Medical cannabis growers in Canada and the United States are investigating the effects of natural zeolite on crop yields and efficiency. Recent studies have determined that, when incorporated into the soil, zeolite allows cannabis plants access to more nutrients and moisture.
By harboring these vital elements in the topsoil, the plant roots maintain access to nutrients, oxygen, and H20; extracting it from the zeolite as needed over time.
Like millions of tiny molecular sponges, the zeolite particles attract and bind nutrients along the walls of their countless internal passageways. Holding more nitrates, phosphates, and potash in the upper soil, at the root level, can also reduce excess leaching into the water table.
Unlike soil amendments such as perlite, zeolite does not break down over time. Instead, it remains in soil improving nutrient retention. In agriculture and horticulture zeolite is used as a slow release carrier of fertilizers. The mineral is particularly useful for recultivation, increasing the nitrogen balance in light and sandy soil, and increasing the production capacity of acidic and devastated soils (Rehakova et al., 2004).
Zeolite also prevents soil compaction and works to increase infiltration, both of which promote aeration of deep root systems. Zeolite has no swelling index so it maintains it’s physio-chemical structural integrity while saturated and does not dissolve like mud or clay.
Due to its superior absorption and adsorption properties, zeolite reduces water and fertilizer requirements by retaining more nutrients and moisture in the root zone (Polat et al., 2004).
The porous structure of the mineral promotes an active living soil environment that remains both aerated and moist over time. Because zeolite is not acidic, it can be used in conjunction with fertilizers to buffer soil pH levels, which may also reduce the need for lime applications (Polat et al., 2004).
Zeolite is valuable both economically and environmentally.
Because zeolite is all-natural, unprocessed and non-toxic for animals or humans; it is one of the most ecologically benign non-organic materials available; with benefits in composting, soil blending and general horticulture.
KMI Zeolite is a proud member of the NCIA
