Remineralize the Earth, a nonprofit organization based in Northampton, Massachusetts, USA, promotes the regeneration of soils and forests worldwide with finely-ground rock dust as an economically and ecologically sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.  This practice, known as Soil Remineralization (SR), is essential to maintaining ecological balance in plant systems (including food crops), and creates fertile soils by returning the minerals taken up by plants to the soil, a natural process that has been impeded by standard fertilization and pest-reduction practices. SR has been shown scientifically to increase crop yields and forest wood volume four-fold (http://www.remineralize.org/bavarian.php)  Aside from the obvious economic and agricultural benefits of increased yields, widespread application of the practice of soil remineralization is a powerful tool in restoring overall ecological balance and stabilizing the climate.

From an economics of scarcity  . . .  

In addition to increasing the quantity of food produced, SR bolsters food quality. Rock dust provides an organic source of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and as many as 100 minerals and trace elements that result in  more nutrient-dense foods.  Although the standards of organic farming prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, they do not mandate techniques that enhance soil productivity or nutritional value. The widespread practice of soil remineraliztion can take the organic trend of the developed world to a new heights. Additionally, SR has viable possiblities for the developing world.  Remineralization can improve long-diminished soils depleted by over-farming or natural aridity. An effort in western Australia continues to improve such soils there: http://www.menofthetrees.com.au/.

Re-use, Recycle, Remineralize

The rock dust used in SR is already a by-product.  Millions of tons of this finely-ground rock dust or mineral fines are stockpiled throughout the world by the stone and aggregate industry. Often available for free, these resources are already available locally.  It is incredible to think that a solution to third-world hunger is piled neatly all over the world!  These materials have the potential to transform agriculture and forestry worldwide. Adding finely ground rock dust to soils is a tremendous boost to organic agriculture and can assist in transitioning mainstream agriculture to organic soil quality more quickly. It provides a slow, natural release of elements and trace minerals, counters soil acidity, increases the growth of microorganisms and earthworm activity, builds humus complex, prevents soil erosion, and increases the storage capacity of the soil.  Catalyzing the growth of more robust plants can deter insects and increase resistance to disease, frost, and drought. The complex sugars in nutrient-dense foods are simply undigestible to insects. Furthermore, these hardier plants negate the need for pesticides and expensive nitrogen fertilizers.

Get Involved

The website www.remineralize.org networks worldwide with a remineralization primer, an online magazine, forum, research and a resource section for all those interested in all fields of agriculture whether it be small gardens, commercial farms, or large forests. Our aim is education outreach to NGOs and the  support of remineralization projects at all levels, from gardeners and farmers to policy makers and scientists to cooperative and business endeavors. Please be in touch with us and let us know how we can support you in starting remineralization initiatives and projects.