Thousands of years ago the Earth had a rock mantle. During the glaciations the glaciers moved and crushed the rocks slowly and inexorably. The soil supported the life of the plants, since it had the necessary minerals for their growth.
For thousands of years, essential micronutrients were continuously incorporated by plants, often to the point of depletion. Today, farmers and gardeners try to add nutrients to the soil through fertilizers, compost, or other ways. However, these materials rarely contain all the micronutrients eroded or absorbed by plants.
The use of rock dust is not new. Agricultural research with rock dust and chemically unprocessed minerals, based on the concept of “stone bread” was initiated in the 19th century by Missoux (1853-1854) and Hensel (1890, 1894), among others.
Benefits of rock dust remineralization
- Provides a natural and slow release of minerals and trace elements.
- Increase the nutrient intake of plants.
- Increases yields and raises the brix degree.
- Rebalances the pH of the soil.
- Increases the activity of worms and the growth of microorganisms.
- Prevents soil erosion.
- Increases the storage capacity of the soil.
- Increases resistance to insects, diseases, frost and drought.
- Produces more nutritious crops.
- Improves the flavor of crops.
- Decrease dependence on fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
- Build more soil.
Types of rock dust
Calcite
Natural calcium carbonate (Calcite) is an ideal product for sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
It is used to reduce the acidity of the soil in agricultural fertilizers for soils that are too acidic as a natural buffer, stabilizing the pH value of the soil.
Ferromanganese
It has a great capacity to keep nutrients in the soil and retain more moisture. It is a mineral compound with applications as raw material in the manufacture of organo-mineral fertilizers: its main function is to provide nutrients for plants of an organic and mineral type, and they are obtained by mixing inorganic fertilizers with organic fertilizers or peat.
Said matter provides as ingredients to the formulation main nutrients (N, P, K), secondary (Ca, Mg, Na, S) and micronutrients (B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn) of mineral origin. It also provides limestone amendment (calcium and magnesium amendments) that allows correcting the pH of the soil and modifying its physical properties.
It is a great absorbent, so it retains the spores of fungi and colonies of harmful bacteria. It is characterized by having good drainage and little moisture retention, it is ideal for the flowering phase. It favors root development. The roots can grow stronger and have less rotting problems.
Porphyry
Porphyry is a type of rock that contains silica, magnesium, potassium, and trace elements.
It has been shown that silica increases the yield and resistance in cereal crops and, in general, the resistance of plants to cryptogamic diseases and insect attacks. In addition, it favors the absorption by plants of phosphorus and the rest of the trace elements.
The remineralized soils with rock dust result in healthy plants with a high quality of nutritional content. Mixing rock dust with vermicomposting humus we will have an excellent substrate for any type of crop. It can be used via foliar and soil.
