Overview
Bentonite soil fertilizer is a natural clay mineral derived from weathered volcanic ash, primarily composed of montmorillonite. Its unique layered structure and high cation exchange capacity (CEC) make it valuable for agricultural applications. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, bentonite improves soil properties while gradually releasing nutrients. This material has been used in farming for centuries, particularly in regions with sandy or degraded soils. Modern agricultural practices utilize bentonite as both a standalone soil amendment and as a carrier for other fertilizers. Its environmental compatibility and long-lasting effects contribute to sustainable farming systems.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Bentonite exhibits remarkable swelling properties when hydrated, expanding up to 15 times its dry volume. This characteristic stems from its 2:1 layered silicate structure with exchangeable cations (typically sodium or calcium) between the layers. The specific surface area ranges between 600-800 m²/g, providing extensive sites for nutrient adsorption. The material's pH is typically neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0-9.5), making it suitable for most agricultural soils. Its high CEC (80-150 meq/100g) allows effective retention of ammonium, potassium, and other positively charged nutrients. Bentonite's water absorption capacity significantly reduces irrigation frequency and improves drought resistance in crops.
Main Applications
In agriculture, bentonite serves three primary functions: as a soil conditioner to improve structure and workability, as a water retention agent to reduce irrigation needs, and as a nutrient reservoir to prevent leaching. It's particularly effective in sandy soils, where it can increase water holding capacity by 30-50%. Bentonite is also blended with organic fertilizers and biochar to create enhanced soil amendments. In horticulture, it's used in potting mixes and as a rooting medium for cuttings. Some specialized applications include golf course turf management and vineyard soil preparation, where its moisture regulation properties are highly valued.
Safety and Storage
As a naturally occurring mineral, bentonite poses minimal environmental risks. However, dry powder forms can generate dust during handling, requiring appropriate respiratory protection. The material is non-flammable and chemically inert under normal conditions. Proper storage involves keeping the product in moisture-resistant packaging or silos to prevent premature hydration. Bulk storage should be in dry areas with good ventilation. While bentonite doesn't decompose, its swelling properties can be compromised if exposed to excessive moisture before application. Quality degradation is minimal if stored properly for up to 2 years.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing bentonite for agricultural use, prioritize suppliers who provide detailed mineralogical analysis. Key specifications include montmorillonite content (minimum 70%), swelling index (15-30 ml/g), and particle size distribution (80% passing 200 mesh for most applications). Bulk purchases typically offer 20-30% cost savings compared to bagged products. Consider logistics carefully - a 40-ton truckload covers approximately 10 hectares at standard application rates (4 tons/ha). For international shipments, verify that the bentonite meets the importing country's agricultural material regulations. Sample testing is recommended before large commitments.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：超细硅酸铝粉、硅藻土、高岭土、膨润土、滑石粉、彩砂、透明粉、白炭黑、金刚砂、石墨、海泡石、木粉、轻钙、重钙、玻璃粉、贝壳粉、凹凸棒土、玻璃鳞片、陶土、铝矾土、火山岩、电气石粉、合成云母、赤铁粉
- 主营：工业尿素、氧化钙、碳酸钙、膨润土、高岭土、硅藻土、硫酸钡、重晶石、三聚氰胺、氢氧化钙、工业盐、石英砂、碳酸氢钠、小苏打、轻质碳酸钙、融雪剂、海泡石、磁粉、铁粉、矿渣粉、纳米碳酸钙、活性钙
- 主营：白云石粉、玻璃砂、玻璃微珠、膨润土、硅灰、硅线石、硅藻土、海泡石纤维、滑石粉、钾钠长石粉、矿渣粉、蓝晶石、铝矾土、麦饭石粉、硼砂、羟基磷灰石、石英粉、石英砂、土状石墨/鳞片石墨、氧化铝、石墨、萤石粉、氧化钙、叶蜡石粉、铁粉
- 主营：真石漆、沙子全、腻子粉、膨润土、粘土球、白沙子、烘干沙、40目河沙、烘干河沙、水族婚庆、抗裂砂浆、钙粉工业、塑料橡胶、喷砂除锈、环氧草坪、人造沙滩、石粉填充、砂浆抹面、钻井泥浆、公园造景、石粉砂浆、石粉沙子、白色沙子、pvc填充料、河沙园艺
- 主营：发热保温冒口、除渣剂、沸石粉麦饭石、膨润土、钙粉石粉、煤粉、消失模涂料、粘土陶土、蒙脱石、混配土
- 主营：重钙粉、白云石、石英砂、膨润土、金刚砂、高岭土、陶土粉、重晶石粉、石英粉、橡胶粉、铝矾土、麦饭石粉、蛭石、滑石粉、轻质碳酸钙、凹凸棒土、长石粉、粘土球、白云石粉、硅微粉、珍珠岩粉、偏高岭土粉、氧化钙、氢氧化钙
- 主营：导电粉、石墨粉、云母粉、膨润土、电气石、鹅卵石、烧烤砂、陶土粉、彩虹石、玉米芯、莫来石、石英砂、白垩土、矿物纤维、玻璃珠、粘土粉、硅微粉、凹凸棒土、岩片、硅藻土、海泡石纤维、白云石粉、陶瓷颗粒、核桃砂、高岭土、火山石
- 主营：高岭土、贝壳彩片、合成云母粉、膨润土、玻璃粉、赤铁粉、染色彩色、橡胶颗粒、自补液纤维、矿物纤维、海泡石纤维、海泡石粉、蛭石、火山石、复合岩片、石英砂、石英粉、黑色滑石粉、麦饭石、滑石粉、金刚砂耐磨地坪材料、红黏土、铝矾土、碳酸钙、核桃壳
- 主营：膨润土
- 主营：贝壳粉、固体机、杨木粉、膨润土、微景观、萤石矿、水洗砂、钠云母、硅酸盐、磨漂珠、白漂珠、乳胶漆、萤石块、细云母、发光石、黑彩砂、轻钙粉、珠光粉、蛭石粉、夜光沙、云母沙、石棉绒、硅藻泥、珍珠岩、非金属、芙蓉红
- 主营：滑石粉、白陶土、碳酸钙、黄色膨润土、金刚砂、石英砂、白云石砂、耐火材料、地坪材料、彩色地坪料、高尔夫球场、耐磨地坪硬化剂
- 主营：普通石英砂、金刚砂、鹅卵石、膨润土价格、重钙粉、云母、玻璃珠
- 主营：石英砂、金刚砂、白沙子、膨润土、滑石粉、白云石、金刚砂地坪材料、碳酸钙
- 主营：珍珠岩、玻化微珠、珍珠岩保温板、膨润土、园艺珍珠岩、闭孔玻化微珠、珠光砂
- 主营：耐火材料、硅藻土粉、白云石粉、膨润土、贝壳粉、高岭土、滑石粉、石英砂、金刚砂、碳酸钙、玻璃微珠、石墨粉、远红外粉、石英粉、麦饭石粉、沸石粉、重钙粉、轻钙粉、高纯负离子液、赤石脂粉、鹅卵石雨花石、彩色石子、活性白土、膨胀石墨、硅酸锆