Lime Equivalent Available for Farmers Fields

August 6, 2013

For more information contact: John Bott at: 207 287-3156

Dragon Cement offer could strengthen farm productivity

AUGUSTA? Maine farmers could see their liming agent costs reduced and their profitability increase as a result of an alternative liming agent that is being made available by the Dragon Products Company. Representatives from Dragon Products and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) are seeking to make farmers aware of the availability of K-Lime for use as an agricultural liming agent.

?This opportunity has the potential to lower production costs for farmers and increase their profitability. I commend Dragon Cement and Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry experts for promoting its availability and seeking ways to strengthen businesses,? said Governor Paul R. LePage.

Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb was equally enthusiastic. ?The DACF continues to work with Maine businesses to try to pursue strategies that lower costs, improve efficiencies and strengthen our natural resource-based economy. Our staff worked with Dragon Cement to identify and publicize an opportunity that can benefit local farms and Dragon Cement,? said Whitcomb.

?It?s a win-win situation for Dragon and local farmers. I?m glad we?ve been able to work with the Maine Dept. of Agriculture to make the availability of this product more widely known,? said Raymond DeGrass, Plant Manager for Dragon Products.

What is K-Lime:

K-Lime is a by-product of portland cement manufacturing. As a partially calcined material, it contains activated calcium compounds having higher solubility than ground limestone. K-Lime provides rapid acid neutralization from highly soluble calcium compounds. It can also provide long-term acid neutralization from calcium and magnesium carbonates. As such, it is suitable as an agricultural liming agent, and for compost and soil blending.

K-Lime provides alkalinity to the soil that is needed to maintain optimal pH levels. The enriched levels of potassium and sulfur contained in the product are valuable plant nutrients that are often deficient in soils.

Transportation:

K-Lime for beneficial and agronomic use is distributed in bulk as is from the Dragon cement manufacturing facility in Thomaston, Maine. Customers seeking K-Lime should contact Dragon prior to pickup at (207) 593-0100.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/acf