Several environmental conditions such as weathering, leaching, and erosion have led to the depletion of many nutrient elements from the soil. Decades upon decades of continuous agricultural practices and production have also led to the loss of essential minerals and micronutrients from the soil.
Such soils eventually become weak and unable to support the cultivation of grasses, fruits, and vegetables. This has necessitated the need for a product that can rejuvenate the soil, and provide it with the necessary minerals for growth and all-round productivity.
Azomite is a natural mineral substance that can be used as an agricultural fertilizer or soil amendment product, and it has been reported to replenish these nutrient elements that have been lost from soils worldwide.
Azomite is a unique rock that is mined in Central Utah. It is believed that this naturally mined mineral is derived from volcanic ash (now present on sea beds) that erupted millions of years ago. Azomite comes ready to use, as it requires no tedious mixing or preparation before it’s applied.
There have been a lot of speculations surrounding the use of Azomite. Many farmers and gardeners (particularly those who practice organic farming) lack proper understanding of the application of this product. The right application rate for Azomite and frequently asked questions about the product would be discussed below.
Azomite Spreader Settings
Azomite is a 100% natural, non-toxic fertilizer and soil amendment that can be used in all soils, and on all crops to boost plant growth and increase productivity. Due to its low salt content, it does not burn young seedlings, and it is environmentally safe to use.
Azomite mineral products are available in three forms: Micronized Powder, Field-Grade, and Granulated. Micronized Azomite powder can be mixed with compost and potting soil. It can also be spread by hand or used in liquid application systems where proper filter nozzle sizes are in place to allow non-soluble particles to flow through.
Field-Grade Azomite appears as coarse, irregularly-sized particles that can be applied with a spreader. Granular Azomite is produced by joining the micronized particles to form granules with the help of a binder material that contains beneficial soil nutrients.
All products should be applied directly to the soil surface, mixed lightly into the soil, and watered in after application. Find the recommended application rate for various agricultural practices below:
| S/N | Agricultural Forms | Application Rates |
| 1 | Field Crops | Apply at a broadcast rate of 150lbs/acre, and 50lbs/acre for row application. |
| 2 | Vegetables | Application rate same as above.
Apply 1 ½lb per 100 sq. ft. or ½lb per 200 ft. for linear rows in a 6” wide band or less |
| 3 | Small Fruits/Nursery Stock | For large vineyards, apply at a broadcast rate of 150lbs/acre, and 50lbs/acre for row application.
For small vineyards, apply ½lb to 1lb to the soil around each plant and irrigate lightly. |
| 4 | House Plants & Flowers | Mix ½ teaspoon per inch of pot diameter with potting soil before planting. Apply 1 teaspoon every 3 months to the soil surface and water thereafter. |
| 5 | Green House/Potting Soil | Mix 7lbs of Azomite per cubic yard, and add to the irrigation water at a low rate on weekly basis. |
| 6 | Turf/Lawn Care | New Lawns: Apply 5lbs/1000 sq. ft. before planting seeds.
Existing Home Lawns: Apply 3lbs/1000 sq. ft. once a year. Profession Turf Grasses: Apply 2lbs/1000 sq. ft. twice a year. The rate can be split and applied up to 4 times a year. |
| 7 | Trees | The rate should be applied annually to all trees on the ground surface under the drip line.
<10” tree diameter: 1-5lbs 10-20”: 5-15lbs >20”: 15-40lbs. |
| 8 | Compost | Add 50lbs of Azomite per ton of compost. |
How to Use Azomite for Plants
Ideally, Azomite should be used to accompany manures, humus, compost, or other fertilizers. It contains a wide range of minerals and provides plants with 70% of the essential elements they require. These elements include potassium, magnesium, calcium, and silicon.
Azomite can either be turned lightly into the soil surface or applied in rows when planting. It should be applied to the soil surface of growing plants whose growth has been inhibited in seasons such as fall.
Apply Azomite by mixing it into the top 5 inches of soil at planting. If your crop is small, apply less product than you would if it is large. Azomite has been proven to help plants grow taller and healthier. It is a great product for crops such as pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and more.
Azomite has also been found to positively impact plants with respect to diseases. It helps plants recover after fungal attacks and fights against bacteria and viruses, thereby boosting your plant’s immunity. Azomite is, in fact, a natural remedy with several benefits.
Extra Facts About Azomite Fertilizer
- Azomite is odorless, non-toxic, and very easy to apply.
- It is a purely natural mineral product with no extra fillers and additives.
- Azomite does not contain any elements that could be harmful to you, your plants, or the environment.
- Regardless of the form, the product does not restrict aeration or water penetration regardless of the form.
- Azomite can be easily broken down into the soil and absorbed by plants.
How is Azomite Fertilizer different from other fertilizers?
Most conventional fertilizers majorly contain Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), which are only 3 of the essential nutrients needed by plants. For plants to grow and yield at their full potential, a wide range of other trace minerals is required, which Azomite provides.
Can too much Azomite be toxic?
No. Azomite is 100% naturally produced and absolutely free from fillers and additives. It has a natural, non-toxic composition that will not harm plants or the environment. The application rate guide would only help you avoid wastage of under-application.
Is Azomite available for human consumption?
No. Azomite is not marketed for human consumption and is only ideal for plants.
Should I reduce the application of other fertilizers when using Azomite?
Azomite only provides secondary elements like Calcium and Magnesium and does not provide Nitrogen and Phosphorus, which plants cannot do without. Therefore, reducing any part of your fertility program is not recommended. Azomite improves plant yield when added to a fertility program and should not be used to substitute it.
