Date Posted:9 December 2024
VolcaMin Clinoptilolite Zeolite is making waves in soil management, with proven results across various agricultural settings. Below are some impactful case studies that highlight how VolcaMin enhances nutrient retention, improves water infiltration, and boosts plant health.
One of the standout examples of VolcaMin's effectiveness can be seen in the improvement of Malaysian Mangoes. Over a span of three months, a significant transformation occurred in mango farms using VolcaMin as part of their soil management system.
| Before VolcaMin (Pre-Application) | After VolcaMin (3 Months Later) |
|---|---|
20th August 2007 (Pre-Application) Mangoes were grown in soils without VolcaMin, leading to inconsistent growth, poor water retention, and nutrient leaching. The existing soil conditions weren't optimal for holding nutrients and water, leading to inconsistent yields and slower plant development. |
3 Months Later After incorporating VolcaMin into the root zone soils (at 1% to 5% concentration), and applying it alongside fertilisers, the results were dramatic. The mango trees showed improved growth, with visibly healthier and more robust foliage. Improved Mango Growth: The difference in plant health and growth is evident after the use of VolcaMin in the soil. Improved foliage and fruiting were observed across the farm. |
The results from the Malaysian Mangoes case study show how VolcaMin can dramatically improve soil quality and plant growth, even in challenging tropical climates. By improving water retention, nutrient availability, and preventing leaching, VolcaMin offers a comprehensive solution for sustainable agriculture.
VolcaMin's role as a soil and fertiliser enhancer becomes especially clear when comparing the performance of soil systems with and without its inclusion. Below, we’ll break down the key differences between soil with and without VolcaMin, focusing on nutrient retention, water management, and environmental benefits.
| Without VolcaMin | With VolcaMin |
|---|---|
In soils lacking VolcaMin, water and soluble fertilisers quickly pass through the soil profile without anything to retain or attract them. This is particularly problematic in soils with low cation exchange capacity (CEC), where nutrients are prone to leaching away, rather than being held in place for plant uptake.
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In contrast, when VolcaMin is incorporated into the soil, it acts as a nutrient magnet, attracting and holding onto water and soluble fertilisers. The zeolite's negative ionic charge naturally binds with positively charged nutrients like ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, making them available to plants over time.
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Incorporating VolcaMin into your soil system has a lasting impact. Unlike traditional amendments, VolcaMin doesn’t break down or get consumed by microbes, making it a permanent solution for improving soil structure, nutrient retention, and water management. The result is a healthier, more productive soil environment, leading to better plant nutrition, higher yields, and reduced environmental impact.
One of the standout benefits of VolcaMin is its exceptional ability to attract, hold, and release nitrogen, particularly in the form of ammonium (NH₄⁺), which is a critical nutrient for plant growth. Nitrogen is a key component in plant proteins, chlorophyll, and enzymes, making it vital for robust plant development. However, nitrogen is often prone to leaching, especially in soils with low nutrient-holding capacity, which can lead to poor plant nutrition and environmental issues.
VolcaMin’s unique properties help mitigate these problems by ensuring that nitrogen stays within the root zone, available for plant uptake. The zeolite's natural affinity for ammonium ions helps retain nitrogen fertilisers, preventing them from leaching through the soil. This allows plants to actively absorb the nitrogen they require at their own pace, optimising growth and minimising waste.
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University of New England Trial: Lettuce and Reseda Odorata GrowthA significant trial conducted by the University of New England, in collaboration with the Department of Agronomy and Soil Science, tested the effects of VolcaMin on plant growth and nitrogen uptake. The trial involved growing Lettuce and Reseda odorata (commonly known as mignonette) in potting mixes with 8% VolcaMin by weight, alongside Uralla sandy granitic soil. Key Findings:
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The trial results highlight VolcaMin’s ability to significantly improve nitrogen uptake and fertiliser utilisation. By retaining nitrogen in the root zone and making it available when needed, VolcaMin ensures that plants get the nutrition they require without the risk of nutrient loss or toxicity. This leads to healthier plants, reduced fertiliser waste, and improved crop yields.
VolcaMin’s unique properties make it a powerful tool for improving the uptake of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and trace elements. These nutrients are critical for plant health, growth, and yield, yet are often lost due to leaching or locked in the soil, making them unavailable to plants. Below is a summary of the remarkable results from trials that demonstrate VolcaMin’s impact.
Improved Nitrogen Recovery |
Nitrogen is a cornerstone nutrient for plant development, but its high mobility in soil often results in significant leaching losses. Trials conducted at Cornell University, USA, demonstrated how VolcaMin enhances nitrogen recovery in plants:
These results highlight VolcaMin’s role in retaining nitrogen within the root zone, reducing losses, and making it available for plant uptake. |
Enhanced Potassium Uptake |
Potassium is critical for flowering, bud initiation, and fruit development, and is one of the most expensive nutrients to supply. VolcaMin's natural affinity for potassium ensures it remains stored in the soil for efficient plant use. This was demonstrated in a 2003 trial on a commercial trellis tomato crop (cv. Red Ruby):
Potassium availability directly impacts yield, and VolcaMin ensures that this vital nutrient is accessible throughout the growing season.
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Improved Trace Element Uptake |
Trace elements like phosphorus, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, and zinc are essential for plant metabolism and growth. However, their availability can often be limited in poor soils. Trials by the University of Colorado Soil Science Department with Sorghum Sudan grass highlighted the significant impact of VolcaMin:
VolcaMin mobilizes nutrients and trace elements in the soil, enhancing their availability and uptake by plants.
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VolcaMin plays a pivotal role in unlocking phosphorus that is often bound in soil or mineral apatites, making it unavailable to plants. This process occurs naturally through active root uptake and the unique ion exchange properties of VolcaMin.
The chemical interaction can be summarised as:
Phosphate rock + NH₄-VolcaMin <=> Ca-VolcaMin + NH₄ + H₂PO₄
VolcaMin’s ability to unlock phosphorus and enhance nutrient availability ensures optimal plant nutrition and improved fertiliser efficiency.
A trial on Clipper malting barley was conducted by Australian Agricultural Technology at Barooga, NSW, to evaluate the effects of VolcaMin on fertiliser performance and yield. The results demonstrated significant improvements in fertiliser conversion and crop outcomes:
VolcaMin Zeolite on Clipper Malting Barley Trial – Australian Agricultural Technology, Barooga, NSW
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VolcaMin also significantly enhances soil structure due to its massive internal surface area and high porosity. These properties contribute to better water management, soil health, and nutrient availability.
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Improved Water Dynamics
Enhanced Soil Health
Durability and Longevity
This makes VolcaMin an ideal solution for tropical applications with poor soils and high rainfall, ensuring sustainable improvements in both soil health and crop productivity. |
The following trials highlight the significant impact of VolcaMin on tomato crop performance across various locations and conditions. From processing tomatoes in Echuca to commercial trellis crops in Bundaberg and the Goulburn Valley, VolcaMin has consistently demonstrated its ability to improve yields, fruit size, and nutrient uptake. By enhancing the soil's ability to retain essential nutrients like potassium and improving overall soil structure, VolcaMin provides a clear advantage for tomato growers looking to optimize crop quality and quantity.
Property of Mick Cox
A trial was arranged through PIVOT representative Russell Nichol to evaluate the effect of adding VolcaMin at a rate of 125 kg/ha in addition to a normal fertiliser program on processing tomatoes. The VolcaMin was added with Pivot 16 fertiliser at the final stage of bed preparation prior to direct seeding. Approximately 1 hectare was treated (3 rows), and the crop was mechanically harvested on 17th March 1992.
| Row | Treatment (Bins per Row) | Control (Bins per Row) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14.5 | 13.0 | |
| 2 | 13.0 | 12.5 |  |
| 3 | 13.5 | 12.0 | |
| Total | 41.0 | 37.5 |
The application of VolcaMin resulted in a 10% increase in yield, producing an additional 7.5 tons per hectare valued at $817.50.
| Trial Design: | The plants were grown in raised rows 9” wide with 27” spacing between rows. VolcaMin was applied within the rows at rates of 0.125 tonne and 0.25 tonne per acre. The VolcaMin was incorporated with the fertiliser directly into the rows at planting, and watering was by trickle irrigation. | |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Assessment: | First picking: VolcaMin at 1 tonne per acre (equivalent): 60 kg Untreated adjoining row: 50 kg Increase: 20% VolcaMin at 0.5 tonne per acre (equivalent): 45 kg Untreated adjoining row: 40 kg Increase: 12.5% |
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| Total Harvest Results: | The row with 1 tonne per acre (equivalent) of VolcaMin resulted in a 10% increase in fruit size and a 10-12% increase in yield weights. | |
| Economic Benefits: | The average yields on tomato production in Bundaberg are 1500-2000 cases per acre. The 10% increase in yield produced an additional 150 cases of tomatoes per acre, valued at $1500. |
The trial was conducted in 2003 in the Goulburn Valley, with indeterminate tomato (cv Red Ruby) grown on Shepparton Fine Sandy Loam. The effect of VolcaMin was evaluated at a rate of 1.4t/ha applied pre-planting.
Crop Performance & Yield:
Additional Findings:
The results from these trials underscore VolcaMin’s role in boosting tomato yields and improving crop performance. Whether applied in conjunction with a regular fertiliser program or as part of a tailored soil treatment, VolcaMin increases fruit size, enhances nutrient availability, and improves plant growth. These benefits lead to not only higher yields but also higher quality produce. For tomato growers, VolcaMin offers a proven solution to maximize productivity and profitability while improving soil health and sustainability.
| Treatment Number (/m) | Yield (t/ha) | Small (/m) | (t/ha) | Medium (/m) | (t/ha) | Large (/m) | (t/ha) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VolcaMin | 136.7 | 59.4 | 76.5 | 67.4 | 2.4 | 2.8 | 215.5 | 129.7 |
| Control | 116.4 | 57.8 | 58.1 | 48.9 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 175.4 | 107.7 |
| Treatment | Proportion in Category (%) | Average Fruit Size (g) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Medium | Large | Size (g) | |
| VolcaMin | 43.0 | 54.6 | 2.4 | 90.2 |
| Control | 51.0 | 48.3 | 93.6 |
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