Whatever the cause, dolomite lime fertilizer is usually not the answer. Let’s look at why this form of garden lime is probably not what you want. Here’s The Important Part Thompson MR (2007) Factors influencing the plasticity and strength of lime-soil mixture. Engineering Experiments Station Bullet in 492, University of Illinois Baser O (2009) Stabilization of expansive soils using waste marble dust. School of Natural and Applied Science of Middel East Technical University Machel, Hans G. (2004). "Concepts and models of dolomitization: a critical reappraisal". Geological Society, London, Special Publications. 235 (1): 7–63. Bibcode: 2004GSLSP.235....7M. doi: 10.1144/GSL.SP.2004.235.01.02. S2CID 131159219.

Generally, if your soil’s calcium-to-magnesium ratio is 6:1, then it’s considered magnesium deficient. If this is the case, then you should consider using dolomite lime in your soil to boost magnesium levels for healthy plants. What You’re Growing Calcite lime is usually the number one choice to reduce the acidity of the soil for home purposes. While both calcite and dolomite lime are fully absorbed into the soil over a 2–3 year period, calcite lime has much faster initial absorption. This means your lawn and plants will flourish faster following an application of calcite lime than with dolomite lime. is thermodynamically favorable, with a Gibbs free energy of about -2.2 kcal/mol. In theory, ordinary seawater contains sufficient dissolved magnesium to cause dolomitization. However, because of the very slow rate of diffusion of ions in solid mineral grains at ordinary temperatures, the process can occur only by simultaneous dissolution of calcite and crystallization of dolomite. This in turn requires that large volumes of magnesium-bearing fluids are flushed through the pore space in the dolomitizing limestone. [24] Several processes have been proposed for dolomitization. Most dolomite was formed as a magnesium replacement of limestone or of lime mud before lithification. [1] The geological process of conversion of calcite to dolomite is known as dolomitization and any intermediate product is known as dolomitic limestone. [2] [3] The "dolomite problem" refers to the vast worldwide depositions of dolomite in the past geologic record in contrast to the limited amounts of dolomite formed in modern times. [4] [5] Recent research has revealed sulfate-reducing bacteria living in anoxic conditions precipitate dolomite which indicates that some past dolomite deposits may be due to microbial activity. [6] [7] Sherwood PT (1962) Effect of sulfates on cement and lime treated soils. Highw Res Board Bull 353:98–107

Testing reveals not only the pH level, but nutrient deficiencies and excesses as well. Plants like grass require nutrients that are water soluble, so roots can take them up for healthy growth. A pH or nutrient imbalance inhibits this process. Fowles, Julian (25 October 1991). "Dolomite: the mineral that shouldn't exist - Scientists have never been able to make dolomite in the way the mineral forms naturally. Theories have come and gone, but the mystery of its origins remains". New Scientist . Retrieved 2021-05-31.

Photomicrograph showing diagenetic dolomite from the Middle Triassic Period growing at the expense of existing micritic material (magnified 15×). (more) Dolomite outcrops are recognized in the field by their softness (mineral dolomite has a Mohs hardness of 4 or less, well below common silicate minerals) and because dolomite bubbles feebly when a drop of dilute hydrochloric acid is dropped on it. This distinguishes dolomite from limestone, which is also soft but reacts vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid. Dolomite usually weathers to a characteristic dull yellow-brown color due to the presence of ferrous iron. This is released and oxidized as the dolomite weathers. [14] Dolomite is usually granular in appearance, with a texture resembling grains of sugar. [15]

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When soil is neutralized, these problems are eliminated and vegetation can thrive. Lime also stimulates the growth and increases activity of micro-organisms in the soil that can assist with growing conditions. Another great thing about aglime is that, when properly tilled into the soil, additional applications of the material will not need to be spread very frequently. In addition to this, agricultural lime is also able to increase the ability of vegetation to absorb essential nutrients from the ground. Typically, aglime is spread in its pure, dry “calcitic” form, meaning that the product is comprised mainly of calcium carbonate. Lime raises pH and is usually added as ground limestone, commonly called ‘garden lime’. The active ingredient is calcium carbonate.Ground limestone is easy to spread, widely offered in garden centres, and is the recommended liming material for gardeners. Calcified seaweed and ground chalk are other forms of calcium carbonate offered to gardeners.

S. Pavia and S. Caro, "Petrographic Microscope Investigation of Mortar and Ceramic Technologies for the Conservation of the Built Heritage" " . Retrieved 24 April 2017. a b c Heath, A. H.. A manual on lime and cement, their treatment and use in construction.. London: E. & F.N. Spon;, 1893. 6. Print. Dolomite is also used as the substrate in marine (saltwater) aquariums to help buffer changes in the pH of the water.

It's important to cover your entire lawn to avoid patches. I use a pellet spreader and start off by walking from north to south up and down the garden. Once I've covered the entire lawn I'll repeat the process but walking east to west,' adds Andrew Porwol of Garden Centre Shopping. Balances pH effectively: Although waiting for the treatment to become fully effective requires some patience, calcitic lime will likely be the only treatment you’ll need to balance the pH level if you plant your fields every year. Outside of these ranges, your soil will often have compaction problems, your plants will often have health issues and insect and disease problems, and you will have weed problems. The recommendations below are for the finely ground garden lime (calcium carbonate)sold in garden centres in kilograms (kg) per square metre or ounces per square yard.They are based onthe Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) recommendations for incorporation into the top 20cm (8in) of soil and are enough to raise the soil pH to pH6.5. This is considered the best all-round pH for the majority of garden plants.