Rockdust is a generic term applied to fine materials produced as
by-products of quarrying and mineral
processing. The concept is that a multitude of natural minerals can
be beneficially applied to soils as crushed rocks (rockdusts).
Advocates consider that modern agriculture and long term
climatic factors have depleted many minerals from weathered soils.
Modern agriculture tends to concentrate on applying only a
small range of fertilisers with a narrow band of minerals.
Rockdusts are considered to enhance soil "health" and can
also be co-utilized with composts and digestates.
Claimed benefits include :
Relatively little research has been undertaken to prove these claims but there is now a body of both scientific and circumstantial evidence that is outlined which overall supports the view that the use of rockdusts can contribute to the environment, soil sustainability, agricultural quality and productivity and assist in meeting targets such as those for recycling and the mass-balance of industrial carbon through sequestration. Potential health benefits in terms of quality of food, particularly fruit and vegetables are also relevant.
There are a number of key individuals and groups developing the concept through research and dissemination. The SRF supports the development od Soil Remineralization through co-funding research and dissemination of quality peer-reviewed information. SRF encourages coordinated research which emphasises validated experiments,dissemination and education, particualry :
The Soil Remineralization Forum is an independent information hub and research participant. SRF is not for profit and wholly reliant on external funding. We do not sell or recommend specific products.
The Soil Remineralization Forum works with a number of research organisations, universities and independent groups. Links to related websites are shown on the contacts page.
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