Optimization of plant health and yield increase through tribomechanically micronized lime and zeolite
What does lime do in the plant?
Lime (usually in the form of calcium carbonate) plays an important role in plant growth and development. Here are some of the main functions lime performs in plants:
- Structural role: Calcium, the main element in lime, is an essential component of cell walls and membranes. It gives plants strength and stability.
- Nutrient uptake: Calcium improves the uptake of other nutrients by the plant, especially phosphate, by forming a soluble compound with it that the plant can absorb.
- Soil pH and nutrient availability: Lime helps regulate soil pH. Soil that is too acidic can limit the availability of certain nutrients and impair plant health. By increasing the pH, lime can improve the availability of these nutrients.
- Disease control: Calcium also plays a role in strengthening plant defenses against diseases and pests. Adequate calcium levels can help reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as blossom-end rot in tomatoes.
- Metabolic processes: Calcium plays a role in various enzymatic processes and helps regulate the plant's metabolism.
How does a lack of lime manifest itself in which plants?
A calcium or lime deficiency can cause various symptoms in plants, often appearing on young leaves and fruits, as calcium is a non-mobilizable nutrient. This means it cannot be transported from older to younger plant parts. The following symptoms may indicate a calcium deficiency:
- Twisted or stunted new leaves and shoots: Because calcium plays an important role in cell structure and function, young leaves and shoots that do not receive enough calcium may appear deformed or underdeveloped.
- Brown or black spots on leaves and fruit: This is a common symptom, especially on the fruit. A well-known example is blossom-end rot in tomatoes, peppers, and watermelons. This manifests itself in the formation of dark, wilted spots on the blossom-side end of the fruit.
- Discoloration and death of leaf tips: This symptom, also known as "tipburn," is common in lettuce and other leafy vegetables.
- Delayed growth: Calcium is important for cell growth and division. A deficiency can therefore delay plant growth.
- Root problems: Calcium also plays a role in root growth and health. A deficiency can cause roots to become brittle or underdeveloped.
It's important to note that the exact symptoms may depend on the plant species and other environmental conditions. If calcium deficiency is suspected, a soil analysis should be conducted to determine the exact nutrient status and take appropriate measures.
Calcium deficiency in tomatoes?
In tomatoes, calcium deficiency primarily manifests itself in a disease known as blossom-end rot . Symptoms typically appear on the fruit, not the leaves. It's important to note that the symptoms of blossom-end rot usually only become visible when the fruit is about half ripe.
Blossom-end rot begins with small, watery spots on the blossom end of the tomato fruit, the end opposite the stem. These spots then gradually grow larger and darker, becoming leathery, dark brown or black spots that can eventually cover the entire underside of the tomato.
Although blossom-end rot is often associated with a calcium deficiency, it is not always exclusively due to a lack of calcium in the soil. The disease can also be caused by inconsistent watering, high humidity, high salt concentrations in the soil, and certain pathogens that impair the plant's ability to absorb calcium.
To correct a calcium deficiency in tomatoes, you can add lime or gypsum to the soil, use a calcium-based fertilizer solution, or water the plants regularly and evenly to ensure the plants can absorb calcium from the soil.
Which lime should you use in the garden?
Lime plays an essential role as a nutrient for a diverse range of microorganisms and vegetation—and the key here is selecting the right lime. Tribomechanically micronized lime is particularly suitable because its fine particle size allows it to be better absorbed by plants.
Why is the particle size of lime so important?
"Imagine this like a hamburger, which you can eat because its size fits your mouth well. A football-sized hamburger, on the other hand, would be inedible, and a meter-sized one even more so. The same applies to lime: The lime traditionally applied to fields is chemically detectable, but inaccessible to plants because its particles are too large.
The goal is to reduce the particle size to a size that makes it available to the plant, meaning it should be below 10 microns . The combination of lime and zeolite creates optimal conditions to support plants both on and in the leaves. The lime can be absorbed through the stomata and directly through the cell surfaces of the leaves.
Another benefit is that calcite and zeolite stimulate microorganisms on the leaf surface, which absorb ammonia from the atmosphere and make it available to the leaf. This is also the reason for the dark green color of the leaves, as they are supplied with natural nitrogen from the atmosphere.
An additional mechanical effect is that the silicate particles resemble small pieces of glass that remain unchanged on the leaf surface. This has a pleasant side effect: insects with sensory organs in their legs find this unpleasant and keep their distance from the plant. Thus, we have a repellent through a physical process . Furthermore, some of the silicate particles are so fine that they disrupt and block the respiratory organs of unwanted insects, such as mites and aphids .
Zeolite and lime are also rich in trace elements , which is beneficial. A zeolite quarry that already contains a variety of trace elements is therefore particularly valuable. With this comprehensive package, we stimulate the metabolism, activate the body's defenses, strengthen the immune system, keep diseases and insects at bay, and increase yields.
In summary, the use of zeolite and calcium as foliar fertilizer provides optimal support and nourishment for the plant. It is particularly important that the calcium and zeolite are electrostatically charged due to the tribomechanical milling process and have a grain size of less than 10 microns.
Thank you Dr. Peter Ost, zeolite expert.
How does zeolite work in the soil and on plants?
- Soil improvement: Zeolite can help improve soil structure. It increases the soil's water retention capacity, which is particularly beneficial in arid regions or during times of water scarcity. The improved water retention capacity allows the soil to retain moisture longer, leading to less frequent watering and better water efficiency.
- Nutrient uptake: Zeolite has a high cation exchange capacity, meaning it can bind positively charged particles (such as many of the nutrients plants need) and then release them later. This means it can act as a kind of "nutrient reservoir" in the soil, helping to make nutrients available when plants need them.
- Environmentally friendly: Zeolite is a natural mineral that is safe and environmentally friendly. It contains no harmful chemicals and can help reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers by improving nutrient uptake and retention in the soil.
- Pest control: Some gardeners also use zeolite for pest control. Its abrasive nature can make it unpleasant for pests and help keep them away from plants.
- Sun protection: Winegrowers like to spray zeolite when the sun is at its strongest to protect the vines. It's essentially a sunscreen.
Lime and zeolite in the garden - experience reports
"I've been using Veggikraft in my garden for a year now, and the results are simply fantastic! My tomatoes are bigger and tastier than ever. And I don't have tomato rot. I've always added Veggikraft to my watering . I love being able to grow healthy, organic vegetables for my family." *****
Julia, passionate home gardener
"Since I started using Grünkraft Calcium and Grünkraft Zeolite pure on my fields, I've noticed a significant improvement in plant health and yields. The powders are so fine that they were easy to spray. Next time, I'll spray the products right along with the microorganisms. I highly recommend these products to every farmer." *****
Markus, regenerative farmer
"Veggikraft has transformed my garden! My vegetables are growing like never before. I've been spraying the little plants every week. I'm thrilled to be able to provide my family with fresh, organic vegetables." *****
Stefanie, proud organic gardener
"As a farmer, I'm constantly looking for ways to increase my yields while protecting the environment. With Grünkraft Calcium and Grünkraft Zeolite pure, I've found just that. The products are easy to use and effective!" *****
Thomas, organic farmer
" Veggikraft is a must-have for every home gardener! It's so easy to use, and the results speak for themselves. My vegetables are healthy, strong, and absolutely delicious! I also seem to have fewer, if not none, snails." *****
Petra, enthusiastic hobby gardener and grandmother
Questions & answers about the use of lime and zeolite in the garden
1. Question: What is the difference between Grünkraft Calcium and Grünkraft Zeolite pure?
Answer: Grünkraft Calcium and Grünkraft Zeolite are both high-quality foliar fertilizer products designed to improve plant health and nutrition. Grünkraft Calcium provides your plants with the important nutrient calcium in a form that plants can optimally absorb. Grünkraft Zeolite is natural clinoptilolite zeolite, a mineral that provides plants with many trace elements and silicon. "Silicon brings the forces of the universe to the plant," Rudolf Steiner is said to have emphasized.
2. Question: Can I useGrünkraft Calcium and Grünkraft Zeolite pure together?
Answer: Yes, and many farmers do it that way. Winegrowers, in particular, like to mix their own, depending on whether they want to provide the plants with more calcium or need more silicon. Or they just spray zeolite to protect the plants from the sun.
3. Question: How does Veggikraft differ from other garden products?
Answer: Veggikraft is specifically designed for home gardeners and contains all the necessary nutrients to make your vegetables healthy and tasty. It's easy to use and perfectly suited for organic cultivation.
4. Question: Is Veggikraft suitable for all types of vegetables?
Yes, Veggikraft is versatile and ideal for all types of vegetables, from tomatoes and peppers to lettuce and herbs. Simply spray the small plants and then add it to the watering water. The rock flour is so finely powdered that the soil can use it immediately. (Plant availability of over 90%. Conventional lime has a maximum availability of 50%).
5. Question: Are STEINKRAFT lime and zeolite products safe for children and pets?
Yes, our products are designed for organic farming and contain no harmful chemicals. They are safe for children, pets, and the environment and water.
6. Question: Is Veggikraft vegan?
Yes, Steinkraft lime and zeolite products are vegan. There's nothing made from dead animals in them. That's important to me; I don't want anything from animals in the soil. Yes, that also means no sheep's wool. That belongs somewhere else, but in my opinion, not in the soil. No horn shavings or dried blood either.
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