Mineral-based organic fertilizers are natural fertilizers derived from mineral deposits found in the earth.
They are classified as organic because they are minimally processed and free from synthetic chemicals, making them suitable for organic farming and gardening practices.
These fertilizers are not derived from animal or plant sources but instead originate from naturally occurring rocks and minerals.
Please note that the chemical composition of each mineral-based organic fertilizer may vary depending on its specific source and the conditions under which it was produced.
Contents
Rock Phosphate
Rock phosphate is a natural mineral-based organic fertilizer that is mined from phosphate rock deposits. It is a rich source of phosphorus (P₂O₅)
Rock phosphate is good for crops like wheat, barley, maize, rice, cotton, sugarcane, tea, coffee, fruits, and vegetables.
Rock phosphate is not recommended for crops that require high levels of nitrogen, such as leafy greens, or for crops in highly acidic soils where phosphorus availability is limited. It is also less effective for fast-growing crops, such as annual vegetables, that require quick nutrient uptake.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~28–32% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~35–40% |
| Fluorine (F) | ~3–4% |
| Silica (SiO₂) | ~8–12% |
| Iron (Fe) | ~0.5–1% |
| Aluminum (Al) | ~0.5–1% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.2–0.5% |
| Organic Matter | ~2–3% |
| Moisture Content | ~5–7% |
Limestone (Calcitic and Dolomitic)
Limestone (Calcitic and Dolomitic) is a mineral-based organic fertilizer derived from naturally occurring carbonate rocks. Calcitic limestone primarily contains calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), while dolomitic limestone includes both calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃)
Limestone (Calcitic and Dolomitic) is good for crops such as corn, wheat, soybeans, alfalfa, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, and fruit trees like apples and pears.
Limestone (Calcitic and Dolomitic) is not recommended for crops like blueberries, cranberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas, as these plants prefer acidic soil conditions.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) | ~85–95% |
| Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO₃) | ~5–15% (higher in dolomitic limestone) |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~38–40% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~10–12% (in dolomitic limestone) |
| Neutralizing Value (Calcium Equivalent) | ~50–55% |
| Trace Elements (Iron, Manganese, Zinc) | Trace amounts |
| Moisture Content | ~1–2% |
Gypsum
Gypsum mineral organic fertilizer is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O) and is derived from naturally occurring gypsum deposits found in sedimentary rock formations.
These deposits are formed through the evaporation of ancient seas, leaving behind layers of calcium sulfate. Gypsum is mined from these deposits, crushed, and sometimes processed minimally to create the final product used in agriculture and gardening. It is an abundant and widely available mineral found in regions worldwide.
Gypsum is ideal for crops such as alfalfa, corn, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, cotton, potatoes, and various fruits and vegetables.
Gypsum is not recommended for use on crops that are highly sensitive to calcium, such as potatoes, and for crops that prefer acidic soils, like blueberries and cranberries. It is not ideal for crops like carrots and lettuce, which can be negatively affected by excess calcium.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Calcium (Ca) | ~20–23% |
| Sulfur (S) | ~17–19% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.5–1% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~0.1–0.3% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | Trace amounts |
| Micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Moisture Content | ~5–7% |
Greensand
Greensand is a mineral-based organic fertilizer derived from natural marine sediment deposits rich in glauconite, a greenish mineral. It is valued for its potassium content.
Greensand is ideal for crops like tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, carrots, beans, lettuce, spinach, strawberries, and blueberries.
Crops that prefer acidic soils, such as blueberries, cranberries, and azaleas, are not recommended for the use of greensand mineral organic fertilizer.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~5–7% |
| Iron (Fe) | ~1–3% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.5–1% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~0.2–0.5% |
| Silica (SiO₂) | ~20–30% |
| Micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn) | Trace amounts |
| Moisture Content | ~10–15% |
Volcanic Rock Dust
Volcanic rock dust is a mineral-based organic fertilizer made from finely ground volcanic rocks. It is rich in trace minerals and micronutrients like iron, zinc, magnesium, and silica
Volcanic rock dust is good or ideal for fruits like apples, oranges, and grapes, vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and lettuce, grains like wheat and barley, and other crops like coffee, tea, and sugarcane.
Volcanic rock dust is not recommended for use on crops that require very low levels of trace minerals, such as certain varieties of lettuce, carrots, and spinach, as the high mineral content may cause imbalances.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂) | ~45–50% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~5–8% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~2–4% |
| Iron (Fe) | ~8–12% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~1–2% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.5–1.5% |
| Sulfur (S) | ~0.2–0.6% |
| Micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn) | Trace amounts |
| Moisture Content | ~1–3% |
Elemental Sulfur
Elemental sulfur is a mineral-based organic fertilizer derived from naturally occurring sulfur deposits. It is primarily used to supply sulfur and to lower soil pH in alkaline soils.
Elemental sulfur is good for crops like rice, wheat, barley, canola, citrus fruits, grapes, apples, blueberries, and other acid-loving plants.
Elemental sulfur is not recommended for crops such as beans, peas, and other legumes, as they thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline soils. It is also not suitable for crops like carrots, beets, and other root vegetables that prefer less acidic conditions.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Sulfur (S) | ~90–95% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~2–5% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.1–0.5% |
| Iron (Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | ~1–2% |
| Moisture Content | ~3–5% |
| Other Impurities | ~1–2% |
Muriate of Potash (Potassium Chloride)
Muriate of Potash (Potassium Chloride) is a naturally occurring mineral-based organic fertilizer derived from mined deposits of potassium chloride (KCl).
Muriate of Potash (Potassium Chloride) is ideal for crops such as sugarcane, maize, wheat, cotton, rice, soybeans, oil palm, fruits like bananas and citrus, and vegetables like potatoes and tomatoes.
Muriate of Potash is not recommended for use on crops such as potatoes, tobacco, and some fruits like grapes and apples. It is also not ideal for use on crops sensitive to chloride, including certain vegetables like carrots and leafy greens.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~60–62% |
| Chloride (Cl) | ~47% |
| Sodium (Na) | ~0.5–2% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.1–0.5% |
| Sulfur (S) | Trace amounts |
| Moisture Content | ~0.5–1% |
Zeolite
Zeolite mineral organic fertilizer is a naturally occurring volcanic mineral composed of hydrated aluminosilicates (see refs.) that trap and slowly release nutrients.
Zeolite mineral organic fertilizer is good or ideal for crops such as rice, wheat, corn, sugarcane, cotton, vegetables, fruits, grapes, bananas, and coffee.
Zeolite is not recommended for crops such as blueberries, cranberries, or any other acid-loving plants that require low pH soil conditions.
| Component | Average Concentration |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | ~0.5–2% |
| Phosphorus (P₂O₅) | ~0.1–0.5% |
| Potassium (K₂O) | ~2–5% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ~1–3% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~0.5–1% |
| Sulfur (S) | ~0.1–0.3% |
| Micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) | Trace amounts |
| Silica (SiO₂) | ~65–70% |
| Moisture Content | ~10–15% |
References
- Aluminosilicates link
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Daniel is an experienced farmer and agricultural technician specializing in soil management, irrigation systems, crops management, and the safe and effective use of herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals. 