How to Apply Dolomite Lime

Dolomite lime is comprised of calcium carbonate and magnesium. Gardeners use dolomite lime to raise their soil's pH, especially in sandy soils because of sand's inability to retain magnesium. It is important for gardeners to test their soil's pH and apply the right amount of dolomite lime. Excessive liming raises the pH range to a level that prevents plants from absorbing the soil's nutrients. Furthermore, all vegetation prefers a specific pH range. For example, most grasses prefer a range between 6.0 to 7.0 while ornamental plants tend to thrive in a range between 6.5 to 7.4.

Spade
Container
Drop spreader

Instructions

- 1
  Dig five to six holes in the yard that are 3 to 4 inches deep. Collect 1/2 cup of soil from each hole. Remove any vegetation or debris. Mix all of the soil samples up in a bucket. Mail off 1/2 cup of soil in a container to your local cooperative extension office. Cooperative extension offices run soil pH tests and mail back results.
- 2
  Pour the amount of dolomite limestone suggested by the test into a drop spreader. The amount depends on the results. For instance, gardeners that have a soil pH between 5.6 to 6.0 must apply 50 lbs. of limestone per 1,000 square feet.
- 3
  Push the drop spreader back and forth over the lawn or flowerbeds. Work the dolomite limestone into bare soil to incorporate the amendment into the first 6 inches. Those who are applying lime on grass or flowers do not till these areas to prevent harming root systems.
- 4
  Water the lawn with 1 inch of water to help the dolomite limestone sink into the soil. Walk across the lawn spraying any vegetation that is covered in limestone.
- 5
  Retest the soil in three to six months. It takes dolomite limestone roughly that long to alter the soil's pH.

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