calcitic lime vs dolomitic lime

Calcitic lime is derived from deposits of primarily calcium carbonate. Dolomitic

lime is derived from deposits of calcium carbonate combined with magnesium carbonate and contains much higher levels of magnesium. The key factors in deciding which of these types of lime should be applied to your soil is the soil pH and magnesium level.

Full Answer

What is the difference between lime and calcium?

• Lime kiln dust is the very fine dust (particle size of less than 0.1 mm) produced by kilns used to burn lime. ...
• Wet lime is also known as liquid lime. The effectiveness of liquid lime is determined by its NV, not its ENV. ...
• Dolomite is a mixture of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate (CaCO3 and MgCO3). ...

What is the difference between dolomite and limestone?

• Both are carbonate sedimentary rocks.
• Limestone is calcium carbonate. Dolomite is Calcium and Magnesium carbonate.
• To distinguish limestone from dolomite dilute hydrochloric acid is used. Limestone effervesces in the acid and only powdered dolomite effervesces in the acid.
• Below picture shows the transition of a limestone to dolomite.

Why is dolomitic limestone better?

,” include the following:

• Calcium deficiencies in Wisconsin are rare in soils above pH 6.0. ...
• If liming is required, a dolomitic or calcitic liming material will supply sufficient calcium to maintain crop growth. ...
• Choose the most economical liming material when liming is required. ...
• If you choose a liming material low in magnesium, be careful to avoid magnesium deficiencies. ...

Can you spread lime with a fertilizer spreader?

When you have acid soil, raising its pH with lime makes any other fertilizer you use on your lawn more effective. The easiest way to add lime to a lawn is to apply it with a spreader. You can find ag lime spreaders for sale just about everywhere, including at your local nursery or farm and garden supply store.

Should I use dolomitic vs calcitic lime?

Even though magnesium carbonate is alkaline just like calcium carbonate, it doesn't work quite as effectively. So if you are merely looking to correct the pH balance, you are much better served choosing calcitic lime. With this in mind, you should only use dolomite lime if you need to add magnesium to your soil.

What is calcitic lime used for?

In addition to this Calcitic Lime also encourages the growth of microorganisms that contribute to plant health. The calcium will also work to help release trapped nutrients in the soil and this combined with neutralizing the pH, plants (and crops) will thrive.

What is the difference between agricultural lime and dolomite lime?

As with agricultural lime, dolomitic lime works to increase the pH levels of acidic soil and return the earth to nearly neutral. The primary difference between the two materials is that, in addition to containing calcium carbonate, dolomitic lime also contains a mixture of magnesium carbonate.

How long does calcitic lime last?

Calcitic limestone dissolves faster than dolomitic limestone so it quickly adjusts a growing medium's pH within one week, but it has a shorter residual effect of up to 1-2 months.

How much calcium is in calcitic lime?

Calcite is pure calcium carbonate (CaCO3, 40 percent Ca). Calcitic lime is composed of mostly CaCO3 (> 30 percent Ca) with some MgCO3 (<5 percent Mg). Dolomitic lime contains less CaCO3 (<30 percent Ca) and more MgCO3 (>5 percent) than calcitic lime.

Will dolomite lime lower pH?

Dolomite lime does not lower pH. Dolomite lime raises pH by adding calcium and magnesium to the soil. If you want to lower soil pH, consider adding elemental sulfur. Adding ammonia based fertilizers will also lower pH to make soil more acidic.

What are the three types of lime?

Different Types of LimeDry-slaked Lime. In the late 18th century towns and cities were growing at an exponential rate and required lime to be made on site; before it can mature. ... Lime Putty. ... Non Hydraulic Lime. ... Hydraulic Lime. ... Feebly hydraulic Lime. ... Ashlar Hydraulic Lime. ... Moderately Hydraulic Lime. ... Eminently Hydraulic Lime.

What type of lime is best for gardens?

Limestone alters the pH of the soil and provides nutrients to plant life. Ground limestone, either calcitic or dolomitic, is the most used, most abundant, and generally least expensive form of lime.

What type of lime do farmers use?

Types of Lime for Agricultural Crops Lime is available as magnesium or calcium additives. Magnesium-based lime is called dolomitic lime. Calcium-based lime is called calcitic lime. Depending on your soil's specific deficiency, it may require one type of lime or the other.

How fast does calcitic lime work?

How long will it take for lime to react with the soil and how long will it last? Lime will react completely with the soil in two to three years after it has been applied; although, benefits from lime may occur within the first few months after application.

What is the best lime for lawns?

Calcitic lime is the preferred type, thanks to the added plant benefits provided by the calcium. There are several types of calcitic lime products available, including agricultural ground limestone, pulverized limestone, and pelletized limestone.

Which is better dolomite or limestone?

One of the benefits to using Dolomite over regular Limestone is its effectiveness in the agricultural industry. Due to the high concentration of magnesium in the stone, it is able to provide a highly effective, long lasting boost to nutrients in soil and balance the pH levels.

What are The Benefits of Calcitic Lime?

Calcitic lime has long been the preferred treatment for acidic soil. A thorough application of pulverized limestone tilled into the soil raises the...

What are Calcitic Lime’s Limitations?

Typical calcitic lime treatments require some patience. If you apply dry calcitic lime on a dry field, you will need to wait for rain for the treat...

What are the Benefits of Dolomite Lime?

When it comes to raising and balancing the pH of your soil, both calcitic and dolomite lime are effective. However, unlike calcitic lime, dolomite...

What are Dolomite Lime’s Limitations?

However, while dolomite lime works well if you need to raise your magnesium levels, excess magnesium creates new dangers. Too much magnesium can ca...

Dry vs. Damp Lime

When choosing a lime treatment, you will also have to choose whether to use damp lime or traditional dry lime. Both have their advantages and disad...

Fine Pulverized vs. Pelletized Lime

In addition to choosing between dry and damp lime, you can also choose between pulverized and pelletized lime. Each have their applications, so dep...

Need Help Choosing?

Deciding whether calcitic lime or dolomite lime is best for you can be difficult. If you are having trouble deciding, you can contact a Baker Lime...

What is the difference between calcitic lime and dolomitic lime?

Calcitic Lime vs. Dolomitic Lime. Both calcitic lime and dolomitic lime are made primarily from pulverized limestone. The difference in the types of lime are determined by the chemical makeup and mineral deposits in the stone itself. Studies from the University of Wisconsin show that overall, there is little difference in ...

Which is better, calcite or dolomite?

Calcite lime is typically the best choice for home applications because it provides faster results and is less likely to cause harm to the soil. Dolomite lime reduces soil acidity at a slower rate than calcite lime (a few months vs. a few weeks) and may have the side effect of hardening clay soils, which further inhibits plant growth.

How long does it take for calcitic lime to penetrate soil?

While dolomitic and calcite lime both lower soil acidity with the same effectiveness over a multiyear period, calcitic lime is absorbed into the soil in 2–3 weeks, while dolomite lime can take several months to penetrate the soil. Not only that, but dolomite lime can cause soil compaction if used improperly.

What is the best lime for soil?

Calcitic Lime. Calcite lime is the most common type of lime available in most regions. It is a great choice for lowering the acidity of soil. Below are the key things to remember about calcite lime. Derived from limestone with calcium carbonate deposits. Contains high calcium levels. Contains little to no magnesium.

What is agricultural lime?

Agricultural lime is a catch-all term for lime formulations for agricultural use. Agricultural lime, or AgLime, can be found in dolomitic or calcitic varieties. There are several different ways lime can be prepared for spreading and soil combination. You may see pulverized, pelletized, and hydrated lime. For lawn and garden use, pelletized lime is ...

How long does it take for calcite to absorb into soil?

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. Calcite lime contains little to magnesium.

What is dolomite lime made of?

Below are the key things to keep in mind when considering dolomite lime. Derived from limestone with both calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate deposits . Contains lower levels of calcium. Contains magnesium.

What is the difference between dolomitic and calcitic lime?

The short answer? Very unlikely. Calcitic lime is derived from deposits of primarily calcium carbonate. Dolomitic lime is derived from deposits of calcium carbonate combined with magnesium carbonate and contains much higher levels of magnesium. The key factors in deciding which of these types of lime should be applied to your soil is ...

Does lime neutralize acid?

There is little difference between lime types in their respective ability to neutralize soil acidity. Also, as long as the amount of each is adequate, the balance of magnesium and calcium can vary quite a lot and have little or no impact on crop performance.

Can you use gypsum in Wisconsin soil?

Do not apply gypsum or calcitic limestone to Wisconsin soils simply to increase soil calcium to magnesium ratios. If you choose a liming material low in magnesium, be careful to avoid magnesium deficiencies. High calcium applications alone can decrease soil and plant magnesium levels.

Does liming need calcium?

However, if a crop requiring a low pH is being grown and liming is not recommended, gypsum can supply calcium to the crop. If liming is required, a dolomitic or calcitic liming material will supply sufficient calcium to maintain crop growth.

Is dolomitic lime cheaper than other limes?

Either way, one source of lime may be cheaper than the other. In this case, it may have been applied repeatedly over many years. The end result of repeated applications of dolomitic lime can be a build-up of soil magnesium level shown in soil test reports.

Does calcium affect magnesium?

High calcium applications alone can decrease soil and plant magnesium levels. If the soil is acid and originally has a low magnesium content, adding a calcitic (low magnesium) liming material or high rates of gypsum could induce a magnesium deficiency.

How long does it take for limestone to grow?

If the limestone particles are coarser and have the texture of salt, the limestone may take up to 2 months to begin adjusting the pH of the growing medium, but will last for over a year. This would not work for most greenhouse crops. The two most common forms of limestone ...

How long does limestone last in a greenhouse?

These fine limestone particles begin dissolving quickly after planting to adjust the growing medium's pH within a week (if it is wet), and will last for 2-4 months. This correlates well with the bench time for most greenhouse crops.

Why is limestone used in greenhouses?

Limestone is often added to growing media to offset the acidity of certain components such as peat moss and pine bark. The two main types of limestone are calcitic limestone and dolomitic limestone. Although both have similar effects, there are a few important differences. Greenhouse growers know that in order to achieve optimum nutrient ...

Does limestone increase pH?

The pH of a growing medium with these components is too low for crops; therefore, limestone has to be added to increase the pH. The amount and choice of limestone used to increase a growing medium's pH is a function of several factors, including the bulk density of the growing medium, the components used and the pH requirements for most ...

Does limestone have magnesium?

Calcitic limestone is calcium carbonate and it neutralizes acids in the growing medium. It provides some calcium, but almost no magnesium. Calcitic limestone dissolves faster than dolomitic limestone so it quickly adjusts a growing medium's pH within one week, but it has a shorter residual effect of up to 1-2 months.

calcitic vs. dolomitic lime

due to my soil test, i need lime and calcium (see the thread..) anyway, someone there recommended calcitic lime to cover both of these issues, i went to walmart and they sell dolomitic, it says it has, i think, 17% calcium?

Comments (26)

Well, you can get so-called agricultural lime which is calcium carbonate. Very alkaline and contains loads of calcium. You can also get dolomite lime, which contains varying proportions of both calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.

What is the ratio of dolomitic lime to magnesium?

As a general rule of thumb, soil should always have a calcium to magnesium ratio of between 7:1 (for sandier soils) and 10:1 (for more clay-based soils).

How is dolomitic lime made?

As the name suggests, dolomitic lime is manufactured by crushing dolomitic limestone down to very small pieces. As with agricultural lime, dolomitic lime works to increase the pH levels of acidic soil and return the earth to nearly neutral.

What is lime used for?

For centuries, the natural stone product of agricultural lime has been used to improve growing conditions for farm fields, gardens and even residential lawns. While liming is extremely common in the agricultural sector, there are different options to consideration. One of the most common limes compared to aglime is dolomitic lime.

What is aglime made of?

Typically, aglime is spread in its pure, dry “ calcitic ” form, meaning that the product is comprised mainly of calcium carbonate. At the same time, you may also find some other variations of agricultural lime. Liquid lime, for example, is applied using a combination of approximately 50% dry aglime and 50% water.

Why is lime used in the wind?

Because dry lime is so small in particle size, it can be blown in the wind, so it should be applied in calm weather conditions. It should also be noted that agricultural lime reacts more quickly with water. If your soil is particularly dry, it may take more time for you to achieve the desired results.

Why use lime in agriculture?

The first obvious benefit to using agricultural lime is that it has been proven time and again to effectively balance out soil pH levels and improve plant health. Soil that has become to acidic as the result of frequent crop cycles or acid rain makes it difficult for nutrients to be absorbed through a plant’s root system or even for water to fully penetrate the earth.

How long does it take for lime to correct soil?

Although some positive results may be observed, it will likely take a full year before the desired pH levels have been restored.

What is hydrated lime?

Hydrated Lime. Both calcitic lime and dolomitic lime can be processed into hydrated lime, also known as slaked lime. Ground limestone is heated in an oven to produce burnt lime. Burnt lime is then mixed with water to produce hydrated lime, which is essentially calcium hydroxide.

What is lime used for in gardening?

Garden Care. By Joseph West. Lime is a common soil amendment because it supplies calcium, an essential plant nutrient, and because it raises the pH of acidic soil. Two of the standard types of lime are hydrated lime and dolomite lime.

What is aglime made of?

The composition of aglime varies according to the type of rock from which it is manufactured. When ordinary limestone is ground up, the resulting product is known as calcitic aglime because ordinary limestone supplies only calcium. Dolomite is a type of rock that is similar to limestone, but which also contains large quantities of magnesium.

What is the name of the rock that contains magnesium and calcium?

Dolomite is a type of rock that is similar to limestone, but which also contains large quantities of magnesium. Ground up dolomite is known as dolomitic aglime, which supplies both calcium and magnesium.

Is hydration lime more concentrated than limestone?

Hydrated lime is more concentrated than limestone and it neutralizes soil acidity more quickly, but it is also difficult to work with because it is somewhat caustic. Joseph West has been writing about engineering, agriculture and religion since 2006.