Zeolite

• Natural zeolites are porous, volcanogenic minerals composed of mostly aluminosilicates. Clinoptilolite is the zeolite mineral most useful for agricultural applications and is among the 40 naturally occurring zeolites. Clinoptilolite is inert and non-toxic. It is a natural regulator in the soil, with the ability to absorb and release nitrogen, water and water-based nutrients as needed to plants' root zones. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration experimented with a specially developed zeolite soil substitute to grow wheat in two Space Shuttle flights. Clinoptilolite is an abundant mineral that is commercially mined in Europe, Russia, Japan and the United States. Retail products are identified as zeolite.
  
  

Fertilizer

• U.S. Geological Survey experiments show zeolite products to be effective fertilizer enhancers. The name zeolite means "boiling stones." Zeolite chips are heated to full dehydration. The hot, dry porous rock chips are filled with urea, a nitrogen fertilizer. The urea crystallizes, slowing its eventual release from the chips, creating an effective, controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer. Phosphate rocks mixed with zeolite create a controlled-release phosphate medium. Zeolite in the soil contributes to the availability of some trace nutrients as well.
  
  

Golf Turf

• Researchers seek to improve the root zone material for high-maintenance putting greens.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Sand combined with organic materials is used as a root zone material for golf courses. Peat is most commonly used, with other organic materials employed as available. Golf course greens are subject to heavy traffic, and organic materials break down in the root zone over time. Clinoptilolite is reduced to sand-sized grains and mixed with sand as a soil conditioner. Research conducted at Washington State University shows clinoptilolite to be as effective as peat in improving grass establishment on sand-based putting greens. Variations in clinoptilolite deposits mean that the presence of naturally occurring chemicals or clay, or the variable hardness of the mineral, may reduce the efficacy of clinoptilolite treatment.
  
  

Lawn and Garden

• Zeolite products are available through retail sources as soil conditioners and fertilizer enhancers. Retail dealers recommend either surface treatment for lawns and garden beds or tilling zeolite into the soil. Absorbent zeolite is added to the potting medium of container plants for increased water retention. Ongoing experiments with zeolite minerals for large-scale agricultural applications, golf courses and reclamation projects show promising results. Consult reputable local and online nursery and retail sources for reliable products and safe local application.