The Natural Fertilizer Effects of Greensand
By Christopher A. Williams
Gardeners looking for a natural way to keep moisture in the soil should try Greensand. With natural fertilizer effects, greensand is a natural silicate that looks like glass. Sprinkled on gardens, it is used to help rebuild the structure of soil so it can retain more moisture for plants at the deepest of root levels. This sand is naturally occurring and is made of calcium, manganese, iron oxide, marine potash and over thirty other trace elements. In addition to gardens, it can be sprinkled around trees, shrubs, lawns or house plants.
It's also worth noting that Greensand is one of the safest soil conditioners to use around wildlife, people and pets. (Unlike a chemical fertilizer there is no waiting period before you can use your lawn as a recreational area.) Greensand is not an unstable nitrogen product so you can apply it directly with your hands. It won't burn your plants or your skin like a nitrate chemical soil conditioner can.
Greensand works to retain moisture because each grain of it is coated with naturally occurring manganese dioxide. This coating reacts with minerals in water and draws the molecules down into the soil. The particles then work as a filter that holds the water in place. It is simply one of the most efficient water retention solutions for soil in existence today. It is also helpful in restoring the water retention abilities of soils that have been destroyed by nitrogen use. Greensand can also reserve moisture for your plant during times of deficient rainfall, dry heat or physical stress caused by invasion of pests or disease.
The reason you need to keep soil moist is because moisture levels are critical to the long-term life of your soil. Loss of water is the number one cause of the deprivation of soil in commercial agriculture and in regular gardening. It is also the number one cause in the loss of crop yields.
When water starts leaching out of the soil and into the water table it is not always evident right away. Often problems with water retention in soil are just not detected until it is too late which is why using this silica-based soil conditioner is important.
This type of silica supplement can also assist in filtering impurities such as iron oxide and sulfur. It is safe to use in all situations. It also keeps toxins in ground water away from the roots of your plants.
Soils are naturally efficient receivers of rainwater and other forms of irrigation unless the soil is eroded. Green glass and other silica based soil conditioners can help defray the loss of topsoil even in the driest and windiest weather. It is important that erosion does not happen as it often ends up in the water table in the form of sedimentation.
By using Greensand, you can help limit the damaging effects of sediment deposits caused by erosion. It is also one of the best ways to protect your plants from toxins in the soil as well as to keep both the soil and your plants well watered at all times.
Take advantage of the natural fertilizer effects Greensand has to offer and your garden will produce more fruits and vegetables than you'll know what to do with!
Christopher A. Williams (aka Natural Fertilizer Guy) edits the website: http://www.safe-fertilizer-reviews.com/articles.html
The website contains articles about natural fertilizers and seaweed based fertilizers, as well as general natural gardening tips.
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