agricultural science that has a speci c role in integrated nutrient management strategies.
What is Vermiculite? Vermiculite consists of shiny akes, resembling mica. When heated to a high temperature, akes of vermiculite expand as much as eight to 30 times their original size. �e expanded vermiculite is a light-weight, re-resistant, and odourless material and has been used in numerous products, including insulation for attics and walls. Sizes of vermiculite products range from very ne particles to large( coarse) pieces nearly an inch long.
Vermiculite has been used in various industries for over 80 years. It is used in the construction, agricultural, horticultural, and industrial markets. Vermiculite has the excellent properties to be essential component for seedling,
planting, germination and cutting. When combined with organic material( peat, coco-peat and compost), vermiculite promotes faster root growth and gives quick anchorage to young roots. Farming using the mineral has been successful in Japan, Germany, US, South Africa and Canada. He said application of vermiculite at the bottom of furrows below the level of fertilisers would reduce leaching when precipitation occurs and therefore reducing fertiliser loss and leading to a higher growth efficiency.
It also has a high cat-ion exchange capacity that helps prevent leaching of essential nutrients, especially nitrogen, potassium and magnesium. It aerates the soil and holds moisture-like organic matter and this is probably why it works so well in even small amounts. It is also ideal for small seed germination, medium or for covering like cabbage or tomato seeds and tobacco seedbed germination. Uganda is the second in the world a�er South Africa in vermiculite production with an estimated 50 million metric tonnes at Namekhara and its surrounding areas. According to Ugandan geologist vermiculite mineral deposits in Manafwa District, eastern region, can contribute to the transformation of Uganda ' s crop output by three to ve times the current production levels.
Nathan Wolukawu Wanda, chief executive officer, Agro-Minerals Africa Uganda, says vermiculite, a naturally occurring mineral found at Namekhala, Butiru sub-county in Manafwa District, that has ability to improve the soils ' and plants ' capacity to capture large amounts of the essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, ammonium, calcium and magnesium, for healthy, better and rapid plant-growth.