How to Use Dolomite Fertilizer

Dolomite lime is a carbonate mineral comprised of magnesium and calcium. Dolomite isn't a fertilizer, but a soil conditioner that's used to "sweeten" acidic soils and make them more alkaline. Because dolomite lime is particularly slow-acting, it must be added to the soil well in advance of planting to gain the desired benefit. Powdered dolomite lime can also be mixed into a nutrient rich fertilizer blend so that you can enrich the soil and correct its pH at the same time.

Shovel
Garden fork or tiller
Rake
Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Send a soil sample to your local cooperative extension office for analysis. Do this four to six months before planting. Wait two to three weeks for the results of the soil analysis.
- 2
  Consult the soil analysis report to determine how much dolomite lime to use. Apply 2 inches of powdered dolomite lime to the surface of the soil in the absence of a soil analysis report.
- 3
  Work the powdered dolomite lime into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil using a shovel, garden fork or tiller. Rake the amended soil to a smooth finish.
- 4
  Water in the powdered dolomite lime with up to 1 inch of supplemental irrigation.
- 5
  Wait three to five months before planting to give the slow-acting dolomite time to change the pH of the soil.

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