With dolomite lime you get the best out of plants with a high magnesium requirement. The special fertilizer has the potential to optimize the soil. In our guide you can find out exactly what dolomite lime is, what it is used for, how it works and what you should pay attention to when buying it.
Dolomite lime helps with moss in the lawn
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Beckmann dolomite lime garden lime 25 kg
22.99 EUR To the product| calcium carbonate | 33,6 % |
|---|---|
| magnesium carbonate | 10,1 % |
| structure | unknown |
| contents | 25kg |
| price/kg | about {PRICE/25} EUR |
Sonnenhof(R) dolomite lime is sufficient for around 250 square meters. In the Amazon customer reviews, the product is highly praised and described as "super" and recommendable.
our recommendation
Hamann Mercatus GmbH 2x25 kg dolomite lime lawn lime - to prevent moss formation in the lawn with calcium and lots of magnesium
EUR 28.50 To the product| calcium carbonate | 60 % |
|---|---|
| magnesium carbonate | 30 % |
| structure | grainy |
| contents | 2 x 25kg (50kg) |
| price/kg | approx. EUR {PRICE/50} |
The dolomite lime from Hamann Mercatus GmbH is also very popular with Amazon customers. It is considered to be of high quality and very effective. The double pack is practical with a total of 50 kilograms. The only point of criticism: Spreading the dolomite lime is said to be a bit difficult with the spreader, as it apparently also contains a few small stones that can get wedged in the feed roller of the wagon and damage it. That's why reviewers recommend applying the lime by hand.
our recommendation
Allflor Super Gartenkalk Dolomiti 25 kg lawn lime
EUR 14.80 To the product| calcium carbonate | 50 % |
|---|---|
| magnesium carbonate | 40 % |
| structure | unknown |
| contents | 25kg |
| price/kg | about {PRICE/25} EUR |
Like the other two products, Allflor(R) dolomite lime appears to be completely satisfying to buyers. It has the same properties as the test winner in our comparison, but costs a little more.
Purchase Criteria
composition
Real dolomite lime is composed of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Make sure that both minerals are included in the right amount:
- Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) at 50 to 60 percent
- Magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) at 30 to 40 percent
structure
The structure or consistency should not be too fine in order to avoid dusting as much as possible. This is particularly important if there are plants near the area to be limed that do not tolerate dolomite lime well. In short, you should tend to rely on coarse-grained lime.
pack size
As a rule, manufacturers of dolomite lime offer large packs of between ten and 25 kilograms. The price per kilo often drops as the quantity increases. Compare pack sizes and prices to ultimately choose the cheapest option. Practical: In terms of quality, the dolomite lime products available are very similar.
frequently asked Questions
What is dolomite lime?
Dolomitic lime is a special type of lime for various plants, which in certain circumstances makes a useful fertilizer supplement and is a good measure to combat moss naturally.
Composition of the mineral fertilizer:
- 50 to 60 percent calcium carbonate (CaCO3, "carbonate of lime")
- 30 to 40 percent magnesium carbonate (MgCO3, "magnesite")
tips
Dolomite lime is extracted from dolomite rock.
Effect:
- raises too low pH to the right level
- activates microorganisms, thus ensuring lively life in the soil
- optimizes the crumb structure of the soil for improved air and water circulation, which in turn promotes fertilizer uptake
- Contained magnesium supports the chlorophyll build-up for lush green leaves
Use:
- to increase and regulate the pH value in the soil
- to promote plant growth and flowering
- for pH neutralization of the compost heap
Which plants need dolomite lime?
Lawns and conifers benefit particularly from dolomite lime. If the pH value is too low, moss and other unwanted tangles will spread rapidly across the green carpet. In addition, grass and needles lose their rich green color and turn brown. You can also use dolomite lime for boxwood and cacti.
tips
In addition, regular dolomite lime is recommended for the aquarium or pond if the soil there is acidic and/or turtles live in it. Due to their origin, the latter have a permanent need for lime.
Attention: There are also plants that do not tolerate dolomite lime. These include, above all, those that require acidic soil. Examples: Heather plants such as heather and common heather; flower beauties such as lady's slipper orchids and many lilies; Eria plants such as rhododendrons, hydrangeas and azaleas. With these plants, the main effect of dolime - raising and regulating the pH value - would be counterproductive.
How do I use dolomite lime correctly?
As far as the application of dolomite lime is concerned, it basically applies between
- healing liming and
- maintenance liming
to differentiate.
Liming for recovery: Symptoms such as a moss-covered lawn or visibly browning conifers indicate a lime and magnesium deficiency. Under such acute circumstances, a higher dose of healing lime (400 to 800 grams per square meter) is required.
Maintenance liming: If the primary concern is to protect useful and ornamental plants from an undersupply and to permanently secure the soil quality, all that is required is a lower dosage of maintenance liming (200 to 250 grams for light to medium-heavy soils, 150 to 200 grams for heavy soils ) every two to three years.
To find out if it is even necessary to use dolomite lime, you should first test the pH of the soil. Corresponding test kits are available in many garden centers, hardware stores and also on Amazon.
Here is an overview of the ideal pH values for each type of soil:
- Clay soil: 6.8 to 7.0
- Clay soil with a light sand content: 6.3 to 6.8
- Sandy soil with a small amount of clay: 5.8 to 6.3
If the recommended value is not reached, bring the soil back into balance with dolomite lime. If the test result is greater than 7.5, you are dealing with an alkaline floor that you must never whitewash! Instead, you must then take measures to lower the pH value.
when to sprinkle If there is a lime and magnesium deficiency, autumn is the best time to spoil the lawn with dolomite lime. This is how you equip the garden soil for the hardships of winter. If you miss this date, you can switch to early spring - before the start of the growth phase.
How to apply?
- dry surface important
- Choose a day with overcast but not rainy weather (in direct sunlight, limescale damages the plants by causing them burns)
- Simply distribute the recommended amount of dolomite lime evenly by hand or with a spreader
- spread over a large area (unsuitable as a nutrient supplier for individual potted plants!)
- water last
tips
The use of dolomite lime can also be worthwhile for the compost. If large amounts of lawn clippings, leaves, etc. accumulate over the course of the year, use dolomite lime to prevent the compost from acidifying. Sprinkle a little magnesium lime on the heap every now and then. This keeps the pH of your organic fertilizer in balance. Caution: Never apply more than one kilogram per square meter.
What is the difference between dolomite lime and lawn lime?
In principle, dolomite lime acts as a special form of lawn or garden lime. There are different types of this. What sets dolomitic lime apart from the other variants is the high proportion of magnesium. For this reason, dolomite lime is often referred to as magnesium lime.
Is dolomite lime toxic?
No, dolomitic lime is natural, chemical-free and non-toxic. Accordingly, after using the product, you can also let children and pets enter the garden floor directly again without having to worry about their health.
Where is the best place to buy dolomite lime?
Dolomite lime from popular brands such as Grüner Jan or Sonnenhof is available in well-stocked hardware stores such as OBI, toom, Hornbach, hagebaumarkt, Bauhaus or Raiffeisen. Smaller and larger packs are also available on Amazon.
our recommendation
Green Jan dolomite lime 25kg with magnesium
9.99 EUR To the productequipment
spreader
If necessary, you can purchase a spreader to spread the dolomite lime. If this is designed sensibly, it promotes the even distribution of the mineral fertilizer.
our recommendation