No. 1 Bioash PRODUCER IN MALAYSIA - beyond Dolomite for Acidic Soil

LEE BIOASH MALAYSIA – BEYOND DOLOMITE FOR ACIDIC SOIL

What Is an Acidic Soil Conditioner and Why BIOASH Is a Better Alternative to Dolomite

Soil acidity is a common issue in agriculture, especially in tropical regions like Southeast Asia. In these areas, heavy rainfall frequently washes away essential nutrients, leaving behind acidic soils with a low pH—typically below 5.5. This acidity affects crop performance by reducing nutrient availability, inhibiting root development, and weakening microbial life in the soil. Farmers often observe symptoms such as stunted growth, yellowing leaves, poor yields, and weak root systems in crops grown on such soils.

To solve this, farmers rely on acidic soil conditioners—materials applied to raise soil pH and improve the soil’s chemical and biological balance. By neutralizing acidity, these conditioners help unlock nutrients trapped in the soil, allowing for better nutrient uptake, stronger plant growth, and healthier microbial activity. One of the most widely used soil conditioners is dolomite, also known as calcium magnesium carbonate. Dolomite for acidic soil treatment has been a conventional solution for decades, particularly because it helps raise pH while supplying essential calcium and magnesium. Another common material is agricultural lime (calcium carbonate), which also helps in neutralizing acidity. However, dolomite has limitations. It acts relatively slowly and generally requires higher application rates to be effective. More importantly, dolomite does not supply potassium—a critical macronutrient that plays a vital role in plant health, water regulation, and disease resistance. Over time, repeated applications of dolomite or lime may be needed, making the process costlier and less sustainable. This is where BIOASH stands out as a superior alternative to dolomite for acidic soil management. Made from a mix of palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) and woodchip, BIOASH is a by-product of controlled biomass combustion. It is rich in potassium, with a K₂O content of 5-8%, has a high pH of around 11, and contains less than 2% moisture—making it highly effective in neutralizing soil acidity. Unlike dolomite, which adds mainly calcium and magnesium, BIOASH delivers potassium along with pH correction, giving crops an immediate nutrient boost. The alkaline nature of BIOASH allows it to act faster in raising soil pH, especially in strongly acidic soils. Because of its high nutrient density and low moisture content, BIOASH also requires smaller application volumes compared to dolomite, making it more cost-effective and easier to transport and apply. In addition to its chemical benefits, BIOASH also supports sustainability. While dolomite is mined from natural deposits—an energy- and resource-intensive process—BIOASH is made from agricultural waste, reducing environmental impact and promoting circular economy practices in farming. For farmers and estate owners seeking an eco-friendly, efficient, and nutrient-rich replacement for dolomite, BIOASH offers a practical solution. It improves soil pH, enhances crop nutrition, and supports long-term soil health—making it an ideal acidic soil conditioner for tropical agriculture.