natural soil improvers 

These are natural products that contain micro - nutrients that undergo a biological process to convert those nutrients into an available form readily released from the soil for absorption by plants as they require.

Cow or sheep manures, planting or mushroom compost, worm castings, green liquid fertiliser, seaweed extract, blood and  bone and wood ash, Basalt Rock Dust and Alroc mineral fertilisers can all be used as soil improvers.  Turn these through the soil at planting time or top dress with these in Spring to provide extra nutrients for new leaf growth.  Each product serves a different purpose and not all offer the same benefits, but on the whole soil improvement does the following:

• improve soil structure
• increase levels of organic matter and humus in the soil
• improve moisture absorption and retention
• increase microbial and worm activity, thus aerating the soil for better root growth
• make nutrients available to the plants in small, manageable doses
• reduce watering costs and time once plants are established
• helps counter the effects of soil acidity
• helps reduce erosion
• improves resistance to fungus, pests and disease
• produces plants with an extensive feeder root system
• reduces reliance on artificial fertilisers
• protects waterways from soluable salts
• protects people from chemical exposure
• saves input costs
• are sustainable into the future

soil remineralisation

Remineralsing soils with products like ‘Basalt Rock Dust’ or ‘Alroc mineral fertilisers’ are environmentally sensitive ways of putting essential minerals back into the soil and also reduce the need for artificial fertiisers.  They are an excellent and inexpensive long term remineralisation solution which adds elements to the soil biology and can be spread over your whole property.  These rock dusts mixed with compost have a dramatic effect on crop yields and significant impact on the health of garden plants and soil profile.

Alroc is a blend of volcanic Basalt, Granite, Dolomite, Bentonite, Rock Phosphate, Rock Potash and Bio Coal Fines, that slowly release a complete spectrum of minerals and trace elements into the soil.

Micro-organisms decompose rock dust from the surface of tiny Alroc particles and combine this with organic matter to form humus.  The rejuvenated soil supports a huge variety of soil organisms, some of which capture nitrogen from the air and make it available to the plants.  Plants grow nutrient rich and can withstand pest attacks and disease much better.  Plants are also more capable of withstanding dry spells as they develop an extensive feeder root system.

Alroc uses a natural renewable energy source by utilising soil organisms to process nutrients for plants.  Remineralising soils offers all the benefits of soil improvement.

More information is available at www.mineralfertiliser.com.au and from Schmidt Quarries Queanbeyan.