Due to soil erosion, acid rain and the conversion of organic matter, our garden soils are subject to constant acidification. Important nutrients are extracted from the soil, which inevitably affects the development of the plants. Only a few useful and ornamental plants thrive on poor soils. Moss and weeds grow on these areas. In order to counteract the continuous depletion of minerals, the soil must be fertilized regularly. Dolomite lime is a mineral fertilizer which, with its numerous positive properties, enhances the substrate in the garden. At the same time, the growth and resilience of the ornamental and useful plants increase.
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composition
In addition to proper care and the optimal location, the substrate plays an important role in the development of the plants. It should be permeable and loose so that rain and irrigation water can drain off quickly and the roots are supplied with valuable oxygen. The nutritional content of the soil is often neglected. Depending on the age and composition, it is not enough to apply humus or compost when planting the crops. A balanced ratio of nutrients in the substrate is crucial for the growth of plants and an essential prerequisite for good soil quality. Dolomite lime is a mineral fertilizer that should not be underestimated and that can make a decisive contribution to the development of plants in the garden.
The two most important main components of the mostly granular rock include calcium and magnesium. The two minerals are important for the growth and resilience of plants. A balanced magnesium content in the soil is essential for all plants. The mineral promotes the formation of chlorophyll and has a direct effect on the photosynthesis of the plants. Almost 30% of the magnesium present in plants is contained in the green leaf pigment chlorophyll. A low magnesium content leads to deficiency symptoms and metabolic disorders. Chlorosis is one of the most well-known diseases associated with nutrient starvation. A reduced crop yield and delayed flower development are typical signs of a nutritional deficiency. Depending on the composition of the substrate, the magnesium content in the soil varies. Clay-rich soils have a high magnesium content,
Calcium in the soil is important for the structure of the soil. In conjunction with other substances, the mineral has a beneficial effect on the consistency of the substrate and loosens it up. Microorganisms in the soil benefit from calcium in the soil, which is positively noticeable in their increased activity. The nutrient is essential for useful and ornamental plants. Calcium is built into the cell walls and plays an important role in regulating the metabolism. If the fruits tend to develop more mold and brown spots appear on the fruit, this can be an indication of a calcium deficiency.
Important source of nutrients for the garden
Contrary to what is often assumed, the name of dolomite limestone does not indicate its origin. The rock is distributed worldwide, in Germany the relevant mining areas for the mineral are predominantly in western and southern Germany. Other important dolomite limestone deposits can be found in Estonia, Poland and Norway. The type of rock is chemically closely related to limestone. Compared to these, however, dolomite rock is harder and more brittle. The action of acid causes the mineral to react slowly. This has a positive effect as a fertilizer in the garden.
Where and in what quantities dolomite lime is worked into the soil depends on the properties of the substrate and the plants being cultivated. Because not every plant species can tolerate a high lime content in the soil. In many Mediterranean varieties, lime can disrupt the metabolism of the plants and prevent the absorption of water. In some cases this can lead to the death of the exotic plants. Before spreading, it is advisable to have a detailed analysis of the soil carried out. The detailed evaluation shows which measures contribute optimally to improving the substrate and which nutrients should be added to the soil. If the dosage of dolomite lime is correctly adjusted to your garden soil, the following advantages result for the plants:
- Increases resilience.
- Reduces the risk of diseases and pests.
- The growth potential increases.
- The harvest volume and flower formation increase.
Depending on the results of the soil analysis and the nature of the soil, dolomite lime is applied approximately every two or three years. For heavy soils, the application rate per square meter is 0.150 to 0.200 kg. Light to medium soils need an amount of 0.200 to 0.250 kg per m². As with all fertilizers, the motto is: less is more. An overdose of dolomite lime can negatively affect the development of the plants.
Tip : The mineral fertilizer should always be applied over a large area. The dolomite rock is unsuitable as a supplier of nutrients for individual potted plants.
Fertilize lawns and beds properly
So that the mineral fertilizer can develop its effect on the spot, the soil must first be adequately prepared. Dolomite lime is suitable to be used all year round. In winter, this measure can only be implemented to a limited extent, the frozen earth makes the work difficult. The optimal time is in spring or late summer. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to work the mineral into a freshly dug bed area. For this reason, caution is advised in areas with plants. Gloves, spades and rakes are ideal companions before spreading.
- Remove moss cushions and dead plant parts.
- Eliminate disturbing roots and stones.
- Crumble withered leaves.
- Scarify the lawn.
Scatter dolomite lime and work it into the ground. To improve the soil properties and structure, it is sufficient if the fertilizer is mixed with the substrate to a depth of about 5 to 8 cm. There is no need to dig in or dig deeper. A few days after fertilizing you can plant the plants in spring or start sowing. At the beginning of the main vegetation season, the mineral fertilizer unfolds its effect in a short time.
Tip : Have a professional soil analysis carried out every 4 to 6 years. In this way you can optimally counteract deficiencies and signs of fatigue in the soil.
Dolomite lime for the pond
The mineral fertilizer is versatile and can perform different tasks in the garden. The calcium carbonate contained in the rock increases the KH value of the water in your own pond. The carbonate hardness is an important part of a balanced ecosystem in the water. The need depends on the existing plants and the CO² in the water. If the need of the crops for carbon dioxide increases, the value of the carbonate hardness can decrease. The disadvantage: the growth of the plants decreases and the pond becomes acidic. At the same time, the production of oxygen decreases, which accelerates the formation of algae and makes life difficult for the water dwellers. Dolomite lime can help regulate the acid-base balance of the pond.
- Perform a water test regularly.
- Periodically clean the water with a filter.
- Spread large dolomite rocks directly in the pond.
Anyone who operates a watercourse without technology can decoratively lay the dolomite lime in whole pieces in the water. A regular check of the water values is advisable. In this way, you can intervene quickly in the event of strong fluctuations and prevent a shortage or oversupply.
Conclusion
Dolomite lime is a sustainable mineral fertilizer that is used just as successfully in the garden as it is in agriculture. The mineral invigorates the soil, improves its properties and ensures increased plant growth. Its application is simple, unlike biological fertilizer, the dolomite rock rarely has to be applied annually.
