™

address: 148 N 100 E Smithfield UT 84335 phone: 435.563.8118 web: www.z-oliteinc.com

Basic Principles:

Z-Olite consists of a unique mineral called "clinoptilolite " which is of volcanic origin. Z-Olite holds moisture and plant nutrients naturally and consistently. The material is a pale green sand-sized granular product. It is available in many mesh sizes, including, but not limited to, the following: -14+40, -8,+14, -8+40.

Z-Olite has multiple methods of holding fluids and plant nutrients including absorption and "adsorption".

1. The first is by absorbtion. Example: It will absorb up to 60 % of its weight in water or other liquids. Water, ammonium (NH₄⁺), and other plant nutrients that are held in this position are loosely held and are water-soluble. This is the first big advantage; Z-Olite is a drought insurance program. In sandy soils where the water permeates through the growth zone to the aquifer, it will hold the water in the growth zone longer. Water usage can be reduced 10-30%.
   
2. The second method is by "adsorption" or cation exchange (measured as cation exchange capacity or "CEC").
   Z-Olite holds cations such as ammonium (NH₄⁺), potassium, calcium, and other plant nutrients within the mineral lattice where it is not water-soluble. In a agriculture setting for example, the ammonium nitrogen (N) held in this position are plant accessible on a plant demand basis. The nitrogen in this position, for instance, will not burn the plant. This is the second big advantage. Z-Olite will hold ammonium fertilizers in the growth zone where they are plant accessible. This stops the leaching problem. Typically, 30 to 35 % of the nitrogen fertilizers leach directly to the water table where they cause pollution of the aquifer.

Summary For Why Z-Olite Works

Z-Olite brand clinoptilolite is a natural, organic, volcanic origin mineral. It makes an ideal soil amendment for the following reasons:

• Z-Olite holds >55% of its weight in water. Z-Olite’s molecular structure is very porous, which allows water to be held inside the granular structure. Z-Olite will hold dew, rainwater, and any source of water because it is hydro_philic. The net result is that less water is needed to maintain healthy plants (Approx. 15-30% less water). This is critical in our arid environment.
  
  
• Z-Olite will hold ammonium (NH₄⁺) better than other clinoptilolites in the western U.S. This is because Z-Olite has a higher cationic exchange capacity (CEC). When used with highly soluble ammonium based fertilizers, the nitrogen will be held in the Z-Olite until a root accesses it. Therefore not as much fertilizer has to be used and nitrogen leaching is held at a minimum, if any at all.
  
  
• Z-Olite will hold onto nitrogen pulled from rainwater after rainstorms, thereby fertilizing itself. Much less fertilizer is required after the application of Z-Olite.
  
  
• The pale green color of this rock is not distracting if top-dressed on established grass. Z-Olite can be spread with a broadcast spreader. This greatly reduces application hassle and expense.
  
  
• Z-Olite is a rock and will not break down. This means that a one time application is generally all that a facility needs.
  
  
• Seeded grass germinates and establishes faster. Health of the turf and roots is visually evident. Fluctuations in color and leaf textures are much less with Z-Olite. Speed of establishment, and long term performance improvements will save time, money, and water.
  

Preferred Rates of Application of Z-Olite to turf grasses:

1. Apply 75-350 lb Z-Olite per 1000 sq. ft. of topsoil. Tilling to 1-4"; gives the turfs roots a chance to have the most accessibility to the Z-Olite particles.
   
   
2. Apply 75-150 lb Z-Olite per 1000 sq. ft. on ground before sod arrives. This puts Z-Olite right in the root growth zone.
   
   
3. Apply 60 -100 lb of Z-Olite per 1000 sq. ft. on the surface of the sod/grass as a top-dressing. Top-dressing is effective, and eventually the Z-Olite will be incorporated into the soil. This is still a one-time application.
   
   

Methods of Application of Z-Olite to turf grasses:

Z-Olite Should be dry before application since it tends to stick together when wet.

• For Drills and Seed-Prep machines:
  • -14+40 Z-Olite applies the easiest.
• For PTO or powered spreaders:
  
  1. -8+40, -8+14 Z-Olite broadcast the most evenly.
     
  2. -14+40 works also but it may 'trickle' out the back of the spreader without being flung by the rotating disks.
• For hand and drop spreaders:
  
  • -14+40 Z-Olite works the best.

Recommendations for Flower Beds, Trees, Bushes, and Potting Soil Mixes:

Soil Mix:

• Mix 10-20% Z-Olite, by volume, to soil.
• Use like any normal potting soil.

Around Trees and Bushes:

• Mix 10-20% Z-Olite, by volume, to soil and till 1-6".
  
• Spread evenly around tree bases under bark during and after planting.

NOTE: Water immediately after application of zeolite to living plants/roots. This puts the plants and Z-Olite, in equilibrium. After the first watering the zeolite will work in harmony with the soil. Not watering after applying to living plants can cause the Z-Olite to pull moisture out of the plant's soil, thus stressing the plant.

Contact:
™
who: Casey and Mike Hatch
address: 148 N 100 E
             Smithfield UT 84335
phone: 435.563.8118
           435.753.2075
fax: 435.753.3631
web: www.z-oliteinc.com


Updated: 08/28/04 21:10:04 MDT
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