Where does paramagnetic material come from?

Oxygen is the most paramagnetic element on earth. It is thought that volcanic magma droplets are 'charged' with oxygen when they hit the atmosphere and the varying paramagnetic intensities of the ensuing rocks are determined by the differential cooling rates of the magma. More often than not, highly paramagnetic soils are found on the upper slopes of volcanically derived hills and mountains. Soils around Blackbutt Qld and Alstonville NSW have particularly high paramagnetic readings.

Paramagnetic materials also appear to act as an anntenna by collecting, and presumably storing ELF (extremely low frequency radio waves) from atmospheric lightening, and possibly other energy sources. 

While the above phenomenon have been researched and generally acknowledged by mainstream science, the main controversy over paramagnetism seems to stem from its claims that it enhances plant growth. Apart from the observation that the world's most fertile soils are highly paramagnetic, trials have demonstrated enhanced plant growth due to paramagnetism. In these trials paramagnetic material was isolated from the planting medium to ensure there was no mineral effect from the paramagnetic material occurring. It seems logical that plant roots may well respond to photon/light energy emitted around their roots over long periods of time. As many advocates state though - trial it for yourself. Even germination trials can show up significant differences.

There have also been some interesting observations in soil microbiology where increases in microbial subdivisions of up to 300% have been documented. More and more soil biology practitioners are including paramagnetic rock dusts to their fertiliser mixes, composts and microbial brews/compost teas. This opens the question of whether paramagnetism influences plant roots directly, or whether it is stimulating the microbiology that supports plant root development. Perhaps it is a little of both.

Many crushed volcanic materials are applied to soils for their paramagnetic effect as well as their lode of minerals. Unfortunately, as rocks mineralise the paramagnetic effect dissipates. The choice becomes spreading coarse material for long term paramagnetic effect, or fine material to gain the benefits of the minerals quickly.

The question of how much paramagnetic material should be applied is very open ended. Obviously the paramagnetic effect is diluted when broadcast across a paddock, but in essence the more that is applied, the higher the level of paramagnetism that will result. It really comes down to costs, and I tend to advocate the idea of applying a little (say 100-200kg/ha) every time a fertiliser is broadcast. I do not know of an upper limit, though depending on the source material, its mineral lode and structure, I would not be surprised to find that plants can survive in a soil made up solely of paramagnetic material.