Re: Zeolites-watch out
Buck,
Interesting information and I appreciate the heads up. There are a lot of
pro's and con's here even if you are working in clay soil. How did you come
across this info or know so much about Zeolites?
Happy Holidays!
Chris
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>
>I would be careful with using zeolites. ZeoPro, in the processed form,
>looks like a good product. However, as with all products, there may be some
>bad side-effects that they don't publish. Zeolites in the natural form are
>hydrated aluminosilicates and there around forty types. However, I would
>assume the product ZeoPro uses a synthetic form of zeolites such as ZMS-5,
>A, X, or Y. Zeolites are primarily mined from alkaline lake deposits or
open
>hydrologic systems, thus they are alkaline, so your soils p.h should be
>monitored. The Addwest Minerals International Ltd. Co. of Wy. is the
largest
>of only a handful of companies that mine zeolites, and only 6% of their
>production goes toward ag. use. Whereas, 87% goes toward adsorption
products
>i.e. pet litter, and waste water clean-up. The adsorption property is my
>concern. Studies have shown that zeolites bind many minerals such as zinc,
>chromium, and copper, making them unavailable to plants. They also bind
>mineral pollutants which is good if using them as a filter, however in the
>garden these pollutants tend to leach away naturally. The zeolites bind the
>pollutants and eventually will develop very minor toxicity. Many soilless
>mixtures have zeolites as a minor component because they bind mineral
>particles allowing better air space. My guess is the purpose of zeolites in
>ZeoPro is; as a binding agent for N, P, and K. allowing them to be slowly
>released and as agent to allow better aeration in clay soils. Just beware
of
>the possible negative long term side effects.
>My one cent worth,
>Buck Meier
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