Zeolite for young trees – the correct way to incorporate it
Zeolite for young trees? What is the best way to incorporate it?
Many growers are now incorporating natural zeolite into every new tree planting. In this context, there are many opinions on how zeolite should be incorporated. There are also many videos online demonstrating various methods of incorporation. For example, adding it to the planting hole – in a single layer, in several layers, at the bottom, around the tree, and many other ways.
In theory, zeolite, however it is incorporated, can only have a positive effect. This is simply because it has nothing to ‘give’ but merely manages whatever it encounters. At the same time, it filters out and removes heavy metals, toxins and free radicals.
But what is the best way to do this? How can we achieve the best possible results?
In a previous article, and according to numerous scientific studies, we saw that incorporating zeolite into the soil helps, amongst other things, to conserve water and nutrients.
How does it do this?
Quite simply, natural zeolite is, by its very nature, a molecular sponge. As soon as it is incorporated into the soil, it begins to absorb water and nutrients. When these are ‘requested’ by the surface root system, the zeolite releases them and feeds them to the tree.
Following this logic, therefore, we want the zeolite to be as close as possible to the root hairs of the surface root system. We also want it to be scattered throughout as large a volume of soil as possible so that it can absorb more water.
Thus, the best method of incorporation appears to be to mix it thoroughly with the soil throughout the entire surface root zone. Trees usually develop their surface root system up to 60 centimetres below the soil surface and in line with the growth of their crown.
Therefore, when planting new trees, the best way to incorporate zeolite is to mix it thoroughly with the soil. The mixing depth is up to 60 centimetres and the mixing area extends to the expected extent of the tree’s crown.
See the sketches below for the sequence of steps involved in incorporating natural zeolite into the soil for new trees.
- Soil preparation – Mixing soil with zeolite
- Planting new trees
- Expected tree growth
