In article ,
"David Hare-Scott" wrote:
Dan L. wrote:
Hmmm ... how much dolomite should I add to a 22 inch pot with 2
cubic feet of soil? Or does it matter? I mean the plant will take
it up as needed. Can you overdose?
Paul
You can overdose because dolomite will raise the pH, so it would be
good to know the pH before you start. For tomatoes you are looking
for pH about 6 to 6.5 IIRC. I would try about half a cup. It isn't
very soluble so it will take a while to work.
David
Warning!!! - Dolomite can be very nasty stuff to handle. Use a
respirator mask! Not some simple dust mask! Dolomite can burn your
soil (and your lungs) if too much is applied. I suggest a non burning
form of agricultural lime. There are some forms of lime that are
pelletized and much much safer (mask may OR may not be needed) and
easier to use.
I had always considered dolomite to be one iof the fairly benign
agricultural minerals and the possibility of it doing personal harm is new
to me.
Dolomite is calcium magnesium carbonate. It is slightly soluble and mildly
alkaline in water, very much like agricultural lime. It is often used in
place of lime to raise pH and/or to add magnesium if the soil is deficient.
It can contain impurities of heavy metals but so can gypsum and other
agricultural minerals, the risk with these is cumulative build-up rather
than immediate damage.
What do you mean by "it can burn your lungs"? What damage would it do?
What do you mean by "burn your soil"? What would happen? How is it
different to "non burning agricultural lime" (which is calcium carbonate)
other than the presence of magnesium as well as calcium? How does the
magnesium make it dangerous?
If you are not in a position to supply details yourself please give a
reference to this information.
David
First, I will state DOLOMITE is a very good product for gardening and
farm use! I am saying, use personal protection like the labels on the
bags state. I use and will continue to use dolomite.
I dropped a bag once and the dust flew. I was coughing so hard my lungs
was so sore and had a burning feeling for a week before I could breath
right. I had chest xrays and medicine to help the irritant clear up. I
did have safety googles on that protected my eyes. However, I had no
respirator, I used a cheap dust mask, that mistake will not happen
again. It may not kill or do permanent damage. However, I would not take
that warning label on the bag too lightly. Those bags of dolomite that I
have purchased, all have a warning label that states "USE A RESPIRATOR
WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT".
David, have ever used Dolomite?
David, have you ever not read the warning labels on those bags?
Burn your soil - like in have you not ever put too much fertilizer on
your grass? It turned the grass brown like it was BURNED and it took
weeks for the grass to grow back again.
Agricultural Lime is mostly pure calcium carbonate. Depending on the
soil test that extra magnesium may not be needed or wanted. I stand
corrected about the statement I made - "non burning agricultural lime"
that statement may not be completely true.
There are some forms of pelleted limes that may not burn.
Example "NUTRALIME" a commercial product name.
http://www.mineralprocess.com/Lawn-Turf/nutralime.html
Unknown if it is better that other forms of limes, however I never need
a mask with it and I could use a cheap spreader.
Do I need to repeat the web sites the Bill and Billy has posted? Ok.
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9923883
Read section 8, on personal safety for dolomite.
States to use safety goggles and a respirator.
--
Enjoy Life... Dan
Garden in Zone 5 South East Michigan.