In WA the focus has been to alter the pH of the soil, generally by applying calcium in the form of lime sand or limestone. However we believe that the pH of the soil is like a temperature gauge – it tells you the acidic state of the soil, but it doesn’t tell you what is causing the problem. It is well documented that the elements of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium all influence the pH of the soil. Magnesium is also up to 2.5 times as effective at neutralizing acidity than calcium.

The ideal amounts of these macro-elements vary slightly, according to soil type, but as a percentage of the cations:

• the level of calcium should be between 64-75%,

• magnesium between 9-14%,

• potassium between 7-10% and

• sodium less than 7%.

Lighter soils generally have lower levels of all elements. It is possible to lock-up certain elements by having either too much or too little of these four macro nutrients in the soil. For example, magnesium is required in order for plants to access phosphate, so low levels of magnesium can sometimes manifest as a phosphate deficiency! There may well be sufficient phosphate levels available, but the plant is unable to access it because it requires magnesium to do so.

The application of calcium in isolation can induce a magnesium deficiency, even though calcium is a very important nutrient. By increasing the amount of calcium in the soil, it effectively reduces the magnesium because it alters the ratio or balance within the soil. Applying calcium on the soil in isolation can also reduce the availability of potash and phosphate, as well as manganese, boron, zinc and iron. The balance between these elements is important, from a pH and a nutritional perspective, but also because they influence the soil structure. Magnesium is quite mobile and deficiencies are more likely in lighter soils. Heavier soils are able to retain more nutrients, demonstrated by a greater cation exchange capacity. Lighter soils are less able to retain nutrients because they naturally have a lower cation exchange capacity. For all of these reasons, it is essential that farmers undertake comprehensive soil analysis that provides a complete picture of their greatest asset and allow informed decisions to be made.

Watheroo Dolomitic Lime contains high levels of calcium and good levels of magnesium. It also has some of the lowest sodium levels of any local liming product currently on the market in Western Australia.

It is excavated, then crushed and screened, giving it a greater range of particle sizing than lime sands. Traditionally Watheroo Dolomite has approximately 40-45% of its particles under 125 micron, a size range that is important in determining how quickly the product works. The surface area of a small, irregularly shaped particle is greater than that of a larger, uniform particle, allowing the acid in the environment greater opportunity to break the particles down.

Our product is crushed and screened through 2mm screens for agricultural use, producing a very uniform result. We are an Accredited Lime WA Inc operator and our product is tested regularly, according to the requirements of the Lime WA Inc. Code of Practice. We are also randomly AUDIT tested by the Department of Agriculture at least every second year. A Departmental Officer completely independently of us conducts these tests.

This allows the purchaser to buy with confidence, knowing that the specification sheet they are provided, accurately represents the product that they receive. Code of Practice Members all test according to the same criteria, at the same laboratory, allowing customers to accurately compare products and make better buying decisions.

Appointments are necessary for loading, although we try to be as accommodating as possible. We do ask that trucks are cleaned down prior to coming in to the pit, as it is on an operational farm and we like to remain on good terms with our neighbours! Accounts will be sent out via email or post on thirty day terms to approved customers only. We use trade certified loader scales and the product is weighed into the truck for bulk product. The product is invoiced from the loader dockets.

Watheroo Dolomite and the products from Watheroo Minerals are very different. Watheroo dolomite is a crushed and screened dolomitic limestone. Watheroo Minerals is a calcium bentonite product, obtained from the lake system and these are clay based products belonging to the Calcium Bentonite group. The dolomite from Watheroo Dolomite will sit in the paddock or in the open and not blow away. It will not slurry like the clay based products when wet. Watheroo Dolomite is a crushed and screened rock product, very fine and talc-like in it’s feel and appearance.

Farmers should check the levels of the Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) as well as the levels of Sodium (Na), the neutralizing values, particle size breakdown and the range for the pit. The particle sizing, combined with the neutralizing value, gives an indication as to the speed at which the product will take effect, keeping in mind that the more acid the soil the product is applied to, the faster the reaction.

The lime calculators that are currently widely used by advisors and companies selling products are based purely on pH change and use a weighting system that discounts any larger particle sizes as virtually worthless and calculates all particles under 500 micron at the same effectiveness. We don’t have a problem with the argument that larger particles take a long time to work and need to be discounted accordingly on the calculator. Our concern with the calculators is that the finer particles should be graded on a continuum rather than have a cut-off point beyond which all product under 500 micron are deemed to be equally as effective, which is how the calculations on the current lime calculator operates. This is verified by the research done by Mark Conyers and Mark Whitten.

In an article written by Mark Conyers from the NSW Dept of Primary Industries, he states “The degree of agreement between these pot and field studies, conducted by different workers on different continents 50 years apart, is remarkable. In NONE of these studies was there an upper limit where fineness was of no further benefit in lifting pH. The concept of a ‘plateau’ in particle size effectiveness, referred to in some texts, is a subjective assessment…”

Comprehensive soil analysis, from unbiased specialists without vested interests, is readily available and not expensive. When you consider that the land is the basis of your business, it follows that you should know and understand it intimately, as it will allow you to make informed decisions that will improve your land and productivity. Using a company that has a vested interest in selling a product to provide recommendations is an interesting practice and somewhat of an oxymoron to us.

Contact us for further information as to where you can obtain independent, comprehensive soil tests – these have no connection to us and we receive no “kick-back”. (And no guarantee that you will need dolomite either!). We just want to see growers get good information.

Lime WA Inc. is a group of lime sand, limestone and dolomite producers who have developed a voluntary Code of Practice. This was initiated to introduce clarity and consistency into the market. This benefits the end user because it enables them to purchase product with confidence and to compare different products based on the same testing results. It is a requirement of the Code of Practice, that complying pits test according to a strict set of guidelines and to report those results in a specific manner. This eliminates the common practice previously undertaken by some pits where the levels of calcium and magnesium in their products are quoted as either a carbonate or an oxide, distorting the appearance of the results. Complying pits must quote the elements in their products as a pure element. Pits working under the Code of Practice have accredited load cells on their loaders. This is now a requirement for all pits, under the new weights and measures regulations.