EM Clay minerals Edasil - 25kg

Natural structure for a fertile soil

Clay minerals are among the smallest particles in soil, but their impact is enormous. Thanks to their unique plate-like structure, they have a massive surface area: for the mineral bentonite, this can be as much as 800 m² per gram.

This means that clay minerals can bind and retain a lot of nutrients and water per unit of weight.

In addition, the edges of these particles are electrically charged, causing them to attract and temporarily retain ions such as potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and ammonium (NH₄).

When the concentration of any of these elements in the soil decreases, the clay minerals slowly release it again. This creates a constant, natural supply of nutrients – exactly what plants need for healthy growth.

The power of Edasil clay minerals

Edasil clay minerals are 2–5 mm clay granules, mined in southern Germany. They improve the soil's CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) – the ability to exchange nutrients between the soil and plants.

Their benefits are manifold:

• Improves soil fertility and increases humus content
• Regulates moisture – retains water and drains excess water
• Binds trace elements such as zinc, copper and manganese, and releases them when there are deficiencies
• Stabilizes pH (pH 7–8) and provides a balanced acidity
• Strengthens soil life through cooperation with micro-organisms

Edasil can absorb up to 135% water and contains natural trace elements and minerals that contribute to an active, living soil.

The clay-humus complex – the basis of a healthy soil

Clay minerals don't work alone. Together with microorganisms, organic matter, and even sand grains, they form what's known as the clay-humus complex (KHC).

This natural system regulates:

• the pH of the soil,
• the storage and release of phosphate and sulphate,
• the air, moisture and heat balance.

The clay-humus complex is the invisible engine behind every fertile, balanced soil.

Application & dosage

Dosage: 10 kg Edasil clay minerals per 100 m² per year

Use: Can be sprinkled all year round, preferably in February–April.

Combination: can be used excellently together with sea shell lime

Due to the high binding capacity, nutrients are lost less quickly through leaching, and microbial life is actively supported.

Environmentally friendly benefits

• Not aggressive to humans, animals or materials
• Completely natural product
• Supports sustainable soil restoration
• Reduces nutrient loss and promotes biodiversity

Feature Description

Product Clay minerals Edasil

Weight 25 kg

Country of origin: Netherlands

Origin of clay South Germany

Application Lawn, vegetable garden, garden plants

Compound Bentonite, Illite and trace elements

pH 7–8

Moisture content 6–8%

Water absorption up to 135%

What clay minerals really do in the soil

Clay minerals are negatively charged microparticles of weathered volcanic or sedimentary rocks.

Because they have such an enormous surface area (up to 800 m² per gram for bentonite!), they function as natural “batteries” in the soil: they store nutrients and water, and gradually release them.

They bind:

• cations (positive ions) such as K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and NH₄⁺,
• and micronutrients such as zinc, copper, iron and manganese.

That capacity is called the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) – a key concept in soil health.

The higher the CEC, the better the soil retains nutrients and supports plant growth.

Clay minerals significantly increase that CEC.

Why they are so important in modern gardens

Many Dutch gardens have poor, sandy soil with little organic matter. Nutrients quickly leach out, especially after rain.

By adding clay minerals:

• keeps the soil moist for longer,
• reduces leaching of nitrate and minerals,
• fertilizers are used more efficiently,
• and the soil builds itself up structurally.

In other words: clay minerals make your soil self-sufficient.

You need to fertilize less often and the soil life can grow stably.

Collaboration with microorganisms

Clay minerals are not only a chemical buffer, but also a habitat for microorganisms.

The thin plate structure provides thousands of micro-pores where bacteria can adhere.

This ensures:

1. better decomposition of organic material,
2. faster humus formation,
3. and a living, breathing soil ecosystem.

That is why clay minerals work so well with products such as Bokashi, EM ceramics or worm compost: they reinforce each other's effect.

Sustainability and climate benefits

Clay minerals play a silent but important role in CO₂ storage and climate regeneration:

• They stimulate humus formation, and humus binds carbon in the soil for a long time.
• They reduce the need for chemical fertilizers (and therefore energy-intensive production).
• They improve water retention, which increases drought resistance.
• In regenerative agriculture, clay minerals are seen as a building block for resilient ecosystems.

Application tips (more than just sprinkling)

• Combine with organic material
• Sprinkle clay minerals after applying compost or Bokashi: this will help them form the clay-humus complex more quickly.
• Work lightly in the top layer
• Use a rake or cultivator, do not dig deeply – this will keep the soil life intact.
• Use preventatively on drought-sensitive soils
• Clay minerals retain moisture and prevent cracking.
• Repeat annually in early spring
• February–April is ideal; the granules then integrate well with the first rain.