Answer to Question #262457 in Biology for Karina

Question

1.Give 5 reasons why the study of clay mineralogy is of importance in agriculture

2.State 6 uses of kaolinite

Answer 1

1) Clay minerals form in the presence of water and have been important to life, and many theories of abiogenesis involve them. They are important constituents of soils, and have been useful to humans since ancient times in agriculture and manufacturing.

Because of its density, clay soil does a good job of holding onto both moisture and nutrients. You can take advantage of the nutrient retention talents of clay soil by using slow-release mineral fertilizers such as rock phosphate and gypsum (calcium sulfate) to build soil fertility.

2) Kaolinite is important to the production of ceramics and porcelain. It is also used as a filler for paint, rubber, and plastics since it is relatively inert and is long-lasting. But the greatest demand for kaolinite is in the paper industry to produce a glossy paper such as is used in most magazines.