Zeolite
ZEOLITE, not to be confused with ZONALITE, has been used in industrial, agricutural, and livestock feed applications for a number of years but is relatively new to the gardening community. Zeolite is available at Golden Acre in it's pure form, in soil-less planting mixes and in Gypszolite (a blend of gypsum and Zeolite)
Zeolite is an extraordinary product with a multitude of uses above and beyond gardening, many of which are listed below. It is a natural volcanic mineral formed when volcanic ash was deposited in ancient alkali lakes. The ash interacted with the salts in the water, creating zeolite minerals. These minerals have an unusual crystalline structure; trace minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium are arranged throughout the mineral in honeycombs of channels and cavities. This open structure greatly increases the surface are within the mineral, giving it amazing absorbing capabilities. One of the most, if not the most, important aspect of zeolites is that they are able to exchange positively charged ions allowing them to absorb harmful elements from the water, soil, or air. Zeolites can remove calcium from hard water by exchanging sodium ions for calcium ions resulting in soft water and allowing natural calcium to be available to the plant. Zeolites can do this with many heavy metals and, because of these properties, are used extensively in industrial and environmental applications.
Since zeolite is a mineral it does not break down like leaves, sawdust, or other organic material and it performs better than either gypsum or sand. Once zeolite has been worked into the soil it will remain for years absorbing any harmful or toxic elements. The sharp edges of its silica structure break up clay and increase air and moisture movement through the soil. Zeolites’ open channels and cavities increase it’s surface area more than 100 times greater than sand allowing for excellent water absorption when wet and water release when the soil around it begins to dry.
Horticultural Use
Zeolite can be used in all gardening situations. For tropical plants incorporate 20% zeolite into your soil-less mix to eliminate excess salts from fertilizers. It can be especially helpful in the lawn, increasing the roots of the grass, which means greater drought tolerance and faster recovery time from damage and disease. By opening the pores in the grass it softens the blades resulting in a more cushiony lawn. For lawns scatter 20 kg per 10 m2/3530 ft2. For garden beds use 20 kg per 10 m2 /353 ft2. When applying to planters mix in about ½ an inch. The water-holding capacity of the soil will be greatly increased. Harmful metals and other elements will be locked away allowing the plants to receive the nutrients that they need. Clay soils will become lighter and more workable and much more air will reach the roots of the plants.
Animal and Pet Uses
Zeolite will create a healthier environment for your animals by locking away ammonia and other harmful and/or disagreeable chemicals. It is commonly used in horse stalls and feed lots for odor control. You can add it to cat litter to greatly reduce that lovely ammonia aroma and to deodorize doghouses and/or dog runs. Work in 1/4 inch layer prior to re-seeding dog spots to neutralize the area. Zeolites can be used in bird and small rodent cages and even for chinchilla baths. Finally, it is excellent for absorbing any pet accidents from the carpets or flooring.
Household Uses
Zeolites are excellent at absorbing odors and/or excess moisture. Place some in a small box as you would baking soda to reduce or eliminate odors in the fridge, cabinets, closets, shoe storage, and so on. It can eliminate freezer ice buildup by locking away excess moisture. A sachet placed in hockey bags, with sports equipment, in clothes hampers, or similar areas will greatly reduce odors.
Absorbent Properties
One of the best uses for zeolites is taking care of spills. Zeolites are highly absorbent and lock away chemicals, neutralizing dangerous materials. According to www.nationalzeolite.com zeolites can absorb, trap, or neutralize the following: acids, ammonia, antifreeze, bleach, blood, diesel fuel, Drano, gas from carpet glues, gasoline, lighter fluid, mold, oil, paint and paint thinner, many pesticides including sevin and diazanon, Round-Up & Killex, oil stain, turpentine, WD40, and even urine. And this is only a partial list! There are many other spills and environmental contaminants that zeolites can contain and control.
