Dolomite flour is made by grinding dolomite stone. This mineral on the territory of our country is very common. Today, its production volumes are quite enough to fully meet the needs of the state. This product is used in many areas of the national economy - in construction, livestock, road construction, in the glass and paint industry. He found the most widespread use in agriculture. We will talk about how to use dolomite flour in a summer cottage correctly.
The use of dolomite flour to neutralize soils
Use this product primarily to improve acidified soils. The fact that on such a land it is impossible to get a good harvest from almost any crop is known, probably, to all summer residents. The fact is that the roots of plants in acidic soil absorb nutrients very poorly. Even the application of fertilizers and an increase in the “fat content” of the earth does not change the situation. One of the most effective means used to neutralize acidic soil is dolomite flour. Application in the autumn for digging this tool is a great way to increase crop yields for next year. Make limestone flour in certain doses, depending on the degree of acidification of the site.
What other useful qualities does flour have
Among other things, dolomite flour contributes to loosening the soil and enriching it with useful minerals. For example, it contains a lot of calcium. This substance has an unusually beneficial effect on the root system of plants, increasing the efficiency of its work. Horticultural crops begin to absorb faster and easier to absorb various forms of substances such as nitrogen, phosphorus, molybdenum, potassium. Dolomite flour also contains magnesium. It is able to stimulate photosynthesis. This substance also has a beneficial effect on the vital functions of various microorganisms useful for plants.
The ability to prevent yield decline due to crop damage by certain types of insects is also one of the beneficial qualities of a fertilizer such as dolomite flour. The use of this substance in the fall will lead to the destruction of the chitin cover of beetles and worms wintering in the soil. Especially strongly this white dust affects the hard coverings of insects in the places of their articulation.
Another interesting property of dolomite flour is that it is able to bind radionuclides. Therefore, after applying it to the ground, you can get a much more environmentally friendly crop of garden and garden crops. It will be stored much better.
Next, we will figure out how exactly dolomite flour should be used - how and when to apply, its use in combination with other fertilizers, etc.
How much dolomite flour should be added
In the event that the soil has an acid reaction over the entire area of the site, it is worth filling it with dolomite flour in the fall. In this case, it is important to correctly calculate the right amount. The dosage depends mainly on the composition of the soil. So,
- on acidic soils, 500-600 g of flour per 1 m 2 should be used;
- on medium acids - 450-500 g per 1 m 2 ;
- on slightly acidic - 350-450 g per 1 m 2 .
If the soil on the site is loose and light, the dose should be reduced by 1.5 times. On heavy dense soils, on the contrary, it is increased (by 10-15%). Distribute flour throughout the garden as evenly as possible. Leveling is done with a rake. Then the soil is dug up on a bayonet shovel. Re-processing of the site will need to be done in about 8 years.
Timing of limestone flour
Next, let's figure out when exactly dolomite flour can be introduced into the soil. The use of this fertilizer in the fall, as you already understood, is most appropriate. It can be applied to the soil in spring during planting or even in summer. However, it is the way to improve the soil with its use in the winter is considered the most effective. Usually, on light soils, dolomite flour is added to the soil once every 2 years, on heavy soils - once a year. It is best to improve the soil in August-October, after the harvest of this particular crop. Of course, it is important to observe the correct dosage. For example, flour is usually added to the near-stem circles of currant in the amount of 500 g per bush. Under cherry and plum, it is also used in the fall in the amount of 1-2 kg per plant. If necessary, you can use this tool twice a year - in the spring and in the fall.
Which plants respond best to limestone flour
Next, we will figure out which plants should be used for limestone flour. Dolomite flour, the use of which in autumn is a very effective procedure, can be used to increase the yield of almost any garden crop. Of fruit trees, stone fruits respond best to this substance. Also, when using it, the yield of vegetables is significantly increased. Most effectively, this method of improving the soil acts on cabbage. Also, this tool is often used to increase the yield of tomatoes, eggplant, pepper and potatoes. It is worth making flour for legumes, salads, barley and cucumbers.
In the fall, dolomite flour should be added to all winter crops. It can be garlic, winter onions, ornamental garden plants, etc. According to the results of research conducted by scientists, the use of lime flour can help increase yields by 4-12%. The most noticeable effect of its use is manifested about a year or two after application to the soil.
Of course, there are plants that do not respond well to substances such as dolomite flour. The use in the fall or at any other time of the year of this product under gooseberries or sorrel is not recommended. Do not use it for cultivated plants even if the soil on the site has a neutral or alkaline reaction.
Compatibility of dolomite flour with other fertilizers
It is also necessary to combine dolomite flour with other fertilizers correctly. In order to enhance the effect produced by it, you can use it simultaneously with copper sulfate, boric acid or with other substances containing them in its composition. You can not mix limestone flour with urea and ammonium nitrate. It does not mix well with manure. Since the latter is used very often to fertilize plants, it is still used simultaneously with dolomite flour. However, one important recommendation should be followed. In the autumn, dolomite is scattered on the bed and only then dung. Then they dig everything up.
What dolomite flour should be used in autumn
As already mentioned, most often limestone flour is used in the fall. When buying it, you must pay attention to quality. It is determined by fineness grinding. In addition, it also depends on the raw material from which the flour was produced. Depending on these two factors, lime flour is divided into classes and groups. In agriculture, usually quite small (with particles up to 1 mm) dolomite flour is usually used. As a fertilizer, you can use its burnt version. Such flour has the advantage over ordinary flour that magnesium is better absorbed by plants from it.
Which conclusion follows from all this?
As you can see, limestone flour is a useful fertilizer and does not have any negative side effects on plants. Of course, only subject to proper use. The effectiveness of the use of dolomite flour is directly dependent on the correct dosage. Before applying this fertilizer, it is imperative to conduct studies on the level of soil acidity. At pH greater than 6, liming the soil is unnecessary. Do not use flour in combination with incompatible fertilizers.