Zeolite Mineral Importance for Soil and Agricultural engineering – A Review

Abstract

Zeolite is a stone that was discovered in 1756 by Baron Axel Frederick Cronstedt- Swedish scientist. He identified the existence of natural Zeolite in samples of copper mines in Sabavari, Lampmarke County, Sweden. Baron Axel called this stone "boil" (zen) and "stone" (lithos), (Greek name) i.e. boiling metal because when the metal is heated, water comes out of it and it appears as if it is boiling. It is a type of sedimentary, volcanic mineral rock, it is considered a crystalline aluminosilicate in the form of a three-dimensional network, and spread especially common in tuffaceous rocks. Our objective is to establish the significance of zeolites and elucidate their role in agricultural engineering, particularly in fostering sustainability, through an examination of key attributes of this mineral. To begin, we introduce the mineral zeolite, providing insights into its inherent nature. We investigate into its classification, physical and chemical characteristics, subsequently exploring transformations that the zeolite mineral undergoes. Further, we cast a spotlight on diverse agricultural applications of zeolites, including their utilization as fertilizers or soil enhancers, outlining their contributions to agricultural productivity. The paramount features of zeolites are closely tied to their primary applications across a range of fields, prominently within the agricultural domain.