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Zeolite already sounds unearthly. But as part of a gardening
fertilizer, this group of minerals with an exotic name has earned
the space age equivalent of a green thumb of approval.
NASA has long been interested in ways to sustain plant growth
in space environments. Plants are being eyed as critical to prolonged
space exploration, supporting astronauts with oxygen, food, water,
and to help recycle waste products as part of a regenerative
life support system. One problem, however, was the complexity
of system hardware to maintain water and nutrients for plant
growth. Hydroponic systems involve a set of circulating pumps,
sophisticated sensors, and complicated control and monitoring
systems. The search was on for a plant growth system that minimized
such a hardware maze and eliminated "free" water which
tends to float about in space. Additionally, the plant growth
system had to operate reliably in space. Using a medium analogous
to soil was a simplifying solution.
A highly productive, synthetic soil (or substrate) was created
to support plant growth. This research led to the cultivation
of plants in zeolite mineral substrates that contain essential,
plant growth nutrients. The technique was termed "zeoponics."
Zeolites are a group of naturally occurring minerals having
a honeycomb-like layered crystal structure. Its network of interconnected
tunnels and cages can be loaded with nitrogen and potassium,
combined with other slowly dissolving ingredients containing
phosphorous, calcium, and a complete suite of minor and trace
nutrients. The zeolite acts as a reservoir for the nutrients
which are slowly released "on demand." Indeed, the
plant itself does the regulating of the nutrients as it needs
them. With only the addition of water, plants will grow in the
zeoponic medium for multiple growth cycles.
Working with NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Kennedy Space
Center under Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts,
Boulder Innovative Technologies (BIT) began the initial work
on the superior plant growth media for long-term space travel.
ZeoponiX, Inc. of Louisville, Colorado was established as a sister
and spinoff commercializing company from BIT to introduce zeoponic
products. The SBIR-developed technology is being licensed by
BIT to ZeoponiX, who also holds exclusive rights to issued patents
from NASA.
| The Ohio Clearview
Golf Club used ZeoProTM nutrients to change the type of grass on the
green. Success has exceeded expectations--due to the release
of zeoponic materials in the root zone of the new seedlings. |
Explains ZeoponiX's CEO and chairman, Richard Andrews, "the
company has brought space age agriculture down to Earth."
The group introduced its first product in 1997, a direct spinoff
of the NASA-funded SBIR research, he adds. Other products are
in the works.
The first creation is currently sold to golf courses, sports
playing fields, and for greenhouse horticultural use. As a proven
combination fertilizer and soil amendment, the mixture is showing
its prowess in both construction and renovations of golf greens
and tees, and toughening up the turf of playing fields. The product
can be blended into other commercial and consumer potting mixes.
Its use provides a lasting reservoir of nutrients allowing the
user to reduce added fertilization while achieving better plant
and vegetable performance. There is an environmental bonus from
the product as well. Unlike commonly used fertilizers, the plant-growth
material dramatically reduces loss of nutrients to groundwater
and the environment.
A number of key technical advances and benefits of the company's
zeoponic products include:
- a combination of a superior growth medium and soil conditioner,
as well as a fertilizer delivery system;
- an all-in-one balance of major, minor and trace nutrients;
- high-efficiency delivery of nutrients to the plants;
- much lower losses of applied nutrients to the environment;
and
- exceptional root development and improved plant performance.
"Several products are planned for release during 1998
and beyond, based upon this NASA-licensed technology," Andrews
says. One will be a product for use by the homeowner/consumer,
a potting mix additive, and possible pre-blended potting mixes
containing the NASA- licensed ingredients, he adds.
ZeoponiX has an agreement in place with a firm in Australia
to manufacture these products based on slow- release fertilizer
and active synthetic soil in Australia and New Zealand. Active
discussions are also underway with other companies in other countries,
including Canada, South Korea and in Europe.
TMZeoPro is a trademark
of ZeoponiX, Inc..
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