Yes, you can mix dolomite lime with water, but the resulting mixture is a suspension known as a slurry, not a true liquid solution. Dolomite lime is a naturally occurring rock, chemically defined as calcium magnesium carbonate, which is crushed into a fine powder for use as a soil amendment. Its primary purpose in gardening and agriculture is to raise the soil’s pH level and supply the secondary nutrients calcium and magnesium. Creating a slurry allows for a different method of application.
The Chemistry Behind Dolomite Lime Solubility
Dolomite lime is not water-soluble in the same way that table salt or sugar is, due to its chemical composition as a carbonate mineral. A true solution involves the complete dissolution of a solid into a liquid, where the solid particles break down into individual ions and disappear. Dolomite lime is considered virtually insoluble in water.
When you combine the lime powder with water, the solid particles do not dissolve but instead remain suspended throughout the liquid medium. This creates a slurry, a temporary, unstable mixture that requires continuous agitation to prevent the solids from settling to the bottom. The effectiveness of dolomite lime relies on its very slow reaction with soil acids over time, a process independent of its initial mixing with water.
When to Choose a Dolomite Lime Slurry
The choice to apply lime as a slurry is driven by application convenience and the need for localized treatment. A slurry is beneficial for small, targeted applications, such as treating a single planting hole or a limited area of turf, where broadcasting dry powder is impractical. This method can also be more effective for incorporating lime into the soil of potted or container plants.
For growers using specialized liquid delivery systems, a slurry is the only viable method for application, ensuring the material can pass through the equipment. While the slurry provides a fast delivery of the material to the soil, the chemical reaction that raises the soil pH still depends on the particle size and the soil’s moisture and acidity, meaning the pH adjustment itself is not instantaneous.
Preparing and Applying the Lime Slurry
To create a slurry, begin with a finely ground dolomite lime powder, as the smaller particles will remain suspended for a longer period. A common starting ratio for a thick, manageable slurry is approximately one part lime powder to three to five parts water. Always add the lime slowly to the water while stirring to prevent the formation of clumps or a thick, unmixable paste at the bottom of the container.
The mixture requires constant agitation during the entire process, from initial mixing through application, to keep the dense lime particles from settling out. Simple tools like a large bucket and a wooden paddle work for small batches, but a submersible pump or a drill with a paint mixer attachment can be used for larger volumes. The slurry can be applied using a standard watering can with the rose removed, or with a specialized sprayer designed to handle thick suspensions, ensuring the nozzle is wide enough to avoid clogging.
Handling Precautions and Equipment Care
Handling dolomite lime requires specific safety measures to protect yourself and your equipment. When mixing the dry powder into water, you should wear a dust mask or a respirator to prevent the inhalation of fine particles, which can irritate the respiratory tract. Since dolomite lime is mildly caustic, safety goggles and gloves are also necessary to protect the eyes and skin from irritation upon contact with the wet slurry.
Immediately after use, all equipment that came into contact with the slurry must be thoroughly cleaned with water. The suspended lime particles quickly settle and harden inside watering cans, sprayers, and hoses, potentially leading to clogs and equipment seizing. A complete flush with clean water immediately following application will ensure that the application tools remain functional and prevent long-term damage from the mineral buildup.