soil remineralization
Written By CP Knerr
Are you here today looking for a natural way to improve the health of your soil and get bigger yields from your crops? Look no further than Basalt Rock Dust! This all-natural soil amendment is made from ground-up volcanic rocks and is packed with micronutrients like magnesium, iron, and calcium that assist with root growth and plant development.
We're excited to tell you all about Basalt Rock Dust as a soil amendment option for farmers, gardeners, and anyone looking to improve the health of their soil. When added to soil, Basalt Rock Dust breaks down easily and provides essential nutrients to plants, helping them grow bigger and stronger. It's also an excellent source of trace minerals like manganese, boron, and zinc, which are essential for plant growth and development.
We know that soil health is crucial for growing healthy crops, and that's why we suggest Basalt Rock Dust as a natural solution for improving soil health. Whether you're growing potted plants, lawns, or crops on a larger scale, adding Basalt Rock Dust to your soil is an easy way to give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive.
We prefer purchasing our Basalt Rock Dust from Rock Dust Local or on Amazon. Since this is a fairly heavy item to ship, while making your decision, you can check prices and follow along on their websites. Rock Dust Local in particular has information and maps about finding rock dusts locally, near you, so you don’t need to pay for shipping. Also, products on Amazon may include shipping, so follow along as we go through the article:
This article may contain affiliate links, both to Amazon and other sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
(Note: This article is part of our series on rock dust and soil remineralization. We encourage you to check out that series to see the depth and breadth of substances that can be used to reintroduce minerals to your soil and improve the vigor of your soil and garden.)
What is Basalt Rock Dust?
Basalt Rock Dust is a natural soil amendment made from ground-up volcanic rocks that you can use today to begin the process of remineralizing your soil for optimal yield and nutrition. Basalt Rock Dust is ground up Basalt: an igneous rock found all over the world. Basalt is formed when lava cools and solidifies rapidly, creating a fine-grained rock that is dense, heavy, and full of minerals your plants need. Basalt Rock Dust is a great choice for re-mineralizing flowerbeds and gardens as it breaks down easily in soils.
Composition of Basalt Rock Dust
Basalt Rock Dust is composed primarily of minerals that are essential for plant growth. It contains a wide range of minerals, including silica, iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals are released slowly over time as the rock dust breaks down in the soil, providing a steady supply of nutrients to plants.
The table below illustrates the importance of these minerals to plant health:
| Mineral | Importance to Plant Health |
|---|---|
| Silica | Strengthens plant cell walls, enhancing structural integrity and resistance to pests and diseases. |
| Iron | Essential for chlorophyll production, it plays a critical role in photosynthesis and energy transfer. |
| Magnesium | A core component of chlorophyll, magnesium is vital for photosynthesis and helps maintain healthy foliage. |
| Calcium | Critical for cell growth and communication, calcium also helps in root and leaf development and stress reduction. |
| Potassium | Regulates various plant functions including water uptake, enzyme activation, and photosynthesis efficiency. |
In our mind, one of the key benefits of Basalt Rock Dust is its high silica content. Silica is an essential nutrient for plants, helping to strengthen cell walls and improve resistance to pests and diseases. Basalt Rock Dust also contains high levels of iron, which is important for chlorophyll production and overall plant health.
In addition to its nutrient content, Basalt Rock Dust also has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC). This means that it can hold onto nutrients and release them slowly over time, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching and ensuring that plants have a steady supply of nutrients.
Overall, Basalt Rock Dust is a great choice for gardeners looking to improve soil health and provide their plants with a steady supply of essential nutrients. Its composition makes it an ideal choice for re-mineralizing soils and promoting healthy plant growth.
Benefits of Basalt Rock Dust
Basalt rock dust is a naturally occurring volcanic rock that is rich in minerals and nutrients. When added to soil, it can have numerous benefits for plant growth and soil health. In this section, we will explore the benefits of using basalt rock dust in your garden or farm.
Improves Soil Health
One of the primary benefits of using basalt rock dust is that it can improve the health of your soil. Basalt contains a wide range of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. These minerals can help to balance the pH of your soil, improve soil structure, and increase water retention.
In addition to these minerals, basalt rock dust also contains trace elements like manganese, boron, and zinc, which are important for plant growth and development. These trace elements can be difficult to obtain through traditional fertilizers, making basalt rock dust an excellent addition to any soil.
Increases Yields
Another benefit of using basalt rock dust is that it can increase crop yields. Studies have shown that adding basalt rock dust to soil can increase the yield of crops like corn and alfalfa. This is because the minerals and nutrients in the rock dust help to improve the health and vitality of the plants, leading to larger and more robust yields.
Boosts Nutrient Content of Crops
In addition to increasing yields, basalt rock dust can also boost the nutrient content of crops. Basalt rock dust is rich in silicon, which is important for plant growth and development. Silicon helps to strengthen plant cell walls, making them more resistant to pests and diseases. It also helps to improve the quality of fruits and vegetables, making them more nutritious and flavorful.
Silicon for Plants
Silicon is a critical nutrient for plant growth and development, but it is often overlooked in traditional fertilizers. Basalt rock dust is an excellent source of silicon, making it an essential addition to any soil. Silicon helps to improve the strength and resilience of plant cell walls, making them more resistant to pests and diseases. It also helps to improve the quality of fruits and vegetables, making them more nutritious and flavorful.
In conclusion, using basalt rock dust in your garden or farm can have numerous benefits for soil health, plant growth, and crop yields. It is an excellent source of minerals and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and silicon, which are essential for plant growth and development. Whether you are a farmer or a gardener, adding basalt rock dust to your soil can help to improve the health and vitality of your plants, leading to larger and more nutritious yields.
Using Basalt Rock Dust
Basalt rock dust is an excellent soil amendment that can help replenish the lost nutrients in your soil. In this section, we will discuss the different application methods, dosage, and how to mix it with other soil amendments.
Application Methods
Basalt rock dust can be applied in various ways, depending on the type of soil and the plants you are growing. Here are some common application methods:
Top Dressing: Sprinkle basalt rock dust on the top of the soil and rake it in lightly. This method is best for established plants and can be done a few times during the growing season.
Incorporation: Mix basalt rock dust into the soil before planting. This method is best for new garden beds or areas that haven't been planted before.
Foliar Spray: Mix basalt rock dust with water and spray it on the leaves of your plants. This method is best for plants that need a quick boost of nutrients.
Application Rate
The amount of basalt rock dust you need to apply depends on the size of your garden and the type of soil you have. A general rule of thumb is to apply 10 pounds of basalt rock dust per 100 square feet of garden before planting and another 5 pounds mid-season.
However, it's always best to do a soil test to determine the exact amount of basalt rock dust you need to apply. You can also consult with a local gardening expert or extension office for guidance.
Mixing with Other Soil Amendments
Basalt rock dust can be mixed with other soil amendments to create a custom blend that suits your garden's needs. Here are some common soil amendments that can be mixed with basalt rock dust:
Compost: Mix basalt rock dust with compost to add more nutrients and improve soil structure.
Manure: Mix basalt rock dust with manure to increase the amount of organic matter in the soil.
Other rock dusts: Mix basalt rock dust with other rock dusts, such as glacial rock dust or granite rock dust, to create a complete mineral profile for your soil.
When mixing basalt rock dust with other soil amendments, it's essential to follow the recommended dosage for each amendment and to mix them thoroughly.
In conclusion, basalt rock dust is an excellent soil amendment that can help improve soil fertility and plant health. By following the recommended application methods, dosage, and mixing it with other soil amendments, you can create a healthy and thriving garden.
Buying Basalt Rock Dust
If you're interested in purchasing Basalt Rock Dust for your garden or farm, we've got you covered. Here's what you need to know about buying Basalt Rock Dust.
Here is a handy table which you can use to calculate how much rock dust you’d need to broadcast on your garden, depending on your garden size and based on our recommended usage rates:
| Garden Size (sq ft) | Spring Application (lbs) | Mid-Season Application (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 1.6 | 0.8 |
| 32 | 3.2 | 1.6 |
| 100 | 10 | 5 |
| 1000 | 100 | 50 |
Amazon is a great source for Basalt Rock Dust, especially when considering shipping. You can check prices and shipping of the amount of rock dust you’ll need, based on the table above. Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.:
We also like Rock Dust Local for our rock dust, because they are near us in the Northeast and offer a very finely ground product. They also have pointers on finding basalt rock dusts all over the country, which may make it easier for you to buy and cheaper to ship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Basalt Rock Dust is a versatile and effective soil amendment that can help improve soil health and plant growth. By adding essential minerals and nutrients to the soil, Basalt Rock Dust can help increase plant yields, improve root systems, and promote overall plant health.
We learned that Basalt Rock Dust is made from ground-up volcanic rocks, and is rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It is an all-natural and sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, and can be used in a variety of settings, including gardens, farms, and even landscaping.
We also discovered that Basalt Rock Dust is easy to use and apply. It can be mixed into the soil, added to compost, or used as a top dressing for plants. And because Basalt Rock Dust is slow-release, it provides a steady supply of nutrients to plants over time, reducing the need for frequent fertilization.
Overall, Basalt Rock Dust is a great choice for anyone looking to improve soil health and promote plant growth in a natural and sustainable way. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, adding Basalt Rock Dust to your soil can help you achieve the lush, vibrant plants you've always wanted.
soil remineralization
CP Knerr
