Uses of natural zeolite
Agricultural and Horticultural applications of natural zeolite
Animal feed additive
Studies have shown that the addition of clinoptilolite to the diet of swine, poultry and cattle, improves weight gain, increases feed conversion ratios, and reduces ammonia content in the animals’ excrement.
Clinoptilolite acts as a mycotoxin binder, absorbing toxins which can be dangerous to animals. It also helps control aflatoxins in animal feed which lowers mortality rates from digestive stress and reduces the need for antibiotics. As a result, in egg-laying chickens and dairy cattle, healthier animals show improved production rates. The recommended usage is between 3% and 6% by weight of the <0.5mm grade or <0.9mm grade zeolite.
The zeolite supplied by ZeoCat has extremely low levels of dioxins, and has EU approval for use in swine and poultry production.
Treatment of animal slurry
Natural zeolite can be used to control odours generated in intensive animal husbandry sheds. If used in the animal feed, it significantly reduces the ammonia content of the slurry, but it can also be used directly in slurry pits. It has a high capacity to absorb ammonia and H2S which cause undesirable odours, and it enhances the anaerobic digestion process in the slurry.
The resulting sludge becomes a natural enriched slow release fertiliser.
The optimum level of zeolite needed to minimise odour emission is dependent on the moisture and nitrogen content of the waste, but studies have shown that levels of 2-4g zeolite/litre of waste show the greatest reduction in anaerobic digestion time. The recommended grade is <0.9mm particle size.
Natural zeolites are also used in animal waste treatment plants to prevent the release of odours to the atmosphere.
Removal of ammonia in fish farms
Natural zeolites' high ammonia absorption capacity makes it a very effective natural way to control the high levels of ammonia generated in fish farms.
It can be used in filtration systems or simply broadcast over the water surface as it is totally harmless to aquatic life.
Manufacture of slow release fertilizers
Natural zeolites are natures own slow release fertilisers. Plant nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium are held by the negatively charged zeolite structure, and released on demand. The zeolite can be pre-charged with nutrients which will then be held in the root zone until required by the crop. This prevents leaching of nutrients into the water table reducing contamination of the aquifer, and therefore significantly reducing the amount of fertiliser needed.
Zeolites can also hold up to 60% of their weight in water due to the high porosity of the crystalline structure. This results in a saving in the quantity of water needed for irrigation.
Soil amendment
Adding zeolite to soil reduces water and fertiliser costs significantly by retaining (against downward leaching and bacterial activity) beneficial nutrients in the root zone.
Zeolite adds a permanent water reservoir, providing prolonged moisture holding power during dry periods, and it promotes rapid re-wetting and improved lateral spread of water in the root zone during irrigation. The porous structure of natural zeolite also helps to keep the soil aerated.
A single application gives everlasting benefits, zeolites are extremely stable and highly durable.
Zeolites are used successfully with a wide variety of high value crops including cereals, vegetables, grapes and other fruits.
It is also very beneficial in the construction of golf courses and sports fields where the resulting irrigation and maintenance costs can be very substantial.
Plant growth medium
Natural zeolite can be used as an inert growth medium for plants raised for export. Using only zeolite as the growth medium brings all the benefits of reduced fertiliser and water consumption, and many growers have indicated improved plant health, higher yields and shorter production times.
ZeoCat
Apartado de Correos 34
08460 Santa Maria de Palautordera
Barcelona, Spain
Tel / Fax : (+34) 93 848 2594
E-mail:stevethompson@zeolitanatural.com
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