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pudge2b

Zeolite?

Pudge 2b
18 years ago

While shopping yesterday I came across 10 kg bags of Zeolite for $6 so I picked up a bag on impulse (and knowing nothing about it). My initial thought was that I would use it as a mulch in troughs (which I don't have just yet, but have plans to try making some hypertufa ones soon - bought a giant sized bag of vermiculite as well).

After I got home I started reading about it. Am I correct in understanding that Zeolite actually holds moisture? Will it be better served as a soil additive for the troughs, rather than a mulch? If as a soil additive, how much would one use, say for a wheelbarrow full of soil mix?

Comments (4)

  • alpiner
    18 years ago

    Zeolite is mostly a marketing item. Nothing wrong with it but I would buy 'sharp sand' if it's available at a cheaper price. I've been given bags of zeolite and see no difference from my plants grown in the same parts mixture of sharp sand.

    This is personal preference but I don't like the look of zeolite in my troughs. It's a bit too artificial looking.

    As stated I don't have any problems with zeolite. I just don't find any benefits over sand.

  • Eccly
    11 years ago

    Zeolite as a potting Media

    Looks like an old threat here. Quickly, blend in about 15% into soil or potting media by weight. Natural zeolite holds between 20 -35% moisture by weight.
    Has a high cation exchange capacity or in other words a high nutrient holding capacity which it will exchange back to plants. The benefit here is as a holder of fertiliser and reduces nutrient leaching.
    It is not a fertiliser and should be considered empty of nutrient. Some sources of natural zeolite are hard and can substitute for sand and other a soft and chalky where you will still need sand for texture. Colours range from white, pale salmon pink and pale green depending on original ore deposit.

  • User
    11 years ago

    hmmmm, there are some interesting reports using zeolite in phyto-remediation projects - still in infancy but also using it to counteract syndromes such as rose replant sickness. A fascinating substance.

  • Jason
    9 years ago

    I find it strange that Zeolite is used in gardens. I say that because as an aircraft mechanic I work with systems that create nitrogen using zeolite. When we encounter a zeolite spill we have to evacuate and wear full hazmat gear to clean it up. I'm not sure if maybe we're just using a different form of it or what, but it seems like something I wouldn't want to put any where near my yard.

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