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Testing for exchangeable potassium ions
The EcoSand cation exchange capacity (CEC) value depends upon whether the test method accounts for the exchangeable potassium ions in the EcoSand lattice. A typical soils lab CEC determination does not account for the exchangeable potassium in EcoSand, and their CEC determination will typically be in the range of 80 to 110 milliequivalents per 100 grams. When the ion exchangeable and biologically available potassium are taken into account via a more exhaustive and thus more expensive CEC test method, EcoSand’s CEC is determined to be 150 to 180 meq/100 gm. The usual soils lab test method soaks the sample in an ammonium solution to displace the exchangeable ions; however, typical soak time is not long enough to displace all of the potassium in EcoSand.
EcoSand is naturally charged with plant-available potassium
EcoSand Soil Amendment is naturally charged with plant-available potassium, so initial potassium supplementation is not needed. As the soil becomes depleted in potassium, EcoSand slowly releases stored potassium; likewise, when soluble potassium fertilizers are added to the soil, EcoSand will restore lost potassium. This potassium ion exchange enables EcoSand to slowly release potassium on an as-needed basis, and reduces leaching of potassium from the root zone.
Increasing ammonia nitrogen
By adding a source of soluble nitrogen (ammonium containing fertilizer), the EcoSand ammonia reservoir is loaded with ammonia ions. ZEO recommends adding a half-pound of soluble nitrogen per one 100 pounds of EcoSand Soil Amendment. Optimally, the fertilizer should be mixed with EcoSand before the soil mix is prepared.
Phosphorous availability is improved with EcoSand
Phosphorous availability is increased and is not absorbed or ion-exchanged by
EcoSand Soil Amendment. In most soils and many fertilizers, phosphorous is in
the form of a calcium phosphate. EcoSand absorbs or ion-exchanges the calcium into the EcoSand; thus, the phosphorous becomes available to the plant.
Ecolite and Clinolite are produced from the same natural zeolite deposit located in central New Mexico, Also, ZeoPro with an 0.1%:0.1%:0.6% NPK content is produced from the Ecolite base zeolite.
Profile and Soil Master are calcined montmorilonites produced in northern Mississippi.
Axis (calcined) and PSA (uncalcined) diatomaceous earth products are produced in western Nevada.
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| Turf management of golf courses benefits from EcoSand’s high soil cation exchange capacity (CEC). |
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