Crushed dolomite mineral or dolomite flour is often used for environmentally friendly soil fertilization. This ideal budget product is used in small quantities and really effectively acts on the soil, improving its condition and increasing the yield of garden crops.
Studying soil acidity
Dolomite flour is used in greenhouses and vegetable gardens in spring, summer, and autumn, primarily to reduce acidity. The volume of dolomite application depends on the acidity level of the soil, which must be established using one of the following methods:
- using vinegar - a handful of earth should be mixed with a small amount of vinegar; if foam is released, it means the soil is slightly acidic;
- using grape juice – add a small lump of earth to a glass of grape juice; if the color of the juice changes and bubbles appear, it means the soil is slightly acidic;
- with the help of weeds - woodlice, buttercups, and plantain grow on acidic soils;
- using pH meters - acidity is automatically determined by special devices.
Soil deoxidation is carried out as standard once every 3–5 years.
Useful uses and properties of dolomite flour in spring
It is recommended to start fertilizing with dolomite flour in early spring, when the soil is just beginning to be prepared. Complementary feeding can be done in different ways.
Processing open ground
The easiest way is to scatter flour over the beds a couple of weeks before planting the plants, then dig up the soil and loosen it. This procedure helps to avoid the spread of mold, rot and other fungi that harm plants. Dolomite flour dosage:
- acidic soil – 600 g per 1 m2;
- medium acid soil – 450 g per 1 m2;
- slightly acidic soil – 350 g per 1 m2.
Use in greenhouses
When used in greenhouses or greenhouses, dolomite flour is scattered over the entire area of the soil, but the earth is not dug up. Dosage – 100 g per 1 m2. With this method, the soil is protected from drying out by a thin film of flour that retains moisture.
Application for individual beds
When planting or sowing crops that require acidity, 5 tablespoons of fertilizer are poured directly into the holes and distributed over the root system. To increase the yield of fruit and berry crops, boric acid (7–8 ml per 1 kg) or half a teaspoon of copper sulfate is added to dolomite flour.
Watering with dolomite “milk”
By diluting flour and water in a ratio of 1 kg per 10 liters, you can get the so-called dolomite “milk”. Vegetable beds are watered with it once a week in the spring. The solution helps fight ticks, beetles, flies and other pests.
Tree feeding
1–2 kg of fertilizer is applied under the tree into the soil around the trunk using a flat cutter. Plum and cherry trees can be fed annually. Thanks to dolomite powder, trees will bear fruit in large quantities.
Compatibility with other fertilizers
Dolomite promotes the absorption of phosphorus compounds by plants, but it should not be used simultaneously with organic, mineral fertilizers (superphosphate, ammonium nitrate, urea, compost), otherwise they will neutralize each other. A significant effect is noticeable only from a combination with copper sulfate and boric acid.
Regardless of the method of application, dolomite flour accelerates plant development, fights insects, and improves soil quality. The fertilizer is completely safe for people and animals, the main thing is to adhere to the recommended proportions.
