Mudgee Dolomite – Calcium & Magnesium for Soil and Gardens
Mudgee Dolomite – Calcium & Magnesium for Soil and Gardens
Improve acidic soil while supplying both calcium and magnesium with Mudgee Dolomite, a finely ground Australian dolomitic limestone suitable for gardens, vegetable beds, lawns and other soil applications.
Unlike calcitic garden lime, which primarily supplies calcium, dolomite naturally contains both calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. This makes Mudgee Dolomite particularly useful for acidic soils that also require additional magnesium.
With a typical analysis of 24% calcium and 10% magnesium and a Neutralising Value (NV) of 98%, Mudgee Dolomite provides a practical way to raise soil pH while adding two important plant nutrients.
What Is Mudgee Dolomite?
Dolomite is a naturally occurring form of limestone containing both calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃).
Mudgee Dolomite is an Australian-sourced dolomitic limestone ground into a fine powder for soil application.
When applied to acidic soil, the carbonate components react with soil acidity and gradually increase soil pH. At the same time, the material supplies calcium and magnesium.
This combination makes dolomite particularly useful where both soil acidity and magnesium levels need to be addressed.
Benefits of Dolomite for Soil
When applied appropriately to acidic soil, Mudgee Dolomite can:
- Help reduce excessive soil acidity
- Increase soil pH
- Supply calcium
- Supply magnesium
- Support appropriate soil conditions for plant growth
- Improve the availability of some plant nutrients where low pH is limiting availability
- Help counter ongoing soil acidification
- Support conditions favourable to soil biological activity and organic matter decomposition
The benefits will depend on the existing soil pH, soil composition, nutrient levels and plants being grown.
Calcium & Magnesium for Plants
Mudgee Dolomite contains approximately 24% calcium and 10% magnesium.
Both minerals perform important functions in plants.
Calcium contributes to normal cell development and plant structure and is an important component of a balanced soil nutrient profile.
Magnesium is a central component of chlorophyll and therefore plays an essential role in photosynthesis and healthy green plant growth.
Where acidic soil also has insufficient magnesium, dolomite can provide an efficient way to address both issues with a single soil amendment.
Mudgee Dolomite for Lawns
Dolomite can be applied to lawns growing in acidic or magnesium-deficient soil.
For lawns, the general application rate is:
30–40g per square metre
Spread the fine powder evenly over the lawn and water thoroughly after application.
Before applying dolomite, consider testing the soil pH. If the existing pH is already appropriate or alkaline, adding more dolomite may unnecessarily increase soil pH.
Mudgee Dolomite for Vegetable Gardens & Garden Beds
Mudgee Dolomite can be incorporated into garden beds and vegetable gardens where soil conditions indicate a need for increased pH, calcium and magnesium.
General application rates are:
Light or sandy soil:
Approximately 50–100g per square metre.
Heavy soil:
Approximately 100–200g per square metre.
Spread the required amount evenly over the soil, lightly rake or dig it into the surface where appropriate, and water thoroughly.
The amount actually required will depend on the starting soil pH, soil type and target pH.
Garden Lime vs Dolomite – What's the Difference?
Both Garden Lime and Dolomite can be used to reduce soil acidity, but their mineral composition differs.
Garden Lime (Calcitic Lime)
Primarily calcium carbonate. Best suited where the objective is to increase soil pH and supply calcium without adding significant amounts of magnesium.
Mudgee Dolomite
Contains both calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. It raises soil pH while supplying both calcium and magnesium.
If your soil requires magnesium as well as pH correction, dolomite may be the more appropriate option.
If magnesium levels are already sufficient or high and the soil primarily requires calcium and pH adjustment, a calcitic Garden Lime may be preferable.
A soil test provides the best basis for choosing between the two.
Avoid Using Dolomite on Acid-Loving Plants
Some plants naturally prefer acidic growing conditions and generally do not benefit from applications designed to raise soil pH.
Avoid applying Mudgee Dolomite around acid-loving plants such as:
- Azaleas
- Camellias
- Blueberries
- Other plants requiring acidic soil conditions
Excessive application can increase soil pH beyond the preferred range of the plants being grown and potentially affect nutrient availability.
How to Apply Mudgee Dolomite
- Test the Soil
Where possible, determine the existing soil pH and magnesium requirements before application. - Calculate the Application Rate
Consider your soil type, starting pH and target pH. - Apply Evenly
Spread the required amount uniformly across the soil or lawn. - Incorporate Where Appropriate
For garden beds, lightly rake or dig the material into the soil where practical. - Water Thoroughly
Water the treated area well following application.
Allow the dolomite time to react with the soil before deciding whether further treatment is necessary.
Why Choose Mudgee Dolomite?
Mudgee Dolomite has a long history of agricultural use in Australia and is known for its mineral composition and relatively soft, finely ground consistency.
Its combination of calcium and magnesium makes it a versatile soil amendment for gardeners and growers managing acidic soils.
Key characteristics include:
- Australian product
- 63% calcium carbonate
- 35% magnesium carbonate
- 24% calcium
- 10% magnesium
- Neutralising Value of 98%
- Finely ground powder
- Suitable for gardens and lawns
Typical Analysis
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃): 63%
Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO₃): 35%
Calcium (Ca): 24%
Magnesium (Mg): 10%
Neutralising Value (NV): 98%
Country of Origin: Australia
As with any soil amendment, application should be based on soil conditions and the requirements of the plants being grown.
Product Details
Product: Mudgee Dolomite
Product Type: Dolomitic limestone soil amendment
Form: Fine powder
Calcium: 24%
Magnesium: 10%
Neutralising Value: 98%
Suitable For: Acidic soils, garden beds, vegetable gardens and lawns
Country of Origin: Australia