Zeolite is a natural mineral with unique physical properties due to its crystal structure. It was formed from volcanic ash exposed to high pressures and temperatures. The name itself comes from the Greek dzeo = to boil (boil), zein = to boil and lithos = stone (rock), meaning “boiling stones” – this term was introduced in 1765 by the Swedish mineralogist Freiherr Axel von Cronstedt, referring to the secretion of large amounts of water by some minerals – when heated, the water they contain “boils – foams” while covering the surface with bubbles.

Zeolites are crystalline, hydrated aluminosilicates of such metals as, primarily: Ca, Mg, Na, K, Sr and Ba. Zeolites are distinguished by a number of unique physico-chemical characteristics, among which it is worth mentioning: high adsorption capacity, molecular-sit capacity, selectivity, ion-exchange capacity, resistance to elevated temperatures and acids.

Average estimates indicate that the use of natural zeolites in the world is about 3.6 megatons per year. They occur in voids and fractures of alkaline magmatic rocks, mainly in alkaline volcanites. They also occur in geodes, granite and crystalline schist voids and in some ore veins.

Due to their unique properties, zeolites are used in various industries:

• Construction industry as an additive to cements and building mortars due to its pozzolanic properties
• as a feed additive from the anti-caking group, which also has the ability to bind mycotoxins
• as supplementary soils, improving the physical and mechanical properties of soils
• for the treatment of drinking water and as sorbents of sewage and air pollution
• as a universal neutralizer of odors and moisture in dwellings
• as a carrier of nutrients and trace elements in the production of fertilizers, and as a carrier of active substances such as pesticides
• as moisture and odor sorbents in refrigerators and closed warehouses
• as cartridges for filters and ponds
• as a substrate for hydroponic plant cultivation, as well as a drainage material in all types of grasslands and for absorbing pollutants from landfills and waste dumps
• as a material with hydroponic properties in lawn cultivation
• for neutralizing odors and moisture in animal bedding (have indirect bacteriostatic and fungistatic effects)
• as a decorative material for pots, for the construction of garden ponds, paths, etc.
• as a filler for the manufacture of structural elements
• for the treatment of drinking water.

Use as a lawn agent

• For mixing with the ground 15kg per 10m2 (lawn reconstruction) fraction 1-2.5mm
  As drainage: layer 40-50kg /m2 at a depth of 5-15cm (fraction 2.5-5mm and 4-8mm)
  For lawn sanding / soil aeration 1kg per 1m2 (0.5-1mm fraction)

In addition, it is worth mixing zeolite with the best product in our range – NB Minerals Basalt Flour, which improves the physical and chemical properties of the soil enriching it with minerals necessary for plant growth.

Technical parameters:

• Basic mineral- clinoptilolite > 80%,
• Dioxins : max 0.75 ng WHO-PCDD F-TEQ/kg product,
• Heavy metals : Pb – Max 30 ppm, Cd- Max 2.0 ppm,
• microbiological evaluation : Salmonella – 0%,
• exchange capacity 1.2-1.5 mol/kg,
• moisture content max.10 %,
• insoluble in water,
• odorless,
• color: gray-green,
• absorption: ammonia, bioamines,
• grain size: 0.5 -1.0 mm
• Spectral chemical analysis: SiO2 65.0 -72%, K2O 2.2- 3.4%, Na2O 0.2 -1.3%, Al2O3 11.5-13.5%, Fe2O3 0.7-1.9%, TiO2 0.1-0.3%, CaO 2.5 -5.5%, MgO 0.6 -1.2%.

Precautions

• Keep out of reach of children.

Suitability for use: indefinitely

(When using proper storage conditions in original packaging without contact with moisture)

Zeolite is an auxiliary substance that improves the physical, biological, chemical properties and increases the efficiency of nutrient utilization in the soil. ”

The internal structure of zeolite is formed by pores and fissures connected by channels that contain either metal cations or water molecules. Its unique crystalline structure with pores and fissures has a high ion exchange capacity and selectivity, so it absorbs molecules, ions and nutrients from fertilizers and water in its lattice, then releasing them into the environment. When absorbing water, it does not change its volume or structure. Zeolite’s high level of processing ensures significant reverse hydration and dehydration of Zeolite.
In agriculture when growing crops, zeolite is used either as a soil conditioner or in the form of zeolite fertilizers (for example, with the addition of NPK), providing serious benefits to the soil and plants:

• retains and regulates nutrients (N, K, Ca, Mg) and releases them slowly, so they are available to plants over a longer period of time and can use them more efficiently.
• regulates the water balance of plants and soil by which it ensures more efficient water management.
• increases retention and water holding capacity of the soil
• prevents soil acidification and improves soil structure, which manifests itself in soil aeration and increased yields.
• prevents leaching of nutrients into groundwater, protects groundwater and contributes to environmental protection
• creates conditions for efficient growth, better plant condition and building a strong root system
• replenishes biological and trace elements such as calcium, iron, molybdenum, manganese, titanium and others.

Zeolite – a solution in times of drought and insufficient watering

Changes in climatic conditions affect agriculture through extremes – an increase in average temperatures, strong fluctuations in precipitation, an increase in average evaporation, or periods with a marked shortage of irrigation. These negative symptoms of climate change are particularly significant with light and sandy soils with low sorption capacity and in arid regions.

• Zeolite’s soakability is in accordance with PNR 02/08 109%
• Zeolite and its ability to reverse hydrate and dehydrate increases water retention in the soil, thus gaining the potential to better survive periods of drought from the point of view of crop cultivation, especially in light and sandy soils, where zeolite becomes a water reservoir. Studies have shown an increase in water absorption and water holding capacity of 10 d0 15% (Bernardi at. al., 2013)
• Zeolite application reduces water ingress by 59%, improves the ratio of soil water evaporation to soil fertility by 12% (Product Research Institute, 1989)

Zeolite – slow release effects of nutrients

When nitrogen fertilizers are applied to the soil, the action of external factors can cause nitrogen losses of up to 33% by volume, which reduces the efficiency of industrial fertilizer application. Any increase in the application rate of industrial fertilizers can cause luxuriant plant growth, contaminate the soil and groundwater with nitrates and lead to soil acidification, which ultimately reduces the final effect of fertilization.

• Zeolite, thanks to its high selectivity for ammonia and potassium cations, ensures their adsorption to its structure and subsequent slow release into the soil – zeolite fertilizers are slow-release nutrient fertilizers (S. Èuvanová at al., 2006). Zeolite releases absorbed nutrients, mainly nitrogen, slowly and evenly so that there is no overly luxuriant plant growth and greater risk of fungal diseases ) (M. Reháková at al., 2006)
• with the slow release of nutrients throughout the vegetation, the need for foliar fertilization decreases
• applied zeolite reduces leaching of plant nutrients and nitrates from the soil profile by 25% to 33% (Product Research Institute, ú. o. Trenèín, 1989).
  natural zeolite contains biogenic and trace elements such as calcium, iron, molybdenum, manganese, titanium and others,
• maintains nitrogen in the upper layers of the soil. Studies have shown that 3 months after application, the amount of nitrogen in the upper soil layers was 24 to 59% higher, depending on the dose (Vilèek et al., 2013)

Zeolite – increases soil fertility

• zeolite application increases the air content of the soil, creates favorable conditions for the growth of soil micro-edaphone, the soil becomes active, its physical properties improve (Zhang et. al., 2014)
• zeolite eliminates the acidifying effects of SO2 and NO2 contamination, which is desirable for plants grown on acidified soils (Stylianou et al., 2008)
• systematic application of zeolite, or possibly zeolite fertilizers, shifts the pH of the soil toward neutral (Product Research Institute, 1989)
• by supplementing zeolite to the soil, the natural sorption complex is increased, which is especially important in sandy soils and soils with low carbon content.

Zeolite natural substrate and composting agent

Zeolite and its unique crystalline structure with pores and fissures has a high ion exchange capacity and selectivity, so it absorbs nutrients from fertilizers and water in its lattice and then releases them into the environment.

Zeolite improves the structure and aeration of the substrate and compost piles, and allows constant drainage, seepage and capillary drainage of water in the soil. Zeolite’s internal pores account for up to 32% of its volume, giving excellent soil aeration and a sufficient supply of moisture and nutrients in the substrate and compost.

Scope of application: Substrates and composting

• establishment and maintenance of compost piles
• substrate additive

Advantages of using Zeolite in substrates and for composting

• eliminates leaching of nutrients from substrates and composts
• improves drainage quality (improves surface and ground drainage)
• improves water management (reduces watering, solves the problem of waterlogging)
• increases the use of supplied nutrients – applied Zeolite provides a slowed release of nutrients according to the needs of grown plants
• keeps nutrients and water in the zone of the root system
• addition of Zeolite increases the ion exchange capacity of the substrate, possibly compost
• Zeolite improves aeration of the substrate and compost
• eliminates unpleasant odors

Use of zeolite in substrates for growing plants (Domaracký and Rybárová, 2001)

• in the substrate zeolite – peat – sulfate and zeolite – peat – nitrate, the same height and appearance of asparagus was achieved in 3 months, which with the classical form of cultivation would require five years to achieve such parameters.
• the substrate zeolite – peat – sulfate is beneficial for the cultivation of bell pepper seedlings (the seedlings were 3 to 4 weeks ahead of the plants grown in the classical way)
• when peppers were grown in zeolite-sulfate substrate, a weight gain of 30% was also achieved compared to a control sample grown in soil under the same conditions; subjective evaluation of the taste and quality of peppers grown in zeolite-sulfate substrate was strongly positive compared to a control sample grown in the conventional way
• substrates zeolite – peat – nitrate and zeolite – rotf – sulfate are favorable for the cultivation of tomato seedlings (seedlings outperformed plants grown in the classical way by 2 -3 weeks)
• in substrates zeolite – nitrate and zeolite – sulfate cauliflowers grew at the beginning of their cultivation much faster than cauliflowers grown, as a control sample in the soil (flowers of cauliflowers grown in substrates had a much higher number of flowers than control samples)

Literature:

*Domaracký, D., Rybárová, L. 2001. Enriched natural zeolites – mineral fertilizers. Acta Montanistica Slovaca. 6(5): 52 -55.

Dosage:

• establishment of compost piles: sprinkle 1-3 kg/m2 of Zeolite on the bottom of the compost pile (recommended fraction 1-2.5 mm)
• compost maintenance: 1-2kg/m2 of Zeolite in layers, every 10 – 15cm of compost (recommended fraction 0.5-1mm)
• substrates: add 10-25% Zeolite to the substrate, peat or soil (recommended fraction 0.5-1mm; 0-0.2mm)

Application:

• Zeolite can be applied to the compost pile with an ordinary industrial fertilizer spreader, for smaller areas by hand or with a spreading cart.
• Zeolite, after adding to the substrate, must be thoroughly mixed to ensure the homogeneity of the material
• A higher dose of zeolite or a higher dose of water is determined if it is necessary to correct the substrate and soil, i.e. improve water management, increase ion exchange in the soil, eliminate rapid drying of the substrate and compost, improve nutrient uptake, improve drainage and capillary drainage of groundwater, and improve aeration.

Zeolite in the vineyard

Zeolite and its unique crystalline structure with pores and fissures has a high ion exchange capacity and selectivity, so it absorbs nutrients from fertilizers and water in its lattice, and then releases them into the environment.

Zeolite increases porosity, with which it improves soil structure, allows constant drainage, seepage and capillary drainage. Zeolite’s internal pores make up to 32% of its volume, which gives excellent soil aeration and a sufficient supply of moisture and nutrients for your vineyard.

Advantages of use in the vineyard (Reháková a kol., 2003)

• improves the quality of drainage
• improves water management, creates water reserves for the dry season
• increases the use of nutrients from fertilizer
• ensures slowed release of nutrients throughout the growing season
• maintains nutrients and water in the root system zone
• improves aeration and ion exchange in the soil

Case study: Application of zeolite in Nebojsa vineyard(Gabel, 2018) with comparison of effects on quality and yield (Gabel, 2018)

• zeolite introduced into the soil improved water availability for the vine root system
• better surface water management with zeolite added resulted in an increase in yield per vine (+1.2kg), more grapes per vine (by an average of 6 compared to the control sample) and higher berry weight (by 0.47 grams)
• parameters (sugar and acid content) after zeolite application were the same as in the control sample
  group inspection of the condition after zeolite application showed excellent phytosanitary condition

Sources / literature used:

Reháková, M., Èuvanová, S., Gaval’ová, Z., Rimár, J. 2003. Use of natural clinoptilolite-type zeolite in agrochemistry and agriculture. Chemical Letters 97: 260-264.

Gabel, B. 2018. ZEOLIT natural solution for harmonization of soil irrigation. Quality Institute, Bratislava. Vine and Wine 1: 7-10.

Dosage

• vineyard establishment – dose: 1 to 2kg/m2, introduced at a depth of 30 to 60cm (recommended fraction: 2.5-5mm)*
• planting a vineyard – dose: 1.0kg/seedling (+2 liters of water/seedling) (recommended fraction: 1-2.5mm)*
• care of fruiting vineyard – dose: 1.0kg /mb (apply into the groove towards the roots) (recommended fraction: 1-2.5mm)*

*dose can be changed based on soil analysis

Aplikacja:

• Zeolit można aplikować zwykłym rozrzutnikiem do nawozów przemysłowych, w przypadku mniejszych powierzchni ręcznie 
• przy zakładaniu winnicy z aplikacją pod sadzonkę można aplikować na początku wiosny lub jesieni 
• w przypadku aplikacji przy sadzeniu winnicy, sadzonki trzeba potem dostatecznie podlewać 
• mniejsza, ale częstsza dawka jest korzystna, jeżeli chcemy zwiększyć wykorzystanie dostarczonych składników odżywczych
• większa dawka (aplikacja przy zakładaniu winnicy albo do rowka w stronę rosnących korzeni) jest korzystna, jeżeli chcemy poprawić parametry gleby, tj. poprawić gospodarkę wodną, pH, wymianę jonową w glebie, walczyć z suszą, poprawić przyjmowanie składników odżywczych, odprowadzanie kapilarne i napowietrzenie.

Greekeeper motto: 

“A perfectly designed and carefully maintained golf course is a basic prerequisite for a satisfying game of golf” (Novák, 2008).

Scope of application: Golf courses and sports fields

• landscaping
• sandblasting
• aeration
• harrowing
• scarifying, scarifying

Advantages of using Zeolite

• improves the quality of soil drainage (improving surface and ground drainage)
• allows better rooting of plants
• improves water management (reduces watering, solves the problem of waterlogging)
• increases utilization of supplied nutrients (slowed release into the soil)
• maintains nutrients and water availability in the root system zone
• improves the quality and condition of the lawn (reduces the amount of snow mold in the lawn)
• improves soil aeration and soil capacity for ion exchange

Zeolite – clinoptilolite its unique crystalline structure with pores and fissures has a high ion exchange capacity and selectivity, so that it absorbs nutrients from fertilizers and water in its lattice, and then releases them into the environment. Zeolite increases the porosity of the soil, which improves its structure and allows for constant drainage, soaking and capillary drainage of water from rainfall. Zeolite’s internal pores make up to 32% of its volume, which provides excellent aeration and creates a sufficient supply of moisture and nutrients in the soil for your lawn.

Advantages of using zeolite for golf course and lawn maintenance:

• Improved water management, reduced nitrogen leaching, utilization of up to 93% of nitrogen, increased soil ion exchange (Petrovic, 1993)
• Improved utilization of supplied nutrients, improved nitrogen utilization by 22%, reduced nitrate leaching to groundwater by 86 to 99%, increased soil retention (Huang and Petrovic, 1992)
• improving water management, improving capillary groundwater recharge by using zeolite in dry regions, protecting against drought stress and high temperatures (Tanzy and coll.).
• establishment of greens and lawns – we give 2-9 tons to a depth of 20-30cm (recommended fraction 1-2.5mm; 2.5-5mm) / ha
• harrowing 0.5 – 2.0kg/m2 (optimal dose depends on the unevenness of the cultivated greens and lawns) (recommended fraction 0.5-1mm)
• Scarifying, scarifying – dosage after scarifying 0.5-2.0kg/m2, possibly mixed with sand in a ratio of 50:50 recommended fraction 0.5-1mm
• Aeration – application after aeration 0.5-2.0kg/m2, possibly mixed with sand in a ratio of 50:50 (recommended fraction 0.5-1.0mm)

Application:

• Zeolite can be applied with an ordinary industrial fertilizer spreader, for smaller areas manually or with a seeding truck, preferably with a sand truck
  when establishing lawns, it is recommended to apply in early spring or late autumn. If applied during the season (scarification, aeration, aeration), it is necessary to sufficiently irrigate these areas afterwards
• Zeolite must be applied evenly over the entire surface to be thoroughly introduced into the lawn base with a rake, brush or net. With systematic application you will get a wonderful, healthy, flat and smooth lawn
• smaller and more frequent dosage of Zeolite is beneficial if you want to ensure protection against mold growth, improve nutrient utilization, maintain a smooth surface and increase resistance to mold formation.
• a higher dosage of Zeolite (applied mainly in aeration) or a higher proportion in sand is chosen if you need to improve soil parameters, i.e. improve water management, increase ion exchange, fight against rapid drying of the lawn, improve nutrient uptake, improve drainage, capillary drainage from the lawn, provide better aeration.