Serpentinite Applications: Effects of Surface-Ions-Modified Natural Silicate Minerals on Cultivation of Magnesium–Manganese-Enriched Garlics

Serpentinite refers to a group of hydrated magnesium-rich natural silicate rocks. Because serpentinite contains metallic elements and has a layered structure, it can release magnesium ions when immersed in water. Garlic is a widely cultivated crop characterized by a rich chemical composition and many health benefits. Magnesium and manganese are essential nutrients for the human body. In garlic, magnesium stabilizes allicin and prevents its decomposition and release, and manganese promotes polysaccharide metabolism. In this study, serpentinite powder was modified using immersion plating and sintering to improve its crystallinity and ion release capability and enable the cultivation of magnesium–manganese-enriched garlic. An experimental analysis of growth characteristics confirmed the layered structure of serpentinite powder, with sintering effectively reducing impurities and enhancing the powder’s crystallinity and ion release capability. An evaluation of the powder’s specific surface area and ion release capability after surface treatment revealed that Mg-Si-Mn-O sintered at 400 °C for 1 h was the optimal powder for preparing magnesium–manganese ion water. Magnesium–manganese garlic grown with this water contained magnesium and manganese at concentrations of 38–43 and 11–17 mg/L, respectively, and had a higher concentration of allicin and sulfur compounds relative to garlic grown with distilled water. After natural drying, the allicin in the magnesium–manganese-enriched garlic remained stable, and the garlic was found to have a high moisture content. These findings jointly demonstrate the high nutritional value and antioxidant properties of garlic in applications involving serpentinite technology.