greensand vs azomite

Azomite vs Greensand: Key Differences Explained!

Azomite is essentially rock dust. Azomite is rich in various types of nutrients. Azomite mainly has Silica. It has many trace elements including but not limited to Boron, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Potassium, and Zinc. Greensand adds a beautiful free-draining texture to the potting mix. Potash is good for plants as it increases disease resistance. Greensand adds Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, and Silica to the soil.

These substances are often added into potting mixes to improve conditions for the plant. Both of these substances have advantages and disadvantages.

Azomite vs Greensand

Let’s look at the differences between the two. We shall also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the two.

AzomiteGreensand
This is a rock dust mined in the deserts of Utah.Glauconite is the main ingredient. It is mined in New Jersey.
It is the most popular rockdust.It is not as popular but used widely by organic gardeners.
Azomite has 65% Silica. You'll add trace elements to the soil if you add this rockdust to soil.Greensand is rich in Potassium, Magnesium, Iron and Silica.
It may be radioactive(Gamma). This is found in the lava debris.It is not really rock dust. This rock is formed by oceanic sediments.

Azomite and Greensand can be used for the benefit of the soil. They both have different use cases. I like Greensand more and I use it in my potting mix.

What does Azomite do for plants?

Azomite is essentially rock dust. Azomite is rich in various types of nutrients. It is usually added to the potting mix to enrich it. But, is the plant actually getting the nutrients?

No, it doesn’t get most of the nutrients. Humic acid is necessary for the breakdown of these nutrients. The presence of humic acid increases the absorption of nutrients to 200%!

How do you add humic acid to your soil? The best way to do this is by adding compost along with Azomite.

What nutrients are in Azomite?

Azomite mainly has Silica. It has many trace elements including but not limited to Boron, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Potassium, and Zinc.

Though all of these may sound awesome, you need humic acid in the soil for the plant to absorb these efficiently.

Can Azomite burn plants?

Azomite is not a chemical fertilizer. So, there’s no risk of burning your plants, if you add Azomite to the soil. It is 100% natural.

It has been listed in OMRI, so you can use it without worry.

Is Azomite radioactive?

On their official website, you can see that Azomite has tested negative for both Alpha and Beta radioactivity.

Though they do not deny or confirm if it emits gamma radiation. Personally, I stopped using Azomite a while ago as it wasn’t much benefit to the soil.

Is Azomite the same as Diatomaceous earth?

No, it isn’t. Diatomaceous earth is mainly used to treat pest infected plants. It doesn’t offer many nutrients to the soil like Azomite.

Diatomaceous earth can be added to the potting mix. It increases the efficiency of fertilizer absorption by plants and increases porosity.

Does Azomite raise pH?

The pH of Azomite is above 7, so it is alkaline in nature. But adding it to the soil doesn’t raise the pH of the soil mix.

What does Greensand do for plants?

Greensand adds a beautiful free-draining texture to the potting mix. Potash is good for plants as it increases disease resistance.

It is one of the best, certified sources of organic potash. It works as a natural fertilizer and is much safer than any other artificial fertilizer.

Greensand composition

Greensand adds Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, and Silica to the soil. Potassium unlike Nitrogen needs biological activity to be broken down.

What is Greensand good for?

Greensand is mined from the oceanic sedimentary deposits in New Jersey. It is essentially Glauconite. Unlike Azomite, it is not rock dust.

Greensand is awesome as it improves both clay and sandy soils. It loosens up clay soil and improves moisture retention in sandy soil.

Greensand is approved by the OMRI for organic use. Use Greensand according to the instructions on the package.

If you want to apply Greensand to your soil yearly, first get a soil test done. If your soil lacks essential minerals and Greensand can provide them, go on!

In general, you’d be fine if you add some greensand to the potting mix/soil once when you plant.

Is Greensand Acidic?

Greensand can be considered neutral. Its pH varies from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It is not acidic at all as its pH is around 7.

What is Greensand used for?

Greensand can be used as a soil amendment substance. It works great for this purpose as it loosens up clay soil and improves moisture-retaining character in sandy soil.

You can safely use Greensand in potting mix for indoor plants as well as in garden soil.

Can I use Greensand on my lawn?

Yes, you can definitely use Greensand on your lawn. Do not think using a lot of it would do your lawn any good!

My recommendation is that you use 16 pounds of Greensand per 1,000 square feet. This would suffice and your lawn becomes healthier than ever!

Why Rock Dust does not work?

The rock dust itself will not help the plant in any way. The minerals in it would help definitely. Minerals need to be broken down into simpler, absorbable forms.

This is possible with the help of humic acid. If the soil is rich in humic acid, rock dust will be broken down. Adding compost will help increase humic acid in the soil/potting mix.

That’s it for today! See ya’ around 🙂