The Many Agricultural Uses of Aggregate

Aggregates are in demand-and not just for roads, buildings, and tunnels. Did you know that one of the fastest-growing markets for aggregates like gravel, sand, stone, and cement is agriculture and rural development? That might sound strange at first, but keep reading to find out more.Aggregates have lots of uses in agriculture. Aggregates are used for conditioning soil. Agricultural limestone (also called ag-lime) is quarried, then crushed, then ground into a fine powder which can be mixed with farm soil. Ag-lime cuts the acidity in soil and increases significantly the pH and calcium levels. It's a fact: stronger and healthier crops grow in places where ag-lime is mixed with soil.

Aggregates are used in soil erosion prevention. Aggregated soil clumps better and doesn't bond with water, making it harder for the soil to be carried away by heavy rains and floods. Much farm soil is aggregated naturally, meaning the aggregates are already found in the soil; but in places where it's not, adding aggregates to the soil can turn around a declining crop and give a boost to plant life.

Aggregates are used in animal feed. Animals' diets can be supplemented with ground aggregates, such as limestone. The ConExpo 2014 supplement raises pH levels in the animals' digestive tracts, which makes it easier for the animal to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream. Higher pH levels and lower acidity aid farm animals in processing sugar, which improves their energy and overall health.

Aggregates make great fertilizer. Some aggregates, like gypsum, help fertilize the soil. They break up dense soil, reduce clumping in those places where it prevents good growth, and helps to aerate the soil. Looser clumps, less dense soil, and increased exposure to oxygen help crops to grow stronger and healthier, with less interference from the farmer.

Aggregates make great pavement. Rural and farm roads that are not paved with asphalt can instead be paved with gravel. Gravel roads are sometimes maintained privately, sometimes by the county. It's an economic alternative in rural areas, where few people need to travel on the farm roads. A well-maintained gravel road can last for several years with a small annual investment. As you can see, there are lots of agricultural uses for aggregates. Aggregates are indispensable for the creation of rural businesses, rural roads, and rural homes, and they even help put food on our tables.