-
The application of non-amended zeolite to
a soil will adsorb the nitrogen and
nutrients and the plants will not do as well
as the control. After a period of time and
depending on the soil nutrients, the
nutrient level of the zeolite will reach an
equilibrium with the soil. The plant with
the help of the mycorhizomes will then
release the nutrients from the zeolite after
a period of time.
-
The application of non-amended zeolite to
a soil that is deficient in nitrogen will
have a detrimental impact on plant growth,
because the zeolite competes initially for
the nitrogen.
-
Non-amended zeolite can be sold as long
as it is amended with nitrogen prior to use.
This should be done in a fertilizer blender.
If it is ammonium sulfate liquid, urea, or
UAN 32 (32% nitrogen as 50% urea and 50%
ammonium nitrate), or other liquids
containing nitrogen, it should be sprayed
into the zeolite as it is blending.
-
Field blending of the zeolite with a
nitrogen source may not be as efficient as
blending in a fertilizer blender. Some of
the nitrogen is leached through the soil
rather than being exchanged in the zeolite.
-
Dry ammonium sulfate can be applied
efficiently in a fertilizer blender by first
dry blending the zeolite with the ammonium
sulfate granules and then spraying in water.
The water should amount to 10-15% by weight.
-
Typical applications for reclamation
projects in nutrient-deficient soils have
been in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 tons per
acre of 3% amended zeolite.
-
Mid summer fertilizing with amended BRZ
zeolite in a nutrient deficient soil carried
through the following year.
