What is Limestone ?
Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock that naturally exists in the Earth’s crust. It is mainly composed of calcium carbonate, chemically represented as (CaCO₃). Limestone is formed as a result of the accumulation of shells, coral reefs, and organic debris. It can be formed in clear, shallow, calm, and warm marine waters—an environment suitable for living organisms to easily produce calcium-based secretions and skeletal structures. We can obtain calcium from limestone through the extraction of the required components from the sea after these organisms die, and their shells and skeletons accumulate continuously as sediments that, over time, transform into limestone. You can obtain limestone through Zohdy Minerals Egypt.
What are the benefits of limestone from Zohdy Minerals Egypt ?
Limestone has many benefits and uses. Some of the key uses include:
It is used in iron extraction.
It is used in the leather industry.
Lime (derived from limestone) is the most important component of cement and an essential material in Portland cement.
Limestone is used in construction and decoration.
It is a fundamental material in building road foundations and airport runways as it helps bind the soil.
In addition to this, there are many other applications.
Other uses of limestone:
Limestone is not only beneficial to humans but also to animals and plants. Many farmers use limestone in different ways, such as neutralizing soil acidity. Farmers test soil acidity using specific indicators. If the acidity is high, they mix limestone into the soil to neutralize it chemically. Some plants cannot grow in highly acidic soil. Ground limestone is also used to neutralize acidic lakes caused by acid rain and is widely applied in agriculture. You can also obtain limestone from Zohdy Minerals Egypt.
Benefits and uses of limestone for animals from Zohdy Minerals Egypt
Limestone has multiple uses for animals, especially poultry. For example:
It is used as a disinfectant and sanitizer to eliminate germs and repel insects.
Limestone is the primary source of calcium used in livestock nutrition. Calcium is essential in poultry and livestock farming for body development and skeletal growth.
In poultry, limestone plays a critical role in forming the eggshell during the laying process.
It is one of the cheapest and most effective disinfectants, with long-lasting effects in the soil.
Types of limestone used for poultry include:
Quicklime (Calcium Oxide): Produced by heating limestone in kilns at high temperatures. It is widely used around farms and poultry houses to prevent harmful viruses and bacteria, as well as to protect against avian influenza and coccidiosis. It is often spread in chunks in required areas. You can contact Zohdy Minerals Egypt to obtain it.
What is Hydrated Lime?
Hydrated lime is Calcium Hydroxide, a fine white powder formed by adding water to quicklime. It is used on the floors of barns and poultry houses due to its strong ability to absorb moisture and quickly dry surfaces, creating a healthy environment free of bacteria, fungi, and unpleasant odors. It also plays an effective role in preventing coccidiosis.
Another type is Agricultural Lime (Calcium Carbonate), which is also added to animal feed because it contains very high levels of calcium—up to 37%. This makes it an essential and effective source of key nutrients in agriculture.
What are the physical properties of limestone from Zohdy Minerals Egypt?
Limestone’s physical properties vary from fine-textured rocks to coarse-textured ones. It has many types and names, including chalk, coquina, travertine, tufa, fossiliferous limestone, lithographic limestone, and oolitic limestone. Classification depends on how the rock was formed, its appearance, and other factors.
Types of limestone include:
Chemical limestone
formed through water deposits.
Organic limestone
formed from shells or skeletal remains of dead marine organisms.
Organic limestone is soluble, which is why it is widespread in karst landscapes.
Manufacturers also use limestone in making glass, as well as in decorative building materials such as luxury tiles and ornamental stone.
Conclusion
Limestone is one of the most important resources in agriculture because it provides numerous solutions—not only in agriculture but also in animal farming and construction. Its benefits, composition, and properties make it a vital resource in the livestock sector in general and poultry farming in particular. It plays an effective role in creating a healthy and safe environment for poultry, contributing to a balanced and nutritious diet. To obtain limestone, you can contact us at Zohdy Minerals Egypt.
