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Re: Pelletized Limestone

Jon,

This is a very broad subject!

When I joined the Pumpkin Group the first piece of advise I received from
various members of the group, was Get a Soil Test before I add anything to
my Patch.

I did so and was very glad to have followed everyone's advise.

My report revealed that I was very low in lime, low in calcium, low pH 6.0
but dangerously high in magnesium. That there are several forms of lime,
Calcitic limestone, dolomitic limestone, Hydrated lime, burned lime and in
different forms, pure ground, pelletized etc.

The report recommended adding Oyster Shell lime (consistency of flour), as
this would increase my calcium levels, improve my lime levels, and free up
the magnesium which may then be leached during winter rains. 

Had I added dolomitic limestone (calcium magnesium carbonate), which
contains a high level of magnesium, my soil (adobe clay)  would have
potentially bound (clogged), soil drainage would have become a  problem,
and potassium uptake would have been limited or blocked due to increased
mag levels.

Another words I would have been in trouble this growing season!

If you have not already done so you may want to get your soil tested. 

Lime requirement depends upon the quality (lime score) of the liming
material used. This is a function of: total neutralizing value or calcium
carbonate equivalent (cce), degree of fineness or particle size (ff), and
the moisture factor (mf).

The balance of this info is a long drawn out formula and chart, if you
would like a copy let me know and I would be happy to mail it to you. 

Hope this helps!

Chris Andersen
Moraga, Calif.
____________________________________________________
----------
> From:  jon  hineman <jwhineman@hotmail.com>
> To: pumpkins@athenet.net
> Subject: Pelletized Limestone
> Date: Tuesday, March 11, 1997 3:43 PM
> 
> 
> Pelletized limestone is the proper choice if you wish to change the pH of
the
> soil quickly. --- It is different from agricultural limestone in that it
has
> this capability. It is also more expensive.
> 
> Agricultural limestone changes the pH as it breaks down in the soil.
Therefore
> if you happen to get large pieces, it may take several years for the
breakdown
> to occur. 
> 
> Pelletized limestone works well when you need a rapid change in pH, and
are
> willing to fork out the extra cash for it. I have had good luck with it
in the
> past. 
> 
> Jon
> 
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