Zeolites and avoiding the use of heavy-duty pesticides in agriculture

When we consider the fundamental problems that exist, particularly as regards farmers, it is difficult to understand the delay in the Thessalian Plain regarding the use of zeolite. In the Peloponnese and Crete, there has been tremendous growth in this area, because many farmers have realised the benefits it brings to product quality and productivity, meeting high standards that enable strong exports to Europe as well as to Russia. The problem is that the state isn’t helping, and everything relies on private initiatives. Consequently, those who are fighting to change things at a government level are not only wasting energy ... Read more

Frederick A. Mumpton, Department of Earth Sciences, State University College, Brockport, NY 14420 Introduction As agriculturalists around the world step up their efforts to expand crop and livestock production, increasing attention is being paid to various mineral materials as soil amendments and as dietary supplements in animal husbandry. The close relationship between the agricultural and geological sciences is not new—crop production depends on the existence and maintenance of fertile soil, and agronomists rely on knowledge of the mineralogy and geochemistry of clays and other soil constituents. In animal sciences, the addition of crushed limestone to chicken feed to strengthen eggshells ... Read more