Soil is one of the three main elements in agriculture. Poor-quality soil can transform vibrant and lush nature into a barren and lifeless landscape. In many cases, infertile and degraded soils are amended to restore their productivity. By improving low-quality soils and converting them into fertile ones, plants can grow well and produce higher yields. Below, we explain how zeolite can be used as a soil amendment. Stay with us to learn more.

What is Zeolite?

minerL Zeolite is a soil amendment used to enhance soil quality, improve productivity, and boost crop growth and yield. Adding this substance to soil in agricultural and horticultural practices increases the soil’s water retention capacity. Furthermore, zeolite contains beneficial elements such as calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, copper, and iron, making it an excellent supplement and fertilizer for various crops.

Benefits of Using Zeolite in Soil

Here are some of the benefits of using zeolite in agriculture:

Soil Improvement

Arable soils sometimes face challenges that require amendments. Using zeolite in soil increases the population of beneficial microorganisms, significantly improving plant growth. It enhances nitrogen-fixing bacterial activity, improving soil aeration and porosity. This leads to better root development, ultimately increasing plant growth and yield.

Increased Water Retention

Thanks to its structure, zeolite can absorb significant amounts of water. Incorporating it into the soil ensures that when roots face water scarcity, they can use the moisture retained by the zeolite. Zeolite does not decompose quickly, remains in the soil for a long time, and supplies essential nutrients, improving soil quality.

Soil pH Regulation

Some soils are unsuitable for cultivation due to high salinity and pH levels, which hinder plant growth. Zeolite can help regulate soil pH and reduce salinity, making the soil more suitable for cultivation.

Moisture Retention in Soil

As mentioned, zeolite has a high water absorption capacity due to its structure. It acts as a reservoir, storing water for extended periods and making it available to plants when needed. During hot days with direct sunlight, some plant-available water evaporates. By using zeolite, the moisture lost through evaporation can be replenished when temperatures drop, keeping water accessible to plants.

Improved Vegetative and Reproductive Growth

In addition to improving soil texture and reducing salinity, zeolite’s nutrient content promotes better plant growth. Acting as a natural soil enhancer, it absorbs and retains water, compensates for water deficiencies in roots, and increases soil aeration, porosity, and overall quality. Adding zeolite to soil can improve fertility, promote better growth, and boost yields in crops such as wheat, vegetables like eggplant and carrots, and fruit trees like apples.

The Impact of Zeolite on Reducing Agricultural Costs

Zeolite, due to its high capacity for retaining water and nutrients, can significantly reduce the need for fertilizers and irrigation. This reduction not only helps lower agricultural costs but also prevents the wastage of natural resources. Additionally, zeolite can limit the use of chemical fertilizers, thereby reducing their harmful environmental impacts.

The Role of Zeolite in Sustainable Agriculture

In modern and sustainable agriculture, preserving soil and water resources is of utmost importance. Zeolite, as a natural and renewable material, plays a significant role in promoting sustainable agriculture. Its application in soil not only enhances crop productivity but also prevents soil erosion and degradation.

The Application of Zeolite in Managing Chemical Fertilizers

Zeolite, with its cation-exchange properties, can absorb nutrients from chemical fertilizers such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus and gradually release them to plants. This process prevents nutrient leaching from the soil and ensures the efficient use of chemical fertilizers.

Zeolite and Reducing Salinity Effects in Agricultural Soil

In regions where high soil salinity poses challenges, zeolite can help regulate salinity levels and improve soil conditions. This feature is especially crucial for cultivating crops sensitive to salinity. By improving soil conditions, plants can grow naturally and achieve higher yields.

Special Applications of Zeolite in Organic Farming

In organic farming, the use of chemical substances is limited. Zeolite, being natural and environmentally friendly, is an excellent choice for enhancing soil quality and boosting production in this type of agriculture. This material can partially replace chemical fertilizers, enabling the production of healthier and more environmentally friendly crops.

How to Use Zeolite in Agricultural Soil

To use zeolite, mix it with soil, agricultural fertilizers, and decomposed animal manure before planting. The resulting mixture can be applied to the base of trees as a trench application or spread on the soil surface. The amount of zeolite used varies based on soil type, ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 kilograms per hectare for crops and 2,000 to 3,000 kilograms per hectare for orchards, depending on the number and age of trees, soil analysis, and expert recommendations.

Using Zeolite to Decompose Animal Manure

Decomposing animal manure is a common challenge for farmers and orchardists. Raw manure can cause various issues and takes a long time to decompose, making it less appealing for use. However, properly decomposed manure offers numerous benefits. One method to process manure is by mixing it with zeolite. Zeolite-processed manure preserves nitrogen and enhances the efficiency of fertilizers used throughout the season.

To process animal manure with zeolite:

Ensure the manure’s moisture content is between 20% and 30%. If it exceeds this range, spread the manure to reduce moisture to an optimal level.
To check the moisture level, squeeze a handful of manure. If your hand feels damp without water dripping, the moisture content is appropriate. If it is too dry, spread the manure to a height of 60 cm and sprinkle it with water to raise the moisture level.
Once the moisture is suitable, evenly spread zeolite over the manure and mix thoroughly.
Compress the mixture into a cone-like shape and leave it for 20–30 days. After this period, the manure will be fully decomposed, processed, and ready for use.