I heard somewhere that there is a better lime than calcium carbonate type to do pastures (for equine and bovine use); this other kind of lime has magnesium in it(?) That sounds strange to me as a compound can only have one salt in it and calcium and magnesium are both salts. I want the best soil buffer/mineral nutrient combination. Can anyone help me with info or links? Thanks!

-- Debbie in Mo (risingwind@socket.net), January 10, 2002

Answers

I wouldn't categorize it as necessarily better. You're probably thinking about dolomitic lime. If you're in a region where you have low magnesium levels in the soil and animals are at risk for grass tetany, you should use it. Otherwise use whatever lime you need to adjust the pH.

-- Darren (df1@infi.net), January 10, 2002.

There is no 'best' for all occations. You need to know (soil test) what your pastures need, and add those items. You can talk to local extension & fert dealers & get a pretty good guess of what your soils are lacking in the area, but a soil test is the way to go if you want 'best'. Don't just add the most of everything, that's not what soil fertility is all about. :)

--->Paul

-- paul (ramblerplm@hotmail.com), January 10, 2002.