fungal infections.

At high level soil acidity (pH less than 5.5 units), the use of a deoxidizing agent, which is dolomite flour, becomes mandatory. When transferred into the soil solution, calcium and magnesium carbonates neutralize acids and make the soil more suitable for crop production.

Speaking about why dolomite flour is needed in the garden, it is worth noting important role calcium in fertility. Analysis various types soil shows that the less of this element the soil contains, the lower the fertility:

This dependence is explained by the fact that calcium ions help the formation of soil colloids, due to which porosity increases and the structure of the soil improves.

What plants is it good for?

Almost all garden crops will respond well to the addition of dolomite flour.

Its use is especially useful when growing the following plants:

• all types of cabbage;
• radishes, turnips, daikon;
• beets and chard;
• green crops: dill, parsley, celery, cilantro, lettuce, mustard;
• onion crops: onion, leek, slime, batun, shallot, chives, garlic;
• carrot;
• potatoes and eggplants;
• pepper;
• garden strawberries;
• pumpkin crops: cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, squash;
• melons: watermelons and melons;
• legumes: peas, beans, beans.

Tomatoes are more tolerant of elevated pH levels, but the addition of dolomite flour will also have a positive effect on their yield. Under acidophilic fruit and ornamental crops (blueberries, sorrel, cranberries, gooseberries, rhododendrons), the soil does not deoxidize.

How to use it correctly?

Before using dolomite flour, it is necessary to determine the acidity and granulometric composition of the soil. Application rates directly depend on this:

If the soil pH is 6.0 or higher, the use of dolomite flour is not recommended.

Adding dolomite flour

Dolomite flour can be added to the soil in four ways:

• Over the entire area of ​​the site. Based on application rates, flour is scattered over the surface of the site, after which the soil is dug up.
• Along a bed or tree trunk circle. Based on the application rates, the flour is distributed over the prepared bed and incorporated into the soil with a rake. Sealing in trunk circle is done with a flat cutter, after which the soil is mulched.
• Into the planting hole. When planting seedlings or when planting potatoes, add 5 tablespoons of dolomite powder to each hole, mix with soil and plant.

To increase the effectiveness of dolomite flour, it is useful to add it simultaneously with well-ripened compost, manure or leaf humus. It cannot be used simultaneously with mineral fertilizers. If this type of fertilizing is preferred, deoxidizer and fertilizers are applied at intervals of at least 1 week.

Terms of application of fertilizer

Most often, dolomite flour is used for autumn or spring training soil. In autumn this is done after harvesting, in spring - 2-3 weeks before sowing.

Dolomite powder can also be used in the summer. During this period it is more convenient to process perennial crops, embedding the product in the tree trunk circles.

The frequency of treatments depends on the properties of the soil. On heavy clays, dolomite flour is used every year. On medium and light soils – once every 3-5 years.

Effect of fertilizing

The effect of adding dolomite flour does not appear immediately. A shift in acidity occurs over several months, so on highly acidified soils it is more profitable to till the soil in the fall. Spring and summer applications are carried out on well-cultivated soils in order to maintain optimal acid-base balance.

Systematic and competent use of dolomite flour in the garden leads to the following results:

• noticeable improvement in the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil;
• increasing the activity of beneficial soil flora;
• reducing the incidence of plant fungal and bacterial infections;
• reducing the susceptibility of plants to soil pests;
• increasing the power of the root system of plants, the formation of healthy, even roots and tubers;
• general increase in crop yields.

The maximum effect develops 2-3 years after the addition of dolomite powder and the transfer of calcium and magnesium into the soil solution.

How to replace dolomite flour?

In addition to dolomite flour, the following means are used to deoxidize the soil:

Thus, dolomite flour can be replaced on strongly acidic soils with either fluff lime or agrochalk. In areas with a slightly acidic soil reaction, it is more profitable to use wood ash.

Pros and cons of using

Like any other product, dolomite flour has its advantages and disadvantages:

• Advantages– environmentally friendly and safe, positive effect on soil flora, high efficiency in deoxidizing and increasing soil fertility, possibility of use throughout the season.
• Flaw– gradual development of the effect.

Considering the fact that dolomite flour has significantly more advantages than disadvantages, it can be considered an almost ideal means for improving soil. When using dolomite powder according to the application standards, there are no negative side effects not visible.

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

Description and characteristics

Dolomite flour is a substance in powder form. 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 product not only as a fertilizer, but also to resist diseases of garden plants.

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

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

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

This fertilizer is useful for vegetable crops (beets, potatoes, onions, carrots), fruit trees, berry plants (cherries, plums, cherries). And also for some herbs and cereal plants.

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

It is indispensable on magnesium-poor soils, as well as on sandstones and sandy loam soils.

Soil deoxidation

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

To determine 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.

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

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

Benefit

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

Harm

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

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

When to use?

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

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

On highly acidified soils it is also used in spring.

Often flour is simply sprinkled on the area before digging.

Experienced gardeners advise not to delay the application of dolomite in the fall. This will help the soil to be fully prepared for the next gardening season and will not cause any harm to garden crops.

How to deposit correctly?

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

Application rates

• For acidic soils (pH 3-4) you will need 55 kilograms per hundred square meters.
• For slightly acidic ones (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 sufficient.

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

Before purchasing dolomite flour, you need to calculate the required volume of fertilizer. Manufacturers of this supplement offer various shapes packaging starting from 1 kg.

Note. An average of 350 kg of dry fertilizer is required for a plot of 6 acres.

For different plants

Flour will be beneficial if you use it:

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

Fertilizer must be applied in areas with highly or moderately acidified soil. It will relieve potatoes from scab disease and make up for the lack of starch. In addition, flour will help fight the main pest of potato beds - the Colorado potato beetle. To do this, fertilizer is scattered around the area before digging.

He loves dolomite and garden strawberries. Fertilizing based on it is applied in the autumn, so as not to harm young seedlings when spring transplant. To prepare it, mix two large spoons of nitrophoska, 200 g of ash, 400 g of dolomite (the dosage is given for 1 sq. m.).

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

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

If you decide to apply deoxidizer in the garden, then the main thing is to spread it as evenly as possible, not forgetting to then embed it in the soil (at least 10 cm deep). When it gets directly into the soil, the fertilizer begins to intensively release minerals.

Note. If flour is left on the arable land (without loosening and embedding in the ground), the action is delayed of this fertilizer. 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, and copper sulfate. Since this substance normalizes the acidity level, they begin to actively multiply in the soil. earthworms. The latter not only help loosen the soil, but also accelerate the rate of absorption of organic matter.

However, it should be remembered that dolomite powder is not compatible with saltpeter, urea, and superphosphates. Also, do not apply fertilizer with fresh manure. The combination of these fertilizers causes a 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 incorporated into the soil immediately after harvesting - no later than the end of August.

Basic mistakes

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

Among the most common mistakes:

• Failure to comply with the dosage of fertilizer application. Despite the fact that everything is written in detail on the package of fertilizer, not all gardeners follow the instructions. As a result, one can no longer expect any benefit from the application.
• The use of fertilizer in combination with manure and complex fertilizing, which were mentioned above. This is strictly forbidden.
• Dolomite flour will not appeal to those plants that thrive in acidic soils. We are talking about cranberries and blueberries, sorrel and gooseberries.

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

• By inspecting your possessions.

Sometimes it is enough to walk around the site to understand in which areas it is necessary to add dolomite. Weeds are excellent guides in this matter. So, if woodlice has firmly established itself in the beds, and not only during the rainy season, then the soil here is very acidic. The growth of loaches or sparrows indicates a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Dandelions and chamomile like slightly acidic soils, but quinoa and nettle prefer extremely fertile, neutral soil.

• Using an infusion of black currant leaves.

Place several currant leaves in a jar and pour hot water, insist, cool. To determine the acidity of the soil, take a handful of soil and pour it into this jar. Then mix, wait for sedimentation and analyze. If the soil is acidic, the solution will take on a reddish tint; if it is neutral, it will be green; if it is slightly acidic, it will be bluish.

• Using 9% vinegar.

Take a handful of earth and water it acetic acid and watch. If small bubbles appear on it, it means a reaction has begun. In such cases, a conclusion is drawn about the presence of alkali in the soil. If nothing is formed, the soil is acidic, which is why vinegar did not react with it.

Conclusion

Proper use of dolomite flour helps increase the yield of fruit and berry 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.

Most of the crops grown in garden plots are sensitive to soil quality. It is possible to regularly obtain abundant harvests only if the soil is neutral or slightly alkaline. Acidic soil is not suitable for farming, so the acidity is neutralized before planting. Suitable means Dolomite flour is used for this, but there are some nuances in using fertilizer.

What is dolomite flour?

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

Dolomite contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium carbonates, which effectively neutralize soil acidity, which makes it beneficial for Agriculture. These 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 concentrations.

Dolomite flour can be used as fertilizer. During the purely mechanical processing process, no chemical additives are added; the product is used in its natural form. Consequently, such fertilizer is completely safe for both the environment and human health.

The finer the grind, the higher the quality of the fertilizer. This is exactly what you need to focus on when purchasing it. The best product 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 or fired. The advantage of the second option is that the plantings will receive more magnesium.

Photo gallery: raw materials and mechanical processing products

Packages of dolomite flour are sold in stores

Mineral after grinding

Mineral in natural form

Useful properties for the garden

Dolomite flour is an excellent fertilizer that helps to obtain a stable harvest regardless of the quality of the soil.

But the benefits of this product 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 the soil structure improves, the use of fertilizer has other positive effects:

1. The number of weeds in the garden area is reduced.
2. Microorganisms, bacteria and insects that are beneficial to plants living in the soil are stimulated to reproduce.
3. The effect of other fertilizers applied to planting (chemical or natural) becomes more noticeable.
4. The number of pests is sharply reduced. Powder particles act as an abrasive, damaging the chitinous cover of beetles and soft fabrics slugs. By the way, you can not only bury flour in the soil, but also sprinkle it on trunks, branches, stems and leaves. The product is absolutely safe for people and pets.
5. Fruits that receive less damage from pests are stored much better.
6. The plantings take root well, since the roots, in the presence of calcium, grow faster and become stronger. The plant better resists various infections (especially rot) and receives more nutrients from the soil.
7. Ecological purity of grown vegetables, berries and fruits. Dolomite flour has the unique property of neutralizing heavy metal salts, even radionuclides, deposited in the soil.

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

When to deposit?

Dolomite flour can be added to the soil at any time, since improving the quality and additional remediation of the soil will never be superfluous.

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

The nuances of applying and using fertilizer

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

It should be noted right away that with uncontrolled scattering of dolomite flour over the site, high yields should not be expected.

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

If the entire area is cultivated, the procedure should be carried out once 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 area, leveled with a rake, and then the ground is dug up to a depth of at least one shovel bayonet.

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

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

Be prepared for the fact that the positive effect will not appear immediately. The soil composition will be at its 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 used quite rarely.

How to use dolomite flour in greenhouses?

There are no obstacles to the use of dolomite flour in greenhouses, hotbeds and greenhouses. On average, about 100 g are needed per 1 m². But unlike open ground, after spreading fertilizer over the entire area of ​​the beds, they do not dig up the soil. Flour creates a thin film on the soil surface that retains moisture inside, preventing it from evaporating. Thus, upper layer the land does not dry out.

Instructions for use for individual garden beds

Another option is to treat specific beds where it is planned to plant crops sensitive to soil acidity, or the root zone of trees and shrubs. Dolomite flour is added to the holes when planting, into the beds when digging, or scattered at the roots (then the soil must be well loosened). But it arises actual question: How much dolomite flour will be needed?

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

For light sandy and sandy loam soils in the beds, the norm is reduced by about a third. One procedure with an interval of 3-4 years is enough. In this case, significantly less fertilizer is consumed and the acid-base balance is maintained at the same level due to the regular supply 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 not recommended. You can upset the natural acid-base balance. Excess calcium is a much more serious problem than a lack of this microelement.

Table: application rate of dolomite flour depending on the soil

Video: adding dolomite flour to beds and under plantings

What agricultural crops require dolomite flour?

Different plants react to acidified soil in different ways. For some of them, increased acidity levels are very suitable. Therefore, before scattering dolomite flour over the beds, find out whether the crop needs such fertilizer.

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 addition of dolomite flour by increasing their yield.
2. For plants that prefer alkaline soils, the product is applied to the root zone every autumn; the recommended dose increases by 10–15% compared to the amount of fertilizer at planting. If you are planting a new tree or bush, apply fertilizer to the hole. One bush will cost about 0.1 kg, a pome seedling (pear, apple tree) - 0.3 kg, a stone fruit seedling - 0.5 kg.
3. If vegetable and berry crops need flour, it is placed in holes or furrows for seeds and planted immediately. This is especially true for 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. Perennial flowers and ornamental plants also need this product.

Do not neglect the application 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. Method of J. Mittleider. For 1 kg of dolomite flour, take 7–8 g of boric acid powder. This mixture is scattered over the beds after harvesting, then the soil is dug up. The norm per 1 p/m is 200 g if the soil is heavy or peaty, and half as much if it is light sandy. After 5–7 days additional payments are made mineral fertilizers, containing potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen. The bed is dug up again.
2. Method of 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. Mix everything thoroughly.

What can replace dolomite flour?

In addition to dolomite flour, the function of soil deoxidation is performed by slaked lime And wood ash. But the first remedy has a number of advantages over them.

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

Calcium hydroxide also neutralizes soil acidity

In addition, calcium hydroxide cannot be added to the soil immediately before planting - it will prevent the plants from absorbing the nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus contained in the soil or 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 using ash to deoxidize a large garden plot is problematic. Only small packages are available for sale. And since the consumption of ash per unit area is approximately twice as high as the consumption of dolomite flour, most often the required amount is not available on the farm. Purchasing ash every year is quite expensive.

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