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Natural zeolites
Author(s) -
Parham Walter
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
natural resources forum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1477-8947
pISSN - 0165-0203
DOI - 10.1111/j.1477-8947.1989.tb00324.x
Subject(s) - developing country , agriculture , zeolite , natural resource economics , natural (archaeology) , environmental science , business , earth science , environmental planning , geology , geography , chemistry , economic growth , archaeology , economics , paleontology , biochemistry , catalysis
Zeolites, a suite of porous, fine‐grained minerals commonly found in certain near‐surface, sedimentary rocks, have special physical and chemical properties that could make them valuable to farmers in developing countries. Zeolites have been used to improve soil fertility; develop slow‐release fertilizers; improve animal waste disposal; and improve animal health. To date most research on zeolite deposits and their various applications has been undertaken by the industrialized nations. Some zeolite deposits, however, also exist in developing countries and the likelihood of the existence of additional deposits in those countries is high. However, thorough assessment of the mineralogy, geology, and various agricultural uses is still needed. Strengthening developing countries' geological surveys in non‐metallic mineral exploration and assessment will improve the likelihood that the use of zeolites will reach their full potential in developing country agriculture.