Farmers using dolomite for better crop yield

Farmers in the district are using dolomite to neutralise acidity in the soil for better yield of crops.

"Test of pH (potential of hydrogen) measures the acidity or alkalinity in soils. Soil with pH 6.5 is considered neutral. Acidic soil has a pH value below 6.5 and alkaline soil above pH 6.5," said Mohammad Nuruzzaman, Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila agriculture officer.

"As the soil of Lalmonirhat is acidic, the use of dolomite is needed to neutralise it for good yield of crops," said Safayet Hossain, deputy director of the Department of Agriculture Extension in Lalmonirhat.

"We recommend applying four kg of dolomite per decimal of land to neutralise the acidity in soil. After 14 days of the application, seeds are to be sown. Once dolomite is applied, its action will continue up to four years," he said. 

Ala Uddin Khan, scientific officer and soil expert in Lalmonirhat Spices Sub-Research Centre, said the soil originated from the acidic rock becomes acidic.

"Besides, if any soil contains more sulphur, iron and aluminium, it becomes acidic. Use of ammonium sulphate (urea) for a long time removes the calcium and magnesium elements from the soil through leaching process in the rainy season and the soil becomes acidic," he said.

He also suggested the use of dolomite to neutralise such soil for better crop production.

Several farmers at Uttar Saptana and Fulgachh villages in Lalmonirhat Sadar said they have been using dolomite in their field for the last few years and getting expected crop yield.