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.

 

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.

 

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.