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discman1
journeyman
Registered: 08/24/04
Posts: 962
Last seen: 19 years, 2 months
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Limestone question
#3222679 - 10/06/04 12:37 PM (19 years, 5 months ago) |
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Ok, I'm about to make my first casings using the 60/40 verm/coir tek. I'm a firm believer in proper pH, since I am also a gardener.
Anyway, I have heard concerns about the magnesium content of dolomite lime. Is this something that I need to worry about? AFAIK, all dolomite lime is going to have magnesium in it.....
The analysis of the lime flour I have is as follows,
Calcium Carbonate(CaCO3) = 50% Elemental Calcium(Ca) = 22% Magnesium Carbonate(MgCO3) = 40%
It is my understanding that carbonates are locked up, and not readily available. Do I have anything to worry about using this as a pH buffer in my casings?
Thanks.
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Ayrios
Stranger
Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 619
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Re: Limestone question [Re: discman1]
#3222724 - 10/06/04 12:45 PM (19 years, 5 months ago) |
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Hmm, I've always heard NOT to use dolomitic limestone and to use horticultural (or hydrated) instead. I bought 50lbs of horticultural limestone and an hour later found some Hi-Yield hydrated lime. Are there really any benefits of limestone over hydrated lime?
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Olgualion
Shaman-In-Training
Registered: 11/13/01
Posts: 1,253
Loc: Currently Earth...
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Re: Limestone question [Re: Ayrios]
#3222803 - 10/06/04 12:59 PM (19 years, 5 months ago) |
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There is a lot more room for error when using limestone instead of hydrated lime.
I used dolomitic once or twice and nothing at all came up...
-------------------- Study the past... See the future...
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Ayrios
Stranger
Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 619
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Re: Limestone question [Re: Olgualion]
#3222891 - 10/06/04 01:18 PM (19 years, 5 months ago) |
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Yeah, I use Hi-Yield like the 50/50+ tek suggests in exact ratios. It seems different brands of hydrated limes contribute differently to PH levels. I wouldn't risk any other brands without seeing first-hand experiences on here. Luckily Hi-Yield is a very popular brand that most all nurseries stock.
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discman1
journeyman
Registered: 08/24/04
Posts: 962
Last seen: 19 years, 2 months
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Re: Limestone question [Re: discman1]
#3222899 - 10/06/04 01:20 PM (19 years, 5 months ago) |
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Hmmm....... Damn. So should I just forego the dolomite lime all together, and just hope my coir is closer to the neutral end of the spectrum for coir(5.2 - 6.8)? Unless hydrated lime is dirt cheap, I have exhausted my mushroom budget.
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george castanza
Lord Of The Idiots!
Registered: 10/21/02
Posts: 8,743
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Re: Limestone question [Re: discman1]
#3222952 - 10/06/04 01:35 PM (19 years, 5 months ago) |
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use the dolo just don't use a lot
-------------------- KRAMER CAKES
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Ayrios
Stranger
Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 619
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Re: Limestone question [Re: discman1]
#3223065 - 10/06/04 02:05 PM (19 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
discman1 said: Unless hydrated lime is dirt cheap, I have exhausted my mushroom budget.
Absolutely dirt cheap. I think I paid $1.98 for about 2lbs of it, Hi-Yield brand of course. When preparing enough casing mix for a pretty large casing, you'll only use a cup or so... You'll have to search for what amounts to use with coir. I'm not sure how it differs from 50/50+ but I suspect you'd use a slightly different amount.
Don't waste your time hitting up Home Depot... Just go for a nursery. It'll be at the front with lots of other smallish yellow bags.
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discman1
journeyman
Registered: 08/24/04
Posts: 962
Last seen: 19 years, 2 months
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Quote:
george castanza said: use the dolo just don't use a lot
What is "not a lot" though?
I'm finding it difficult to get my head wrapped around the 60/40 tek because it doesen't give exact measurments, so I take that to mean that it's not really all that important, as long as it is not too wet/too dry.
Maybe a teaspoon per quart of casing substrate? I really have no idea... heh.
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george castanza
Lord Of The Idiots!
Registered: 10/21/02
Posts: 8,743
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Re: Limestone question [Re: discman1]
#3223082 - 10/06/04 02:11 PM (19 years, 5 months ago) |
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2 heapping tea spoons per qt should do it
-------------------- KRAMER CAKES
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scatmanrav
Brainy Smurf
Registered: 05/08/04
Posts: 11,483
Loc:
Last seen: 11 years, 2 months
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You are using coir, its not needed for coir at all as it is pretty neutral generally. Its really needed when using straw or peat moss. I pour a little calcium carbonate on mine though..just enough to make a thin layer in the bowl..probably like 2% of the total volume. It's only because I had already bought it, I'm just using it until its gone but this was discussed before and everyone was thinking I was doing more harm then good by using it. My yeilds are fine with it so I don't think its affecting me negitivly, at least not to much if so. I plan on stop using it when I run out though unless I notice a difference. I guess I'm just saying to try it, but try it without buffering too and see what works best.
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