Volcanic Rock Dust

Understanding how volcanic rock dust works to help the soil is easy. Plant roots are voracious feeders that suck minerals out of the soil around them, and over time this depletes the soil’s natural reserves, causing plants to become stunted. By adding volcanic rock dust back to the soil, it makes it accessible to plant roots as soon as they make contact with it. As the rock continues to break down, additional nutrients are made available to the plant roots. Thus, guaranteeing them a consistent supply of nutrients. Rock Dust, although technically not a fertiliser (as it does not contain sufficient amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium to be classed as such) has amazing benefits in the form of all the essential trace elements and minerals in the dust. Trace elements are often ignored by gardeners, as their importance is not over-stated, however they should not be. Trace elements are vitally important to plant life, growth, viability, sustainability and yield.

Applications:

Top Dressing

Volcanic Rock Dust is found to benefit all types and pH of soil and promote plant growth and vigour. It can be applied at any time of year and at any stage of plant growth. The only exception to this is when the ground is frozen and soil cannot be penetrated, or in high winds. Simply sprinkle evenly onto soil from the edge of a spade or trowel and then rake in, or let worms and weather do this for you.

Minimum Annual Dose

Apply 0.5kg per square metre, or in gardener’s terms “a handful a yard”. A 10kg bag supplies 20 square metres. This annual dose has also been seen to benefit lawns.

Booster Dose

Apply 2kg per square metre to give your soil a boost.

Top Dressing for Large Areas

Volcanic Rock Dust can be applied to fields and parks, whether grass land or cultivated using a Lime Spreader. Fertiliser Spinners can also be used but care has to be taken to prevent it sticking to the sides of the spinner. Salt Spreaders with a Heavy Duty Agitator are also suitable.

MINIMUM DOSE

0.5kg per square meter = 2 tonnes per acre

BOOSTER DOSE

2kg per square metre = 8 tonnes per acre

Compost Improver

Mix 2kg through 50 litres of compost. Ideal if you mix in wheelbarrow or trug. A good handful mixed through a bucket of compost works well.

Compost Activator and Accelerator

When adding a new layer of compost to your compost bin or pile, add a sufficient amount of rock dust to make a light covering over the surface and can easily see through. Gardening material is found to break down into compost faster, reaching a higher temperature and odours are found to be reduced.

Tonic for Wormeries

Sprinkle a small handful per 30cm2 (1ft2) onto surface of your wormery every month. Try a small area with this amount and see the worms congregate and enjoy it!

Further Info:

Mixing with Other Plant Foods

Volcanic Rock Dust has been shown to work well with soil conditioners, animal manures and plant foods. Whilst lime can still be used to raise the pH of acid soils, we do not recommend adding it at the same time as volcanic rock dust as this reduces the effectiveness of both materials. Leave at least two weeks between both applications.

Quality Control

This is a natural product and, as such, moisture content may vary however this will not affect the quality.

Please Note:

To offer the best possible value, smaller weight bags are repackaged into clear packaging with a black and white label with all relevant information and application rates detailed and larger quantities will be supplied in manufacturer’s bags. Tubs will be plain white with a black and white label with all relevant information and application rates detailed. Images shown are for illustrative purposes only.

Storage & Safety Advice

Store in a dry place or under cover if stored outside. Do not apply in windy conditions.