New Grower Different types of lime?

[FadedMalone]

Is there a deference between high calcium lime and dolomite lime? I'm going to be mixing some soil soon and have a 50 pound bag of high calcium lime. And does lime go bad??

 

[Waira]

Oooh my yes! Dolomite lime is a combo of Ca and Mg carbonates, which are generally relatively slow acting, depending on how finely ground it is, and if it's a special formulation to be faster acting than usual,... High Ca lime--if you mean hydrated lime-- is something else entirely! This is either Calcium oxide and/or hydroxide, little to no Mg, and which is right f'ing now fast acting, and powerful stuff-- too much is caustic! Very careful use is in order when using it,... it worked great for me when mixing up soil from a bag that was too acidic,... I followed Cervantes grow bible instructions, using less than 1/2c per cubic foot of soil,... If you're looking to simply amend the soil some, dolomite, very fine grained, is the choice to go with,... if you're fixing a pH issue like I was, for planting the next day, hydrated and a little dolomite (for longer term release) is an option,.... Cervantes also mentioned a common mix for amendment is 1/4c hydrated and 3/4 dolomite per cf max.,... you must adjust how much depending on where your actual soil pH is,... best tested with a quality soil probe type meter, like the Accurate 8,.. store bought $15 cheapies are uselessly inaccurate... I dislike the run-off method because I feel there are too many sources of error inherent with this method,...sometimes it's okay, others, not so much!... *** no, I don't think so,..lime is pretty stable stuff!

 

[FadedMalone]

I would rather find some dolomite lime but it's hard to get around here. The guy at the hydro store was like" Yeah man the high calcium lime is the same as dolomite,no worries man". I was like hell yeah I'll take a bag. I'll find some dolomite some how. Thank you for the info really helped out.

 

[Waira]

Whoa!! A Shop "pro" said that?? If it's actual hydrated lime (does it say for sure on the bag?), somebody should slap that stoopid irresponsible gellie sober,........ too much of that and your grow is done before it ever gets started! unacceptable.... Very odd, they have that stuff, and no dolomite,.. it's by far the most common form, and SAFE! -they certainly can get it Faded, so maybe talk to the manager or at least somebody else, S!

 

[FadedMalone]

Have you ever heard of the vortex brewer??? The guy that's killing people on prices for the system told me it was all the same. I had just got started doing indoor and wanted to make own soil. I used it with some soil and had a few problems so I guess the high calcium lime was most likely the problem. I found some dolomite on the bay, 24 pounds for $25 and free shipping. I forgot to mention the guy is the owner....

 

[Waira]

..looked it up,... a tea system, right? Look interesting!.. we have some great in-house soil folks here Faded, including recipes that are auto friendly... Swampy, A4, and of course uber-gardener JM.... just to name a few,.. Doood, that Accurate 8 soil ph meter is titty!! -about 60 bucks, give or take, shipping and all...it has a very good reviews and track record here! ..considered by many to be a must have,... BTW, how have you been testing your custom soils? ****... man, I can't believe the cheeze that guy laid on you,... all the same??!! :no: :slaps: even dolomite is variable when dealing with different grain sizes,.. small=faster acting.... the hydrated is a powder,...

 

[oldster]

Hey Waira, I actually use high calcium lime on my hey fields (3 tons an acre every few years) because of all the dolomite lime that was used on them in the past has pushed my magnesium levels to high. Hydrated lime (quick lime) which is calcium oxide is a different animal. For canna you could always add Epsom Salts to high calcium lime if you can't find dolomite lime. As long as it is "Ag Lime" the maximum particle size is actually regulated by the Dept. of Agriculture.

 

[FadedMalone]

..looked it up,... a tea system, right? Look interesting!.. we have some great in-house soil folks here Faded, including recipes that are auto friendly... Swampy, A4, and of course uber-gardener JM.... just to name a few,.. Doood, that Accurate 8 soil ph meter is titty!! -about 60 bucks, give or take, shipping and all...it has a very good reviews and track record here! ..considered by many to be a must have,... BTW, how have you been testing your custom soils? ****... man, I can't believe the cheeze that guy laid on you,... all the same??!! :no: :slaps: even dolomite is variable when dealing with different grain sizes,.. small=faster acting.... the hydrated is a powder,...

I always just checked run off man. That meter I check on it, I will get one for sure!! The brewing system I believe to be good and I made one for ten or twelve dollars. The vortex jr 8 gallons and cost $500. I made a 5 gallon. Thanks for chiming in man. I have learned some things. No more cutting corners for me man. My next venture will be spot on....

 

[Waira]

:Cool bud: Roger that Oldster, thanks! I goog'ed it, but the definitions were kinda all over,... that's why I asked if the bag actually says hydrated lime, or something else..? What is high Ca lime then, from a more Ca-rich mineral source?.... dug up a couple books to clear my confusion,... I see, hydrated lime refers only to Calcium hydroxide, and Ca oxide (CaO) is quick lime, which reacts with water to make the hydroxide.... :slaps: :thumbs: :Sharing One:better now,..LOL!
..cool Faded, just watch those patent infringements! ... and Oldster is the real deal farmer too, so he's also an excellent source of soil info!

 

[FadedMalone]

Thanks Waira and Oldster for the help.:Sharing One: