When should dolomitic lime be used?

Dolomitic lime is specifically advantageous in scenarios where magnesium levels in the soil are low. In this case, using dolomitic lime provides not only the lime needed to raise soil pH and reduce acidity but also supplies magnesium, which is an essential nutrient for plant health.

When magnesium levels drop below 100 parts per million (ppm), it can lead to nutrient deficiencies in plants, which may manifest as poor growth or yellowing of leaves. Thus, applying dolomitic lime helps to correct this deficiency while also improving soil structure and nutrient availability.

Though adjusting soil pH is important, particularly when it is below optimal levels, the primary indication for using dolomitic lime lies in its ability to address both acidity and magnesium deficiency effectively. Other factors like soil texture (i.e., sandy vs. clay) or potassium levels do not provide the same rationale for choosing dolomitic lime, making them less relevant in determining the appropriateness of its use.