The beneficial applications of zeolite in agricultural production – Nikos Lygeros
An extremely interesting lecture by Professor of Geostrategy and strategic adviser Mr Nikos Lygeros, entitled ‘The Cherries of Zeolite’, was attended by those who were in Rachi, Pieria, on Saturday 4 January 2014. The topic of the lecture, organised by the Rachi Cultural Association ‘Patria’, in collaboration with the Municipality of Katerini, was the beneficial properties of zeolite in cherry cultivation, as well as in other aspects of the agricultural economy and production.
zeolite is a mineral that exists in large, high-quality deposits, mainly in the region of Thrace; however, it is not currently mined. These deposits could meet global production needs for around 20 years, as Mr Lygeros pointed out.
It was a very interesting talk, said Mr Dimitrios Douros, President of the Cultural Association, speaking to O.B. “Among other things, Mr Lygeros emphasised that zeolite can be used in agriculture, livestock farming and for human use itself, as well as in everyday products such as detergents or toothpastes. It can even be used by local authorities to treat sewage sludge from biological treatment plants.”
With regard more specifically to cherry cultivation, zeolite can be used in the soil as a disinfectant, but also to balance its pH and composition. ‘It can also absorb excess water and release it back to the tree in a controlled manner. Generally speaking, zeolite has a wide range of beneficial effects,’ explained Mr Douros.
Immediately after the lecture ended, there was a question-and-answer session with the audience, to which Mr Lygeros readily responded, providing further clarification on zeolite and its use. Furthermore, on Sunday 5 January, Mr Lygeros, accompanied by members of the Association, visited the cherry orchards, the water collection ponds and the cherry packing facility.
The lecture was attended by, amongst others, MP Mr Giorgos Konstantopoulos, the Mayor of Katerini, Mr Savvas Chionidis, New Democracy politician Mr Xenophon Baraliakos, as well as a large number of agronomists and cherry growers from the wider region, and neighbouring cities such as Thessaloniki, Larissa and Kozani.
It should be noted that Mr Nikos Lygeros also took part in the ‘26th Patria’ programme, which took place last October, whilst, as Mr Douros emphasised, the invitation to the professor remains open for further collaboration.
Source: www.katerininet.com
Read here about zeolite in cherries