With a blend of insect frass, calcium and zeolite, TERRAVIT NutriGuard is set to increase the nutrient use efficiency of the soil by enhancing the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). The Cation Exchange Capacity measures a soil’s ability to hold and exchange positively charged nutrient ions. Soils with higher CEC can bind and retain more nutrients, reducing nutrient leaching and ensuring a steady supply of nutrients to plants.
Calcium
Calcium is added in the plant-available form CaSO4 which does not increase the pH of the soil as lime (CaCO3) does. Calcium plays a crucial role in improving soil structure and plant health. Calcium ions can replace other cations on the exchange sites, creating a more favorable CEC balance for nutrient uptake and soil structure. Calcium facilitates the uptake of other essential nutrients by plant roots, enhancing nutrient use efficiency.
Zeolite
Zeolite is a naturally occurring mineral formed from volcanic rocks with a unique porous structure and high cation exchange capacity (CEC). Zeolite’s high CEC allows it to attract and retain cations (positively charged ions) like ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It acts as a reservoir for these nutrients, preventing them from leaching out of the soil. When plants need nutrients, zeolite can release them gradually, providing a steady supply to support plant growth. Additionally, zeolite’s buffering capacity stabilizes soil pH, creating a more neutral pH range favorable for nutrient uptake. Another advantage of zeolite is its ability to reduce nutrient runoff and leaching, thereby minimizing the risk of nutrient pollution in water bodies.
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Visualization of the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of the soil