{"product_id":"bentonite-fines-1kg","title":"Bentonite Fines 1kg","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"90q2cz\" data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"1622\"\u003eIs Bentonite readily available?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"1624\" data-end=\"2177\"\u003eBentonite is mined from natural clay deposits, then dried, crushed or milled into different grades. Because it is a natural material, the quality and mineral balance can vary depending on where it is mined. There are different types of bentonite, including sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite and mixed sodium-calcium bentonite. Sodium bentonite swells more strongly, while calcium bentonite is often preferred for soil conditioning because it is less likely to become overly sticky or slippery when used correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"7yyf6a\" data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2209\"\u003eWhat is Bentonite used for?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2211\" data-end=\"2285\"\u003eBentonite has many uses outside gardening and horticulture. It is used in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul data-start=\"2287\" data-end=\"2598\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1bzeweq\" data-start=\"2287\" data-end=\"2341\"\u003eCat litter, because it absorbs moisture and odours\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ujyxqe\" data-start=\"2342\" data-end=\"2427\"\u003eDam sealing and pond sealing, because some types swell and help reduce water loss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"sooh2a\" data-start=\"2428\" data-end=\"2460\"\u003eWine and juice clarification\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1s33l2o\" data-start=\"2461\" data-end=\"2503\"\u003eAnimal feed pellets as a binding agent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1lcdkwf\" data-start=\"2504\" data-end=\"2538\"\u003eFoundry work and drilling muds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1b3vkuz\" data-start=\"2539\" data-end=\"2598\"\u003eSoil improvement, especially in sandy or low-clay soils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"4rjx46\" data-start=\"2600\" data-end=\"2618\"\u003eIn Horticulture\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2620\" data-end=\"3003\"\u003eIn gardening and horticulture, Bentonite Clay Fines are mainly used to improve soil structure, water retention and nutrient holding capacity. Sandy soils usually drain quickly and have a low Cation Exchange Capacity, meaning nutrients can leach away before plants can use them. Clay and organic matter help improve this nutrient-holding ability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"3005\" data-end=\"3389\"\u003eBentonite can help by adding fine clay particles to the soil. These particles can hold onto moisture and plant nutrients, making them more available to plant roots over time. Research on bentonite as a soil amendment has found that it can improve field water-holding capacity and plant-available water, especially in dry or sandy soil conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"3391\" data-end=\"3425\"\u003eSome uses in horticulture include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul data-start=\"3427\" data-end=\"4529\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"12ybi72\" data-start=\"3427\" data-end=\"3636\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3429\" data-end=\"3444\"\u003eGarden beds\u003c\/strong\u003e - Mix Bentonite Clay Fines thoroughly into the topsoil with compost, manure or other organic matter. It is best used in sandy or free-draining soils where water and nutrients are easily lost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"idebus\" data-start=\"3638\" data-end=\"3811\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3640\" data-end=\"3654\"\u003ePot plants\u003c\/strong\u003e - Add a small amount to potting mix to help retain moisture and nutrients. Do not overuse it, as too much fine clay can make a mix heavy and poorly drained.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"qq8tye\" data-start=\"3813\" data-end=\"3967\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3815\" data-end=\"3836\"\u003eVegetable gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e - Use when preparing beds for vegetables that need steady moisture, such as leafy greens, brassicas, corn, tomatoes and cucumbers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"177q8is\" data-start=\"3969\" data-end=\"4133\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3971\" data-end=\"3980\"\u003eLawns\u003c\/strong\u003e - Can be used in sandy lawns to improve moisture retention. It should be spread lightly and watered in well, or mixed with sand\/compost before applying.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1n1s2hn\" data-start=\"4135\" data-end=\"4334\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4137\" data-end=\"4148\"\u003eCompost\u003c\/strong\u003e - A light sprinkle through compost may help hold onto nutrients and reduce nutrient loss, especially nitrogen. It should not be added in thick layers, as it may become sticky or clumpy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"aosq8q\" data-start=\"4336\" data-end=\"4529\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4338\" data-end=\"4360\"\u003eNew planting holes\u003c\/strong\u003e - Mix a small amount through the backfill soil before planting. Avoid placing a solid layer of bentonite at the bottom of the hole, as this may interfere with drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1aqujvu\" data-start=\"4531\" data-end=\"4556\"\u003eImportant: Mix it well\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"4558\" data-end=\"4817\"\u003eBentonite should always be mixed well through the soil, compost or potting mix. Do not leave it sitting as a thick layer on top of the soil or at the bottom of a pot. When fine clay becomes wet, it can form a dense layer that may reduce air flow and drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"4819\" data-end=\"5128\"\u003eFor sandy soils, small repeated applications are usually safer than adding too much at once. Recent sandy-soil amendment research also notes that clay can be helpful, but too much clay may reduce productivity if it creates other soil problems, so moderation is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zyt32m\" data-start=\"5130\" data-end=\"5150\"\u003eHealth and Safety\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"5152\" data-end=\"5392\"\u003eBentonite itself is a natural clay, but the fine dust can irritate the lungs, eyes and throat. When applying it, avoid breathing in the dust. Use a dust mask, apply on a still day, and keep it away from children and pets during application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"5394\" data-end=\"5530\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1610\" data-end=\"1626\"\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e This product is sold as a garden soil conditioner only. It is not food-grade, pharmaceutical-grade or intended for internal, cosmetic or medicinal use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2ymfuk\" data-start=\"5532\" data-end=\"5573\"\u003eDid You Know? Cation Exchange Capacity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"5575\" data-end=\"5965\"\u003eCation Exchange Capacity, often shortened to CEC, is a measure of how well soil can hold onto positively charged nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. These nutrients are held by negatively charged clay and humus particles in the soil. The NSW DPI describes these clay and humus particles as a kind of nutrient storehouse for plant roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"6231\"\u003eSoils with higher CEC generally hold nutrients and moisture better than low CEC soils. Sandy soils usually have very low CEC, while soils with more clay and organic matter usually have higher CEC and better nutrient retention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"6233\" data-end=\"6437\"\u003eThis is why Bentonite Clay Fines can be useful in sandy garden soils. It helps add fine clay particles that hold moisture and nutrients, giving plants a better chance to access them before they wash away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bentonite-fines-1kg\"\u003eSHOP Bentonite Fines \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/eco-eze-compots\"\u003eSHOP ECO-EZE Compots\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e","brand":"Direct Compost Solutions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55020568871284,"sku":"BF1","price":10.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1006\/7171\/7748\/files\/Bentonite_Fines.webp?v=1785570436","url":"https:\/\/directcompostsolutions.com\/products\/bentonite-fines-1kg","provider":"DIRECT COMPOST SOLUTIONS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}