why do you think farmers add dole lime to the ground at the end of the season. So its there for the following year
I think we're talking about 3 different things.
- Being "there" a year later implies how long it takes to be exhausted. That's a function of the size of the particles, the moisture level of the soil and its acidity (it requires low ph to release the carbon from the magnesium and calcium carbonates.).
- The rapidity of ph adjustment. Again, a function of how low the soil ph is and the size of the dolomitic material.
- The availability of magnesium and carbon. Again, a function of soil ph and size of material.
I have performed a test with multiple containers from 0 to 8tbsp/gal fine/powdered dolomite. I saw nearly immediate ph adjustment from 5.8 to 6.4. The amount of dolomite used had a negligible effect on this.
It's conceivable that if the soil were 6.4 it would "take years" for the dolomite to have an effect (ph adjustment or nutrient availability). It would be "there" next year.
It's conceivable that during the initial 2 weeks that I saw adjustment there was an unhealthy release of calcium and magnesium as the carbonates were broken down. This could be a reason to "let it cook." It would then depend on each individual's starting soil ph.
IMO, it would be better to use hydrated lime to raise the ph to an initial 6.5, and dolomitic lime as a slower-acting buffer to hold it there.
I mixed 1 tbsp in 2 liter of water the water is all white.
Is it in suspension or dissolved? Does it settle after leaving it set overnight? If it's suspended, I think the problem you'll have is that the particles will filter out within the first 1-2" of soil. You'll have layers of soil ph. This is what people complain about when cultivating dolomite into the topsoil. It doesn't get all the way into the soil after watering.
I've been told by two knowledgeable (multiple degrees including horticulture) people that agricultural lime sold with a guaranteed analysis is actually soluble. That it is somehow extracted and made into a resin that is then ground or pelletized. I want to talk to them more about it to understand. This might be the difference between home growers and farmers.
If I can get more info about this, I will post. My conversation with them had to do with Grow More's dolomite product which is pelletized. I was told it dissolves in water and is as fast acting as powdered dolomite. (Still seems like it wouldn't produce even results in the soil when concentrated into pellets.).
