Zeolite is the most effective way to supplement root zone CEC and reduce fertilizer usage.
Zeolites are slow release fertilisers. Plant nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium are held by the negatively charged clinoptilolite structure, and released on demand.

Zeolites increase nutrient retention, reduce environmental nutrient losses and reduce fertilizer requirements by establishing a replenishable and balanced nutrient supply in the plant 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.

Zeolite is very porous with an incredibly large surface area. The selectivity of zeolite for ammonium helps buffer the soil and prevents toxicity, which occurs when excess ammonium is applied. This property allows the grower to use this less costly form of nitrogen in larger and less frequent applications during the growing season. The retention and timely release of needed nutrients by zeolite improves overall crop yield. It provides a lasting reservoir of nutrients allowing the user to reduce added fertilization while achieving better plant and vegetable performance.

The basis for Zeolite’s stable inorganic structure is the stacking of one alumina to five silica tetrahedra in a unique symmetrical arrangement.This symmetrical stacking results in an open framework with a void space which retains water. The net negative charge within the voids holds the cations for the cation exchange capacity. The open and negatively charged framework results in Zeolite’s ability to exchange plant nutrients into and out of the stable three dimensional honeycomb framework.

Advantages of Natural Zeolites:
• Increases cation exchange capacity (CEC)
• Reduces fertilizer usage—in some cases, nitrogen usage reduced by 25%
• Reduces water usage
• Provides available potassium (ion exchanged from the Zeolite structure)
• Increases phosphorous utilization and availability by 89%
• Cost effective