Warning! Rock Dust Contains Heavy Metals! Are they Safe For Your Organic Garden?

[@Lemonz1989]

I have read one experiment done in Roskilde University in Denmark, where they tested rock dust as a fertilizer. They found a difference between "decomposed rocks" and newly ground rocks, with the new ones working better. It could improve the structure of sandy soil and was useful in keeping the soil from acidifying through natural processes. They also found the benefits depended on the crops, due to different needs of the plants. The best effect was found when nitrogen was added with the dust.

[@sdkfljsldkfas]

If people are concerned about 5 ppm arsenic in the rock dust, they should see how much is in the white rice they eat.

[@BitPuffin]

Rice doesn't make its own arsenic, it will only have arsenic if it's grown on soil that has arsenic in it. And if I remember correctly, cruciferous vegetables are hyper accumulators that have even more arsenic in them if you grow them on soil with arsenic.

[@drpk6514]

Literally you can not increase the level of those elements to above the amount inside them. It means if it is it has 5 PPM arsenic then you can not increase the arsenic level to above 5 PPM. If you grow your plant directly in that rock dust the level of arsenic is 5 PPM.

[@brandillysmom]

I read that rinsing rice before cooking it will get rid of some of the arsenic. I didn’t know that cabbage sucks arsenic from the soil though. That’s quite concerning..... I also found out that chicken farmers feed them a little arsenic because they found out that the public likes the rosy look of the meat that arsenic imparts..

[@NoNORADon911]

It's your one way ticket to midnight Call it Heavy Metal Higher than high, feelin' just right Call it Heavy Metal Desperation on a red line Call it Heavy Metal noise!

[@sfchemist4189]

Trace minerals are very important to both plants and animals i.e. us humans. As a retired scientist, having studied botany and chemistry, I have to agree with John and I do use rock dust in my vegetable garden. The empirical evidence is that it makes a noticeable difference and I fully intend to keep using this material. I would recommend the use of masks when using the powder as one does not want to breath this fine particulate matter. Follow the labeled directions, sit back and see the difference for yourself.

[@sfchemist4189]

I have been using glacial rock dust and was under the impression that it only contained about 12 minerals or elements. Today I did a little research and discovered I was wrong---some glacial rock dust has a great many minerals that I am not sure are beneficial to the soil. I might have to do some more detailed research on this subject before continuing with my use of rock dust.

[@brandillysmom]

Uh ohhh...... I just applied some glacial rock dust to my tomatoes and peppers in soft containers, also to a semi-dwarf tangerine tree in a pot. Now I wonder if I should be scooping it out?!!?

[@brandillysmom]

I haven’t been able to find anything online regarding a detailed list of elements in Glacial Rock Dust. I bought at a Cannabis grow house, as nobody from the local nurseries and Box stores like Home Depot heard of it. Only a couple of local nursery people heard of Azomite. I know that your comments were made 5 years ago, but if possible, can you tell me what you found out?

[@OkieDokedU]

@@brandillysmom azomite rock dust I use measures at around half tsp/gal

[@brandillysmom]

I used a lot more than that😧

[@NaturalrevolutionOrg]

John, I'm using rock dust for the first time because of you. I actually am growing my own greens because of you. I can't wait until my patio garden tomatoes, cukes, ground cherries and red bell peppers start to bear fruit...can't wait to taste the difference you've been talking about. Thanks for inspiring me to "keep on growin". I'll keep ya posted. And thanks again, John for all that you do to help us all. Your videos are the best. *thumb up. :)

[@democolor42]

John is very honest and experienced man, also very knowledgable and I love his videos, always follow his advices as they are also based on his experiences

[@MikeCunninghamcgf3477]

Hi John, I am an organic farmer in Georgia and what you say about rook dust is true.We have been using it for 10 years.I believe like you that it better to eat our minerals from our food and not in a capsule. We even bring AZOMITE to our farmers markets to sell to our customers who want to grow some of their own greens.

[@vmcshannon]

By the way I am a chemist and I do a lot of trace element testing in my job. The amounts of Pb, As and Hg you pointed out are right. We are exposed to higher levels in our everyday lives than is in the rock dust. And I believe they are beneficial to the organisms in the soil. Feed the soil and it will feed you.

[@CryptoNana]

Excellent video. After reading some of the comments below, I had to wonder if those people even listened to the info or just wanted to complain about "heavy metals". Amazing. Love your videos and your passion for growing your greens! Kudos!

[@leannakekai162]

When I started watching this video I got a little upset about all the woo-woo noises he was making because I am one of those people who is concerned about heavy metals and I feel like he was making fun of us. I am glad I watched it anyway. My garden needs minerals! However, I a mom of an autistic child and some people believe (myself included) that symptoms of autism can be linked to damage done by heavy metals and that they are harmful for everyone, but especially for children with this condition. I don't want to add anything to my soil that could contaminate my food and hurt my children. I am so glad that John explained about this. That the level of heavy metals present in these soil amendments is actually lower in many cases than levels in plain old dirt is information that is important to me! I am so glad that he shared that with us. Now I can relax and grow better food.

[@billwilson3665]

Heavy metals from pollution may be different than naturally occurring heavy metals in the soil.

[@rosebrown6091]

Bill Wilson that's what I was wondering. you have something here I think you may be correct. stay blessed

[@angelarts1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6ipZId8hN98n80 This gives laboratory test results and are a good source of factual info.

[@stueyg5954]

Iodine deficiency is rampant as well since we use bromide, chlorine, and fluoride in everything now.

[@beAlightshineitbright]

He was...ROFLMAO

[@Growyourheirlooms]

One thing that needs to be discussed, is that plants take up metals differently. I've been using rock minerals for a long time. I admit that my plants don't grow any faster, but they ARE healthier AND tastier. I also suggest because of their health, my bug and disease problems are much less than normal.

[@matthewlidrich2030]

Its so nice to listen to you. You are so honest and kind to all...Thanks

[@patrickobrien7346]

Can never get over all your valuable valuable information. I’m glad I can watch your organic beliefs and save myself a lot of blood sweat and tears. Thank you very much!

[@rcp916]

Fantastic episode John! I have to say that I don't normally watch full episodes but this one was excellent! Great document find my friend!

[@BrianGay57]

Great video. One clarification. If your rock dust contains 10 PPM of lead and toxic levels begin at 300 PPM adding rock dust could never bring your soil lead levels up to such levels. In fact, since the rock dust lead level is 10 PPM if you replaced ALL of your soil with rock dust you would have a very safe 10 PPM level in your soil. In fact if your soil had a fairly high natural lead level to begin with, adding rock dust with a lower level of lead would actually reduce the toxicity of your soil.

[@maxmagnus777]

Ok that is about the rock, now what do we know about metal absorption by the plants. Some tend to accumulate them as I recall.

[@silveradocanman2516]

Martin Miljkovic if they do in fact accumulate, that means the naturally occurring heavy metals in typical soil would also be harmful... as far as I can tell.

[@darthvader5300]

@@silveradocanman2516 Just add lime, quicklime or slaked lime but preferably quicklime inorder to immobilize the heavy metals.

[@lexluthor3834]

Your passion is the best brother! Keep on growing!!

[@hifigrafix]

John - your passion for what you do is really inspiring.. Your podcasts are excellent!

[@RobertaPeck]

I also am growing my greens because of your teaching. I have spent my life as a teacher and have made myself your student since My retirement. Thanks for another great video John. You are an awesome and motivating teacher.

[@MsWindyhill]

Leave it to John to do the research. So much of the content of the internet is opinion and not fact. It is refreshing to find that someone does enough research to speak fact and not opinion. Love it, John. You are my #1 garden guy.

[@Oskimaa]

Thanks for the video John! I think people are too easily scared of stuff that sounds dangerous like heavy metals and radiation, even though there are trace amounts of both even in natural landscapes. Many soils naturally have a lot higher concentration of heavy metals than your rock dust products. So even if they have some heavy metals, mixing them to your soil actually decreases the amount of heavy metals (lowers the percentage of them to be precise) in your soils. The few hundred years that we have been industrially farming our lands have also really taken their toll on the mineral content of our soils _which needs to be fixed_ if we don't want our children to live in a global, deserted wasteland. By fixing even just a small amount of soil in your own backyard you fix a small part of the planet as a whole. This is information that every gardener should be aware of, so they don't drain their soils from essential nutrients and trace minerals, but instead make their soils _richer and thus better_ each and every year they farm on it. :) Thank you for your awesome channel and all the good work you're doing, and greetings from Finland. Even though you live in a much warmer climate, I've learned a lot about gardening (and especially vegetables and fruits that are considered very exotic here in the north) by watching your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@cupbowlspoonforkknif]

I was happy to see you brought some research to back up your view. Well done!

[@claudioesteban8609]

JOHN IS THE MAN.....Great Video,Great info. AND REMEMBER KEEP ON GROWING

[@aowilkins3213]

The Rock Dust Works! All of my crops were sweeter and lasted longer through the year. Cherry tomatoes were as sweet as sour grapes. My young children would go out to the garden and sit in the garden and go from plant to plant and pretty much eat an entire bowl of salad. Cherry tomatoes in Baltimore Maryland kept fruiting and blooming until November. NO JOKE!

[@markemerick1462]

Where do you get your rock dust, BG?

[@CascadeMineralsNW]

Great overview and explanation of rock dust in general, and Cascade Minerals in particular. Thanks for the clear (and enthusiastic) explanation!!

[@Cindyfromaz]

Thanks for your commitment in helping others. You're awesome!

[@myrryhaweiss6467]

I bought 10 (50 lb) bags of azomite and added it to my garden this year my organic corn was literally 91/2ft tall I have pictures to prove it :) best sweetest corn ever a bumper crop 4-3 ears a plant all huge :) thanks John !! :)

[@Jefferdaughter]

Another key factor on toxicity is the FORM of the heavy metal. As you say, John, people should look into these things for themselves. Not all 'arsenic' for example, is as toxic as other forms. And as always, balance is key. The natural world is one of dynamic balance. Thanks for another great post!

[@beholli4871]

I am so excited about improving my soil. I went to amazon and ordered everything you suggested on this video and the video about Mike's garden mistakes. It all only cost me $120.00, well worth every dime. Thank you for all the wonderful information.

[@frankoffe7092]

It's great that John can grow his own fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately the vast majority of people either live in cities or in suburban communities that limit what you can do with your yard (I used to live in one that specifically stated that your yard will be either grass or landscaped according to the list of approved plants... so no growing outdoors in dirt possible). What is possible for us all are Vertical Farms and hydroponic/aeroponic farms inside greenhouses or inside warehouses (with well designed and appropriate lighting). Do a search for vertical farm, sky greens, the plant, Valcent, etc. City dwellers could even set up a hydroponic growing area on their balcony or in a window to get at least some of their food. Since hydroponics uses up to 95% less water than conventional or "organic" farming it is going to be a major player in agriculture worldwide in the coming decades. Fresh water resources are being depleted all over the world and hydroponics is the only growing method that actually reduces the amount of water needed for growing crops.

[@heavymechanic2]

There are lots of people who believe anything published online, I've been attacked with undoccumented claims of toxic ingredients. I used to work with a nurse who also confirmed the food we eat is all bulk and little nutrition. I am looking into rock dust and other needed amendments to better my health. My current regimin is focussed around sea minerals from kelp, fish and oysters.

[@KILLA9557]

liquid seaweed also contains amounts of these heavy metals described, from what i see as long as the plant does better with it than with w/o then theres no problem consuming the vegetable. every element on the periodic table has beneficial value inside the human body as long as its (plant derived) all the plant does it does is make the heavy metals molecule smaller so that its non toxic for the body

[@bestnews4you]

The best vegetable garden - size, quantity, and flavor (all the neighbors raved about the tomatoes), and the best flower garden - flower size, color, and even scent - was when I added horse feed to the soil. A decent, but not super expensive brand is made with alfalfa, and all the trace minerals your plants need. I used one 40lb bag for an area 20 x 40ft. The next year I switched to hydroponics and used a layer of Azomite at the bottom of the sump (stirring occasionally so the dust would circulate through the system. I had a great crop of tomatoes and eggplant, but the flavor wasn't quite as good as those grown the year before in the dirt. Was the size and quantity due mainly to the extra nitrogen in the hydro system or did the Azomite help? Couldn't say. This year I am going to find a way to use the horse feed in the hydro system, or maybe try it in my aquaponics system as fish food. The experiment goes on.

[@CascadeMineralsNW]

Thanks to Garden Frugal for introducing us to your videos (and for being a rock dust proponent)!

[@igspal]

God bless you, John!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel THIS VIDEO is the #1 CRUCIAL video re health ON THE INTERNET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tallcedars2310]

I agree, it's the soil and it's bacteria as well as how much natural fertilizer we apply to what we take out. We are using the Ruth Stout method the last 3 years and just this year we see an improvement in the soil and plants. Nothing startling but any improvement is a start so we will continue with spreading hay every fall, with wood ash and chicken/cow manure. Basically, carbon out, carbon in, and now rock dust. Thanks John!

[@brandillysmom]

I just read that adding plenty of good compost, worm castings and other high quality organic materials are especially beneficial in that they bind up heavy metals away from plants.

[@cjanderson2u]

Such passion...It's a beautiful thing!

[@KindredAcresHomestead]

We grow with rock dust and our plants are so much juicier, tastier, larger, the color is amazing.....you can totally tell the difference. We started with a thin layer of compost then topped with loads and loads of wood chips, sprinkle rock dust on top. Every now and then I gibe my garden a liquid seaweed bath. That is all I use.

[@thepricelife2374]

Great video John, I enjoy these classic John Kohler videos. Great information!

[@RiverFlow58]

Great shirt, John!

[@1paintist]

I am so thankful for you John. Just keep up the great work and don't let anyone steal your thunder. You are wired to do what you do and you do it well. There will always be people who disagree or "know better". You have helped me tremendously! The vegetables produced speak loudly. Let's see what the naysayers produce? Besides fear and over-compensation.

[@ITALGT]

Very interesting to know that soil nutrient and mineral depletion was being talked about in the 1930's! Great info.

[@ingridgroen6011]

Thanks for clearing that up John. And like you stated..... people should do the research. I live in the Netherlands and actually bought me a big bag of Vulkamin i am going to feed my soil with. Love your video's!

[@TheMantaRae]

John, you're awesome. Thank you so much for EVERYTHING!

[@elevbaba]

U r so passionate! Luv watching u!

[@HighDesertGarden]

Very informative! The rock dust probably has fewer heavy metals than what is already in most people's garden - not to mention the mercury fillings in their teeth. People should be more concerned about the radio active waste that is leaking out of the nuclear power plants in there own back yards. Plus all the nuclear contamination caused by hundreds of bombs being tested. These guys are worried about ground up rocks? LoL

[@lukester1492]

start from the ground up starting at the soil

[@maxmagnus777]

So we really shouldn't eliminate all the bad stuff? Let us all eat only the fast food...

[@HighDesertGarden]

From the research I've done, I don't see any credible evidence that rock dust contains anything bad. The amounts of heavy metals are very minimal and found everywhere in nature.

[@dchambers986]

Base levels of radiation are necessary for human health. You are actually radioactive High Desert Garden - the closer you stand, the higher the exposure. Where is your evidence that nuclear leakage is a widespread health problem, remember, uranium, plutonium, radium, even radioactive carbon "are found everywhere in nature".

[@anthonyhawk7484]

David Chambers yeah Dave who are you working for. Who's your dog in the fight.

[@davestumpf9235]

John--you are the first person that I have met(so to speak) that makes any sense

[@TheWalshandWalsh]

For some additional perspective on the mercury: an example of a "high level" of mercury in fish is swordfish, for which the median level is .870 PPM.

[@DelbertQuentin]

So many replies... many of them negative... I have watched almost every video John has produced. IMHO, he is giving everyone his honest opinion. We have farmlands that has been used for crops for hundreds of years. When the crops were less than nominal, they went to GMO sourced seeds. Like John said, maybe all the farmlands need is some rock dust to bring back the taste and longevity of the foods.

[@captaindd1971]

I agree with you. John is giving his honest opinion, unfortunately opinions are pretty worthless IMHO.

[@samtraji1]

these materials are just everywhere. what matters is if its naturally bound in a harmless molecule, or if its free. like it happens when you burn coal in a coalpowerplant. then you set all the heavy metals and the radiating elements like stronzium and uranium etc... free

[@GardenFrugal]

Awesome job explaining that John. You are the best! I'm glad you got that bag I sent you. How are you liking that Cascade Minerals product??? I LOVE IT!!!!!

[@rain4rusty]

Back in the 70's back in Kansas on the ranch where I grew up we discovered our cows were sick bcuz there was no zink in the soil where we grew our corn for the cows. We learned that we needed trace minerals for the health of our ranch. The most important plants for making the minerals we need for our health are alfalfa, wheat grass (before joining). The milk cows showed the most benefit from the green mineralization. The are around 70 important minerals your body needs that to come from plants.

[@jasonrtz]

I used Azomite in my Aquaponics systems. Works great.

[@thonaker1]

You are exactly right. Plants have been pulling nutrients from rocks for a heck of a lot of years.

[@Jefferdaughter]

Sea minerals are available specifically for agricultural /horticultural use, at a more economic price than sold for people to season their meals with. Low sodium versions are also available.

[@rolazrei]

The topic to research is called (hyper)-accumulation, and it's because plants and animal metabolism functions as a filter. Plants will absorb a substance, move it to a new location, and the water that originally came with that substance will be evaporated or used in some other way. Substance comes in, water leaves, over and over... eventually the plant accumulates the toxin in higher concentrations. Our own cells do this all the time with other types of concentration gradients, it's very common

[@herbalpeace]

I live in Belgium and I get Lava/basalt rock dust and bentonite clay easily at the local garden centre. I'm sure you can buy lavarockdust or basaltdust easily , even in bulk.

[@nc4801]

Question though - you mentioned that there are background level amounts of these metals, but how are they spaced apart within the soil? If we are applying rock dust it is only in the top few inches of soil and if background levels are measured to depths of many feet or meters and meters deep there may be a larger concetration of these metals in the O horizon. Is it still safe?

[@kel49100]

As an advocate of Spanish River Carbonatite from Boreal Agrominerals, I can only agree with your comments! The results from users are fantastic and the only way to go. We need commercial agriculture to embrace the geochemistry, and today is not too soon. SRC only gives to the soil - it takes nothing from it. All organic farmers should be using carbonatite to further enrich the soils and add nutritional value to their produce.

[@mikeedward3161]

Hi there John and the 473 people whom have commented at the time I viewed, 19/02/2019. Firstly thanking John for his video and the in put of time given to this subject I appreciate your efforts and also those of your followers whom also contribute to help others too, that have also been assisted by John for covering this subject. I am in South/East England/UK, where we get a good amount of rain but not so bad as other parts of the UK and I no doubt loose soil nutrients by rainfull. I wonder if we are losing the nutrients we use to have, by increased rain levels and is it not possible because of the increased house & commercial building the chemicals seeping from the building works enter the locality, there is a danger to local growers/home gardeners/allotment holders as the increased building is not the only problem but also those responsible companies for sewage that escapes their systems whom keep this quite play their part too, as an experienced house owner I have been a witness to such matters and would appreciate you and your contributors here their views. Many thanks and best wishes to you. Maureen

[@shepopop]

In the olden days . Wood ash , manure was used for the garden . No chemical were involved . These days , vegetables and fruits sold in large supermarkets have no nutritional value . I am using Volcanic ash , comfrey , nettle and seaweed for my garden . Gosh vegs taste so good ! Neem powder and oil is a valuable anti pesticide eradicating disease , fungal infections and pest . This year my soil is 90% pest free .

[@nereidapr1]

Saying that rock dust is bad is like saying that compost is bad. It is natural from earth. Great video. Thanks

[@Mokieyezplaytime]

I haven't used Rock Dust, however I grow in somewhat rocky soil and it my plants seem to flourish!

[@GalacticaPegasus]

Thanks for posting John.

[@rebeccaarmstrong1206]

For those who need some education, Minerals ARE a solid inorganic substance of natural occurrence, i.e., elements! Don't let terminology blind you to the lesson John is trying to reach you. And yes, I'm a chemist, so I know what I'm talking about.

[@democolor42]

+Rebecca Armstrong Could you please explain better to us as you are chemist? First of all, It is known that mineral rich soil produces nutritious crops, do you want to tell us that minerals will not dissolve in soil and will not be incorporated in plant growing process? Thank you…………..

[@Oskimaa]

+democolor42 Even though many of these inorganic compounds cannot be directly utilized by plants, the soil's microbiology is filled with lithotropic (literally "rock eating") organisms that eat these compounds and poop stuff that plants can use. :)

[@democolor42]

Joni Koskimaa I know, microbes, bacterias fungi and many other organisms which break down and make bioavailable for the plants, that's why soil biology is so important, thanks for the reply

[@onism3053]

True must be solid. inorganic. natural occurring. must have a uniformed structure . must have a chemical composition.

[@onism3053]

+Jacob Gilbert technically ice is a mineral..... is water? No.

[@Myxlplyk]

Woo... 70 to 90 minerals. Brawndo... it's what plants crave.

[@stew_baby7942]

hehe

[@tedmcgee6825]

It's got electrolytes

[@LDSPrepper]

I did ban the person but not for that comment. BTW, using colloidal silver in a vegetable wash is not dangerous to fetus's because it is just a wash and it gets washed off before using the vegetables. You are off topic here. Please be considerate of John's video and stay on topic. That might give you an idea of why people who constantly push their off topic agenda's on my channel get removed. You are free to make your own videos on your channel. I'd recommend you do that.

[@DR-zt9gs]

I am with you on the light bulbs. We have had several of the CFL fail in the past as they get to their end. Pretty sure when they do this, they release the mercury into the atmosphere (our homes), just by the smell given off. That is why we have changed over to LED lighting. I think you got my point exactly. There are far more instances of the elements that John mentioned in everyday foods and items. The trace amounts that are in the rock dusts are just that.

[@Jefferdaughter]

Diana Reiss: "If we want to be worried about something, we should worry more about the things that are around us on a daily basis." YES! Especially those things around us that are totally synthetic. How can we expect our bodies to cope with substances that no human body had ever been exposed to before? Or at least before the Industrial Age... Best wishes to you!

[@rolazrei]

Biggest problem is that nobody using rock dust is actually measuring the amount they put in nor what's already there, which can be a problem when it includes certain substances. It's unlikely that plants use most of these minerals, but it's likely they do use some of them, in very very tiny amounts. When plants don't need the minerals, they concentrate them in storage, which can be dangerous.. some plants are notorious for accumulating toxic compounds. A plant can turn 5ppm into 50,000ppm

[@Jefferdaughter]

Great point, Hatchi! However, not every arsenic compound is the same. They have varying levels of toxicity. Check it out. Best to you.

[@rolazrei]

Concentration is the probability of encountering a substance in another substance which differs from total amount of solute. If you have 5ppm of X in 1M parts, the plant will have access to 5 molecules total if it processes it all. If you dilute it so the total is 4ppm but you now have 10M parts, the plant will have access to 40 molecules total. Once it passes up 5 molecules, it's surpassed the accumulation potential of the 5ppm @ 1M parts threshold. More parts * lower ppm = higher accumulation

[@PoppaJayJohnson]

Blessings John.

[@hgils]

I see your point and I’ll agree with you that He can learn from others. So can you! Azomite is used in animal feeds every day. Without problems for 15 years that I’m aware of. I’ve used it myself..

[@I21oIoIl3]

Any thoughts on the potential for aluminum toxicity with the addition of aluminosilicate minerals such as azomite in low pH soils or those amended with things like peat moss?

[@LadyJustice23]

If you use these products every year in your garden, wouldn't these heavy metals concentrate/build up in your soil/garden?

[@aybesee123]

the numbers john provided are for pure rock dust, when diluted into you soil the rates are dramatically reduced. Also minerals are depleted as you water and they sink into your soil.

[@Hayley-sl9lm]

People should get their soil tested -- it's pretty inexpensive and can tell you when you're adding too much of something!

[@vegas2kse]

I am wondering, since the rock dust contains the toxic materials at a lower concentration than soil, you can only infer that even pure rock dust will only be at most the concentration stated. You can't for example add material that is 5ppm of something, and cause what you're adding it to to go above 5ppm. So, if uncontaminated soil is normally above that of rock dust in those toxic elements, then the rock dust cannot increase the percentage. It would in fact decrease the overall ppm when mixed.

[@LDSPrepper]

It is not NPK+16 , it is NPK+13 because the decades of testing have shown when they add any of the other elements the plants do not do better but when they remove or decrease the amounts of the 16 needed elements plants show specific signs of deficiencies just like we do when we are deficient in some nutrients. Do the test yourself. Add all the heavy metals you want to your garden soil minus the NPK+13 and see how healthy your plants are. As John said do your own research.

[@carolina22609]

haha no other dude can entertain me talking for that long on youtube

[@rolazrei]

For those that are below the concentration of the soil itself, you are entirely correct. My issue is that plants concentrate these substances, so adding say 5 parts to 7 parts will lower it towards 5, but it does nearly double the total amount that a plant can accumulate... so if it could normally accumulate 20 ppm, it would now potentially have access to concentrating 40 ppm. Some brassicas have been shown to accumulate Lead to 50-100mg/g which is HUGE. That's 10,000x concentrated Lead.

[@DR-zt9gs]

Good job on explaining that rock dusts have no more than most expected background levels in nature! Not to mention that over time, these elements do decay on their own. Many plants take care of the dangerous levels on their own, via seeds/pits/root legume where these elements concentrate. Fish have always shown evidence of mercury, but people still eat them. I think that if you do everything in moderation, there are no worries. When applying rock dust, just stay within the parameters indicated.

[@timhark6819]

Would the rock dust from my local quarry that gravel the country roads do the same thing? I am sure I can get the dust free from them.

[@TheAnantaSesa]

Prob could just collect dust from the roadside.

[@valcomer79]

what is happening to all your older videos?...i have been trying to go through all your old videos to watch all of them to learn and i noticed alot of older ones dont work?..are you removing them? thanks

[@PeteGreenway]

Great video. There is a mine deposit in southern Utah. This mine is humic shale: "Humic shale" is a unique source of plant derived colloidal minerals. Humic shale originated from plants some 75 million years ago, those lush tropical plants took up the 60 plus metallic minerals available to them from a fertile soil that had as many as 84 minerals. Less is needed, because the minerals are tiny and organically bound. Bloomin Minerals is the product name. Message me for more info.

[@maweni1000]

Yes plants do absorb heavy metals. Some plants will even absorb them even if they do not use the element (Behavior and impact of zirconium in the soil-plant system: plant uptake and phytotoxicity.). This is one example. Zr is not mobile in the soil profile and accumulation may be a concern. Zr is also not readily plant available, however plants do take up Zr (and other elements) where it accumulates in the roots. Florine is another example. Some plants show F toxicity at 1ppm plants available F.

[@afleetalex8285]

John, would there be a benefit to adding a sporadic layer of small rocks near the surface of your topsoil? Wouldn't continuous erosion add the trace minerals to the soil? It would also act as a loosening agent for root growth, as well as a root warmer, don't you think? Looking forward to your opinion!

[@Lemonz1989]

Yes, where the rocks are sourced is important due to some areas having very high levels of contaminants. However, horticultural grade rock dust has been tested for contaminants (I assume). :)

[@KeikoBushnell]

correction to what you said though ....he said you have to add a lot of rockdust to get to 500 ppm but no matter how much you add it will never get to that much because it’s a percentage- it will always be the same percent no matter how much or how little you have... And one last point of my own, you’re not eating the rock dust. So once the plant processes the minerals it makes a fruit or whatever and you eat that..... I don’t know how much of the minerals make it to the fruit but I’m sure it is reduced from an already very small amount

[@christschool]

Plants, like your skin, will absorb whatever it is they are exposed to. They don't make a distinction nor do they have an on and off switch. Hope this helps.

[@maweni1000]

I have read some positive research coming out of Australia, however, I cannot find any research being done on the effects on continued use on soil. Especially continued use over a number of years.

[@SouthpawDavey]

Your right there are trace elements everywhere. People should have there own garden tested might be in for a shock.

[@Youdontknowmeson1324]

You can get trace minerals if you go to mines that have those trace mineral then dissolve or break up the minerals and use them fertilizer

[@vegas2kse]

you can get Sea 90, which I believe has all the sea minerals, but the salt has been removed, I believe...

[@XTheSonofTheSunX]

im a rather new subscriber, and, i have to say "i

[@garywhite8335]

I used rock dust on 3 plants and 3 without.. last week a storm completely tore apart the three without rock dust and the 3 with are still standing.

[@poppyb.4255]

There are some good discussions and points made by geophysicists on the web on the very subject of using micronized rock dust in agricultural applications. Most experts in the field agree it takes centuries for any substantial amount to become bioavailable to the plants.

[@christschool]

Other than selling Azmomite, which isn't rock but clay, what are your qualifications on the toxicity of this particular amendment?

[@Hippabellita]

John, would you be so kind to write out what the product from Germany is called, because I am trying to find a rockdust product suitable for my garden here in Switzerland. THANKS.

[@urasoul]

i agree that rock dust is of value in growing. the main issue i am concerned about is the effect of trashing the planet to get the rockdust en masse.. a balance is needed. (i asked a supplier of rockdust in the area known as england for information about their processing / mining facility - even just an image or two - and they stopped communicating with me.. not good).

[@vegas2kse]

ok, can you tell me how it doubles the amount the plant can accumulate? I am unclear on that. Maybe if you know of a good resource to read about that, I would appreciate it, thanks!

[@learnafricamemee1173]

Lava solidifies to rock which contains all kinds of minerals. when the rock is blasted, the dust left behind can be collected. After a volcanic eruption, ever heard that plants grow bigger and better in the soils around? putting rock dust in your soil is common sense. I would totally do it. Thumbs up dude!