What is the difference between calcitic and dolomitic lime?
Both kinds of lime have the same acid-neutralizing value when applied at equivalent rates. However, they differ chemically. Calcitic lime contains calcium carbonate only. Dolomitic lime is a mixture of calcium and magnesium carbonates that contains at least six percent magnesium. Most of the lime used for agricultural purposes is dolomitic. Q: What is gypsum, and why can’t it be used in place of lime? A: Gypsum, also known as landplaster, is calcium sulfate. It is an economical source of calcium and sulfate but cannot be used as a liming material because it does not have the capability to neutralize soil acidity. In fact, applying gypsum to an acid soil (pH less than 5.5) can have adverse effects on certain crops by displacing soil aluminum, which is toxic to plant roots. Gypsum is frequently applied to crops to provide supplemental calcium. There is no substitute for lime in neutralizing soil acidity. Q: Why would a crop turn yellow after lime is applied? A: If plants appear chlorotic
Both kinds of lime have the same acid-neutralizing value when applied at equivalent rates. However, they differ chemically. Calcitic lime contains calcium carbonate only. Dolomitic lime is a mixture of calcium and magnesium carbonates that contains at least six percent magnesium. Most of the lime used for agricultural purposes is dolomitic.
