Azomite
I found something that might be of interest,
Azomite is sold nationwide. The main proprietor is a company called Peak-Minerals located in Missouri. Here's some info on azomite.
- A Source of Minerals & Trace Elements
- Azomite is the name of a special rock in Utah. Early this century
geological prospector Rollin Anderson found deposits of
montmorillonite clay in a valley south of Salt Lake City. U.S. Bureau of
Mines analysis showed the clay is similar to Chilean/Peruvian caliche
rocks from which much of the world's nitrate was mined. Anderson
ground montmorillonite as fine as possible, then put it in his garden.
Results were amazing and nearly immediate. Minerals in Azomite are
necessary to optimal metabolism in living things. Ground to dust,
minerals are small enough to pass through cell walls of organisms.
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- Azomite is natural mined rock from a specific volcanic deposit in
central Utah marketed as a free-flowing, less than 200 mesh, tan to pink
powder with a density of 48 lbs./cubic foot. Shipped in bulk ($350/ton)
or 40 lb. paper sacks ($19). No additives, synthetics or fillers.
Mineralogically, Azomite is rhyolitic tuff breccia. Chemically, it's
hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate. U.S. Code of Federal
Regulations (21 CFR 582.2729) lists it as "anti-caking agent." It's
"generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by FDA for feeds up to 2% by
weight. Odorless, insoluble (1%). Azomite has 67 major and trace
elements, so its name means "A to Z Of Minerals Including Trace
Elements." Typical analysis shows every element that's beneficial to
plants and animals, and other elements (micro-nutrients) scientists
believe essential. Any contaminants are within American Feed Control
Officials guidelines.
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- Azomite was mined since 1942 as soil amendment and livestock feed
additive. Cattlemen report faster weight gain, improved feed efficiency,
upgraded meat quality, greater disease resistance, reduced mortality.
Dairymen report increased milk, higher butterfat. Poultry producers
report enhanced egg fertility and shell quality. Crop farmers report
improved growth, health, size. Potatoes report 19-60% increase in
yield; sugar beets are larger, with higher sugar content. Citrus growers
report improved recovery from decline, healthier trees. In 1988 Peak
Minerals, Inc. acquired the deposit and initiated accredited research in
Colorado, Utah, Florida, and Georgia. Studies in broiler chicken,
mycotoxin, citrus, and crops indicate benefits and are available by
request. Currently approved for organic farming in California,
Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. Research recommends 300-600
lbs./acre broadcast, or 2 lbs./10 sq. ft in gardens. Users are testing row
and foliar application.
Offered by Pat.
It seems to be an expensive way (a $19 bag treats 200 sq. feet for one season?) to add
elements and their ones we're concerned about occur only in trace amounts. I believe the
increase in yields and growth that the site are primarily from the potassium and calcium
(mineralogically speaking).
Offered by Roger.