Golden Bay Dolomite November Newsletter

Looking for the best nutrients for your deer? Dolomite is your easy solution providing both Calcium and Magnesium. 

The importance of soil health cannot be understated for all farming types. The impact pastures have on animal performance, their health and farm profitability are directly related to mineral content and balance within the topsoil, the aerobic zone where plants feed and biology predominate (to a depth that fence posts rot). 

Most farmers will recognise this by observation of pasture growth and animal performance. 

Deer are very responsive alert animals and as deer farmers know little things can have a big impact. When I visit deer farms the deer certainly know that someone different is about. 

So why are Calcium and Magnesium so important? Several reasons.  

Firstly, and arguably the most important reason, is animal temperament. Many people take Magnesium supplements to help them relax and sleep, the effect is no different on animals, especially deer. As we know these animals can be highly strung and flighty, especially when they don’t get worked much during the year. The calming influence of correct soil Magnesium is obvious when tracking a deer farms journey from deficient levels to optimum, on not only the deer but even the farmer sometimes! 

Secondly, Calcium for strong bones and velvet growth. Calcium is the king of minerals and the transporter of all other nutrients. If your soil is Calcium deficient then by default the supply of other essential nutrients also becomes restricted. 

Growing velvet is all about Calcium, and consistent velvet weight gains are hugely reliant on having optimum Calcium in your topsoil. 

And thirdly, the balance of Calcium and Magnesium determines soil structure. 

Calcium loosens soil and Magnesium tightens it. The correct amounts (percentages) of each provides the right air and water content within the soil colloids. This gives the land a cushioning effect, meaning pugging will bounce back better and biology will thrive. When this happens, more nutrients are provided to the plant and ultimately the stock. 

Dolomite is an effective product at providing Calcium and Magnesium in one application.

Applying Golden Bay Dolomite

Dolomite contains Magnesium carbonate (39%) and Calcium carbonate (59%) perfectly balanced for soil health and plant uptake.  

Applying just a maintenance rate of 250kg/ha per year of Dolomite will help maintain optimal soil Magnesium and Calcium base saturation levels which results in healthy plant growth. 

Farmers using Golden Bay Dolomite have seen that “as the base saturation of these minerals are corrected in your soil, average velvet weight gains can be achieved year on year.” 

Give us a call to incorporate Dolomite into your farm plan. Visit our website at goldenbaydolomite.co.nz or contact one of our consultants. Phone 03 525 9843 or email  sales@goldenbaydolomite.co.nz