The use of magnesium hydroxide in agriculture and soil treatment

Posted by Ellison Greystone on August 1, 2023 AT 22:57 15 Comments

The Green Magic of Mg(OH)2 — Unlocking the Agrarian Potential

Let's have a chat about the unsung hero in the world of agriculture — magnesium hydroxide, often known as “Milk of Magnesia”. If it’s bringing to your mind that liquid stuff your mum used to make you swallow when you were a kid with an upset stomach, then bingo! But, believe it or not, this unassuming compound serves not only as an antacid and laxative in the medical field, but also plays a vital role in enhancing soil fertility, thus boosting agriculture. Nestled in our earth soil, Mg(OH)2 is determinedly doing its green magic, whilst also making a positive impact on our environment.

Magnesium Hydroxide: Our Soil’s Best Pal

The story begins when soil takes in magnesium hydroxide. The soil, much like a sponge, absorbs this compound and that’s when the magic happens. Inspired by a personal experience, I have a garden at the backyard of my house here in Wellington, New Zealand. Not long ago my roses were behaving strangely, yellowish, listless and disappointing as an English summer. Then one day, I gave them a dose of magnesium hydroxide. Mysteriously, before long, they roared back to their vibrant life. This was it! The change was nothing short of dramatic. And it prompted me to delve deeper into the remarkable qualities of Mg(OH)2 which led me to the discovery of its tremendous significance in agriculture and soil health.

How Does Mg(OH)2 Work its Soil Wonder?

When magnesium hydroxide is applied to infertile soil, it breaks down the bonds that lock away vital nutrients. As a result, these nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, become readily available for plant consumption. As the soil continues to drink up Mg(OH)2, over time, it becomes lighter, softer, and all the while it's nurturing our plants like a doting mother.

Soil pH — Balancing the Act

Picking up from my personal experience with my roses, I wanted to learn why it worked? And this exploratory pursuit led me to the beautiful science behind soil pH. It turns out magnesium hydroxide is an ace at this balancing act. It has a dual role, leaving our soil neither too acidic nor too alkaline, maintaining just the right pH level that the plants adore.

Beyond Fertility: Mg(OH)2 Safeguarding our Environment

Magnesium Hydroxide does more than just boosting agriculture, it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our environment. It controls soil erosion, and keeps those toxic heavy metals at bay and prevents them from leaching into our rivers and groundwater. The perks of this are plenty — from cleaner water supplies, reducing pollution to protecting aquatic life. It's like the Superman of agricultural inputs — saving the soil and the environment in one fell swoop!

Friend of the Farmers

Considering all of these plus points, you’d think magnesium hydroxide would be an expensive commodity. Well, let me tell you — it’s not and this part is particularly important for those lovable kiwi farmers out there. Unlike many chemical fertilizers, magnesium hydroxide is cost-effective, thus light on the pockets. Lastly and importantly, it's easy to apply, trust me, it's not rocket science, it's as easy as watering your plants.

Embracing the Mg(OH)2 Revolution

We are on the cusp of a Green Revolution and magnesium hydroxide is in the driver's seat. Not only does it hold massive potential in upping our agricultural yield and making our farmers happy, but also protects the very environment we live in. With Mg(OH)2, it's a win-win for all and it’s high time we start paying attention to this humble compound. After all — it's not something often found in modern-day conversations, but it's something we should certainly be talking about.

So here’s to healthier soils, taller crops, and cleaner environments! And all thanks to our dear little magnesium hydroxide. Trust me, folks, give it a try in your garden or farm and you will end up feeling like a Green Wizard. And to think that all this comes from that little white jug your mum would hand you, who'd have thought?

Nolan Kiser

Magnesium hydroxide is one of those underrated tools that every organic gardener should have in their shed. I’ve been using it for three seasons now on my raised beds in Colorado, and the difference in tomato yield and leaf color is insane. No more lime or gypsum - this stuff just works. Plus, it’s non-toxic to pollinators, which is a huge win.

On August 2, 2023 AT 03:41

Yaseen Muhammad

While magnesium hydroxide does indeed buffer soil pH and provide bioavailable magnesium, it’s important to note that its efficacy is highly dependent on soil texture and existing cation exchange capacity. In sandy soils, leaching can occur rapidly; in clay-rich soils, it may bind too tightly. Always conduct a soil test before application - blind use can lead to nutrient imbalances.

On August 2, 2023 AT 06:43

Dylan Kane

Oh wow, another ‘green wizard’ story. You gave your roses milk of magnesia and suddenly they became Instagram famous? Cool. Meanwhile, in the real world, this is just a cheap alkaline supplement that’s been used since the 70s. Your ‘discovery’ is about as groundbreaking as saying ‘water helps plants grow’.

On August 3, 2023 AT 02:20

KC Liu

Let me guess - the EPA banned this because it’s ‘too effective’ and threatens the billion-dollar chemical fertilizer cartel. You’re not supposed to know that Mg(OH)2 can neutralize acid rain runoff at the root level. They don’t want farmers saving money. They want you hooked on glyphosate-laced miracle powders. Wake up.

On August 3, 2023 AT 10:35

Shanice Alethia

Okay, but have you considered that this ‘miracle’ might just be placebo effect + confirmation bias? You had sad roses, you poured white liquid on them, they got better - so now you’re calling it magic? What if the rain came that week? What if you accidentally used a different fertilizer? You’re romanticizing coincidence like it’s a TED Talk.

On August 4, 2023 AT 02:16

Sam Tyler

I’ve been working with smallholder farms in the Midwest using magnesium hydroxide as part of a regenerative rotation system, and the results have been consistent: improved root nodulation in legumes, reduced aluminum toxicity in acidic soils, and better microbial diversity over time. It’s not a silver bullet, but when paired with compost teas and cover cropping, it’s a game-changer. The key is consistency - apply it in early spring and again post-harvest. And yes, it’s cheaper than synthetic lime. I’ve seen farmers cut input costs by nearly 40% in two years. Just don’t overapply - too much can raise pH past 7.5 and lock up micronutrients.

On August 4, 2023 AT 10:26

shridhar shanbhag

Used this in my chili farm in Punjab last monsoon. Soil was acidic from overuse of urea. After two applications, the leaves turned dark green, fruit set improved, and we had less fungal rot. Also, no burning of seedlings like with quicklime. But we mixed it with neem cake - works better together. Not magic, just science.

On August 4, 2023 AT 18:57

John Dumproff

It’s beautiful how something so simple can have such a big impact. I remember my grandma used to sprinkle this on her vegetable patch when I was a kid - she never knew the science, but she knew it worked. Sometimes the oldest solutions are the most elegant. Thank you for reminding us to look back before chasing the next shiny thing.

On August 5, 2023 AT 15:27

Lugene Blair

YES. This. I’ve been telling my local co-op this for years. Everyone’s obsessed with NPK blends, but magnesium is the silent MVP. My zucchini last year? Huge. No blossom end rot. No yellowing. Just pure green energy. If you’re not using Mg(OH)2, you’re leaving 30% of your plant’s potential on the table. Go get some. You won’t regret it.

On August 5, 2023 AT 18:53

William Cuthbertson

There’s something poetic about the fact that a compound once used to soothe human discomfort now soothes the earth’s own ailments. We treat soil like a machine to be optimized, but perhaps it’s more like a living body - in need of balance, not brute-force inputs. Magnesium hydroxide doesn’t scream for attention like synthetic fertilizers. It whispers. And in a world that’s lost its patience, maybe that’s exactly what the land needs: a gentle hand, not a bulldozer.

On August 5, 2023 AT 19:04

Eben Neppie

Let’s cut the fluff. Mg(OH)2 is not a ‘revolution.’ It’s a basic alkaline buffer. You’re acting like you discovered fire. Also, your ‘personal experience’ is anecdotal nonsense. Real agriculture relies on replicated trials, not rose gardens in Wellington. And if you think this replaces soil testing, you’re doing more harm than good. Stop romanticizing chemistry.

On August 6, 2023 AT 08:41

Hudson Owen

While the application of magnesium hydroxide in agricultural contexts is empirically supported in peer-reviewed literature, it is imperative to acknowledge that its efficacy is contingent upon a multitude of variables, including but not limited to: soil organic matter content, baseline pH, precipitation patterns, and crop species. To promote it as a universal panacea may inadvertently discourage more nuanced, site-specific soil management practices. A measured, data-driven approach remains paramount.

On August 6, 2023 AT 21:32

Milind Caspar

Let’s be honest - this is just another corporate agrochemical repackaged as ‘natural.’ Magnesium hydroxide is mined, processed, and sold by the same companies that make Roundup. The ‘green wizard’ narrative is a marketing gimmick. You think you’re saving the planet, but you’re just buying into a new flavor of industrial agriculture. Wake up. The real solution is agroecology, not chemical tweaks.

On August 7, 2023 AT 13:03

Rose Macaulay

I tried this last year after reading your post and my basil went nuts. Like, crazy green, no bugs, smelled amazing. I didn’t even know what I was doing, just mixed a spoonful with water and sprayed it. So glad I did. Thank you for sharing!

On August 7, 2023 AT 22:22

Ellen Frida

wait so if mg(oh)2 fixes soil… does that mean… like… the earth is just a big person with an upset stomach?? and we’re giving it milk of magnesia?? like… is that why the climate is changing?? bc the planet is constipated??

On August 8, 2023 AT 13:53