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Why use Diatomaceous Earth? (Horticultural Grade DE)
Why use Horticultural Grade Diatomaceous Earth? DIATOMITE is
High in Silica, Absorbent, Porous, Long Lasting,
Environmentally Friendly, pH Neutral, Sterilized, Natural and
Reusable, all factors necessary for health plants, while
still being cost effective for the grower.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING
DIATOMITE?
| High Silica
Content |
Silica is
essential for healthy plants and roots. While DIATOMITE is
approximately 85% insoluble Silica, it contains a small but
significant portion that is SOLUBLE SILICA. Silica is
essential for healthy plants and roots. Your plants will
receive from DIATOMITE a slow release of silica resulting in
healthier, more robust plants. Plant available silica has
been shown in studies to stimulate SYSTEMIC ACQUIRED
RESISTANCE (SAR) in plants which increases their resistance to disease. |
| Absorbency &
Porosity |
Diatomaceous Earth is naturally very porous, and can
hold 150% of its weight in water. The Silica Content,
natural Absorbency, and Porous qualities result in a slow
release of water and nutrients to your plants, contributing
to higher yields and less watering. |
| Capillary
Action & Lateral Movement |
The porosity of the DIATOMITE contributes to
its ability to draw water, while moving water and nutrients
laterally throughout the medium, making Diatomaceous Earth ideal for
Hydroponics! |
| Air
Penetration |
Diatomaceous Earth is multifaceted and varies in
size because each rock is unique in shape it does not
compact while in the pot. This leaves pockets, allowing air
to penetrate and circulate to the root zone. |
| Sterilized,
Non-Toxic, pH Neutral |
When DIATOMITE is mined it is heat treated
to over 600 degrees Celsius, making it completely sterile
and safe for all of your planting needs. Whether you are
using 100% DIATOMITE or you are adding it to a mix of your
soil it will not contribute to changes in pH. |
| Environmentally Friendly |
Diatomaceous Earth is a fossil, making it
natural, safe and an Environmentally conscious alternative. We have
visited the mine in Australia, and we are confident that the
practices used to mine our product are safe and in
accordance with Australian environmental guidelines. |
Long
Lasting, Natural
& Reusable |
Diatomaceous Earth is inert and will not break down
or decompose like other growing mediums. It is Natural and
completely reusable. When dry, Diatomaceous Earth is extremely
lightweight, making it ideal for plant shipping purposes.
Because it is Reusable and Long Lasting it is economical and
cost effective for long term use. |
We have 4 Horticultural Grade DE Sizes
Available for All Your Growing Needs.
**Click here for Retail/Commercial Distributors
1/32 to 1/16 inch (0.5mm to 2mm)
Fine (#1)
(
Click here for large picture)
Applications include:
- Straight 100% as potting mix for pots or hydroponic
growing medium.
- Additive for potting mix (absorbent, aerates and
insulates)
- Top dressing for lawns and turf.
- Propagation, small cuttings and de-flasking of orchids.
- Media additive for plugs, punnets, pots & composts
Benefits:
Sterile, Compatible with other soil components, blends
with fertilizers, pH stable and inert, aerates and insulates
the plant’s root system, provides plant available
silica and absorbs and slow releases liquid and nutrient
as the plants require.
|
1/16 to 1/4 inch (2mm to 7mm)
Small (#2)
(Click here for large picture)
Applications include:
- Straight 100% as potting mix for pots or hydroponic
growing medium.
- Additive for potting mix (absorbent, aerates and
insulates).
- For gardens (incorporated into the soil) for all
flowers, vegetables & fruit.
- Functional and decorative garden mulch
- Snail and slug repellent
Benefits:
Sterile, Compatible with other soil components, blends
with fertilizers, pH stable and inert, aerates and insulates
the plant’s root system, provides plant available
silica and absorbs and slow releases liquid and nutrient
as the plants require.
|
1/4 to 5/8 inch (7mm to 15mm)
Medium (#3)
(Click here for large picture)
Applications include:
- Orchid potting Medium.
- Hydroponic Growing medium.
- Functional & Decorative garden mulch.
Benefits:
Sterile, Compatible with other soil components, blends
with fertilizers, pH stable and inert, aerates and insulates
the plant’s root system, provides plant available
silica and absorbs and slow releases liquid and nutrient
as the plants require.
Other applications for the two smaller grades include
:
- Pet Litter.
- Industrial Oil and Chemical absorbent.
- Snail and Slug repellant.
- Natural alternative to "water crystals".
- Absorbs excess (fats) from B.B.Q. trays.
|
5/8 to 1 inch (15mm to 25mm)
Large (#4)
(Click here for large picture)
Applications include:
- Orchid potting Medium.
- Hydroponic Growing medium.
- Functional & Decorative garden mulch.
Benefits:
Sterile, Compatible with other soil components, blends
with fertilizers, pH stable and inert, aerates and insulates
the plant’s root system, provides plant available
silica and absorbs and slow releases liquid and nutrient
as the plants require.
Other applications for the two smaller grades include
:
- Pet Litter.
- Industrial Oil and Chemical absorbent.
- Snail and Slug repellant.
- Natural alternative to "water crystals".
- Absorbs excess (fats) from B.B.Q. trays.
| | HORTICULTURAL DIATOMITE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES |
| Colour ………………...White, cream to yellow |
| Moisture …………………………… Approx. 6% |
| Bulk Density ……………………….. Aprox. 0.4 |
| pH ………………………………………….... 5.7 |
| EC…. (Electrical Conductivity)….mS/cm) = 0.05 - Little to no salt content |
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TOTAL ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS |
| Category | Element | Results |
| Major Elements % | ||
| | Nitrogen (N) | 0.013 |
| | Phosphorous (P) | 0.083 |
| | Potassium (K) | 0.087 |
| Minor Elements % | ||
| | Calcium (Ca) | 0.014 |
| | Magnesium (Mg) | 0.185 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.0030 |
| | Sodium (Na) | 0.092 |
| | Chloride (Cl) | 0.0012 |
| Trace Elements mg/kg | ||
| | Iron (Fe) | 31100 |
| | Manganese (Mn) | 19 |
| | Zinc (Zn) | 110 |
| | Copper (Cu) | 8.2 |
| | Boron (B) | 0.85 |
| | Molybdenum(Mo) | 1.7 |
| Heavy Metals mg/kg | ||
| | Arsenic (As) | 4.6 |
| | Cadmium (Cd) | <0.5 |
| | Cobalt (Co) | 5.8 |
| | Chromium (Cr) | 7.1 |
| | Lead (Pb) | 7.4 |
| | Mercury (Hg) | <0.2 |
| | Selenium (Se) | 0.61 |
| | Nickel (Ni) | 9.9 |
| | Silver (Ag) | <0.5 |
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