Zeolites is just a mineral rock much like volcanic rock. It is porous and its widest use is for filtration in water processing plants and aquariums. It can be man-made as over 1500 types have been synthesized and 54 known natural occurring in nature.

In regards to using it to breakup clay soils might be useful like sharp sand if enough is applied as they both have a crystalline structure that construct irregular jagged shaped with sharp edges. Keep in mind the ratio of clay to sand needs to be in the range of 60/40.

As far as it supplying minerals to the soil entirely depends entirely on which of 1554 types you would use and the minerals contained.

My last thought would be the cost compared to say sharp sand. If it is the same or less than sand, go for it and see how it works. My hunch is it is just marketing by someone who has more than they know what to do with at an inflated price. But what do I know, I donÂt use the stuff except in my water softener to filter out calcium.

I don't know anything about zeolite, but what texas weed says about marketing makes good common sense to me - I mean, if the product is providing minerals presumably it is breaking down and, also presumably, becoming less useful for drainage in the process. Just my $.02, curious to see your experience if you try it.

Thanks sound like I'll skip it. I DON'T need drainage in fact have to opposite problem. I have section along the back of our 2 acres that are very dry. Not a lot of good top soil there but bringing more in is not really a big option. 1 -- it's a big space and would require a lot and 2 -- I have underground irrigation sprinklers so can only 'raise' the soil so much without having to pay to raise 50 or so sprinkler heads. Any other ideas I how I could make lawn area hold water better after irrigation?

Sharon

Peat moss or clay.

Ok. Excuse a silly question but can I put peat moss on top of the lawn? I've added it to my vegetable garden in the past and when dry it is quite 'fluffy'. Perhaps if I spread it then water in with the irrigation system? I will give this a try in the fall instead of top soil as it may to more good than just top dressing. Thanks

Sharon

Yep, a quarter inch layer can go atop your lawn with no problems. It'll rot in. It does eventually disappear (except for a few percent that hang out as stable, water-absorbing humates).

If your city has a compost depot, you can use that as well and it might be cheaper. Again, it rots away.

You could put down a quarter-inch of clay as well, but I have visions of that sticking together and doing bad things. I've never tried it (I have heavy clay soil), so I don't know what would happen.

If you don't mind a slower solution, always mulch-mow. Over the course of years that will change the soil. Or shift to organic feeding methods, which also help with water retention. That's also slow.

Zeolite occurs naturally in many parts of America and is a product well worth looking out for since its use improves long-term soil quality and gives better plant yields. Its great value is its capacity to hold other nutrients, making them available to plants. Plant nutrients, such as ammonium, nitrogen and potassium carry positive electrical charges which are attracted to and held by any negatively charged surfaces in the soil. Leaching occurs if there are insufficient negatively charged surfaces. Because zeolite has a honeycomb structure and strong negative charges, it is able to attract and hold the positively charged cations for the future use of the plant. This makes better use of added fertiliser, meaning less can be applied. American soils are low in potash because it usually leaches out. Zeolite holds the nutrient so the plant can use it later.

When applying zeolite, wear goggles to protect the eyes, especially in windy weather. Use 1/2 to 1 lb. per square yard of soil, together with fertiliser, and water in well. It can also be added to pot plant growing media before applying liquid fertiliser. Zeolite has the added benefit of being an effective odour eater, so is useful on any kind of manure, including that of your pets.
http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s237476.htm
avalable in the western U.S. @ ovdairy@wildblue.net in lots of one ton or more.