This section provides an overview for limestone fertilizers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 10 limestone fertilizer manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
A limestone fertilizer is a type of lime material made from a mineral called dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂), which is heated and ground into a powder or granular form.
Its main components are calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, with trace elements such as manganese and boron. A limestone fertilizer refers to magnesium, while lime refers to calcium.
Limestone fertilizers are primarily used to neutralize the pH of acidic soils and to supply crops with nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. Crops often prefer mildly acidic (pH. 5.5 to 6.5) soils. High soil acidity leaches highly toxic aluminum, which hinders root growth. It also combines with phosphoric acid, which the crop is unable to absorb, and will likely cause a variety of disorders in its growth.
Rainfall causes the alkaline content of the soil to run off. Furthermore, when crops are grown in small areas such as planters, the soil deteriorates more quickly and tends to become more acidic. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the acidity and pH of the soil by spreading alkaline limestone fertilizers on the soil.
However, the amount of limestone fertilizers needs to be adjusted because different crops have different pH levels at which they can easily grow. In addition, by supplying calcium and magnesium, it helps the growth of the roots of crops and prevents the leaves from turning yellow by producing chlorophyll.
Proper application of bitter soil limestone fertilizers helps stabilize the soil's pH level. It also prevents plant root growth and leaf dieback by supplying calcium and magnesium. Compared to other lime materials, it has a good balance of nutrients and is easy for beginners to handle.
If not used properly, it can become too alkaline. Iron, manganese, and other elements may become deficient, increasing the possibility of adverse effects on plants.
There are two main types of limestone fertilizers: powdered and granular. Powdered lime is more soluble in water and mixes more easily into the soil, making it relatively fast-acting. Granular lime is slower in effect than powdered lime, but lasts longer.
There are some differences in the size of the granules and the percentage of magnesium, but there is no major difference in the composition of any of the products. The amount used for both powder and granular products is the same, but for ease of use, granular products are less likely to be blown away by the wind and are easier to spread by hand.
As mentioned above, granular lime is recommended for its warm effect and ease of use. In terms of price, granular lime is relatively more expensive due to the process of processing powder into granules. Therefore, if the area to be fertilized is large, granular is the better choice.
In addition, the powdery form tends to harden with moisture. When using it in a vegetable garden, be sure to buy a small amount that can be used up.
The standard amount of bitter soil limestone fertilizers used is 50-100 kg per year for a 10 acre field. However, since the effectiveness of limestone fertilizers depends on the quality of the soil and the crops you plan to plant, it is necessary to measure the pH as a soil diagnosis in advance.
If used at the same time as compost or other fertilizers, the alkaline component of the limestone fertilizers will react with the nitrogen contained in the other fertilizers to produce ammonia gas, so it is advisable to leave an interval of about two weeks between applications. In addition, it takes about one to two weeks for the effects of limestone fertilizers to become apparent, so it is recommended to spread it about two weeks before planting crops.
When using powdered lime, choose a windless day when possible. Spread limestone fertilizers evenly over the field and mix it thoroughly with the soil. If the lime is left as it is after spreading, it may get wet and harden due to rain, etc., and the soil may harden.
It is important to mix the lime immediately after spreading it, as it may harden when wet due to rain, etc. If a spreader is used or a cultivator is used to mix the lime, the work can be completed efficiently. Skin contact may cause irritation, so be sure to protect yourself with gloves and goggles. If left over, close the bag opening tightly with a vinyl string or similar material and store in a dry place.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Ranking as of September 2023 Globally
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Carmeuse |
25.0%
|
2 | Calcium Products, Inc. |
25.0%
|
3 | Target Specialty Products |
25.0%
|
4 | Saaz Innovations |
25.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the limestone fertilizer page as of September 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History