Type A and / or X chryso-zeolites and methods using same for enhancing water retention in soil

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for enhancing the water-retention capacity of soils and providing plant nutrients to same over an extended period of time. This method comprises the admixing of soils with from 2 to 30% by weight of a chryso-zeolite of type A/and or X which comprises a magnesium leached asbestos matric having an SiO₂ content of 37 to 60 wt%, an MgO content of 0.1 to 15% by weight, an Fe₂O₃ content of 0.1 to 2.5% by weight and containing from 10 to 25% by weight of Al₂O₃ and from 25 to 35% by weight of Na₂O, and/or K₂O, and/or CaO, and/or (NH₄)₂O.