Diatomite is very porous, hence it has been used extensively as a filter for a variety of purposes.
The History Says
The oldest use of diatomite is as a very mild abrasive and for this purpose has been used in toothpaste and metal polishes.
The Present Scenario
In the United States, large deposits of diatomite are found in California, Nevada, Washington and Oregon. Of these states, California and Nevada produces the largest amount of diatomite. Significant producers of diatomite worldwide include France, China, Denmark, Russia, and Algeria.
Diatomite is also known as Diatomaceous Earth, Kieselguhr, Kieselgur, and Celite. It is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like, sedimentary rock and is primarily composed of the fossilized remains of unicellular fresh water plants, Diatoms. It can be easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. The powder has abrasive feeling which is similar to pumice powder. It is very light-weight because of its porosity.
For millennia, the diatoms have been compresses, creating one of the most effective growing mediums available. Approximately 90% of diatomite is silicon dioxide and the remainder is elemental minerals that are essential for plant growth.
Diatomaceous earth, also known as diatomite, kieselguhr, kieselgur, and Celite, is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like, sedimentary rock mineral that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. This powder has an abrasive feeling similar to pumice powder and is very light-weight due to its high porosity. It is made primarily of silica and consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a mechanical insecticide, as an absorbent for liquids, as cat litter, and as a component of dynamite.
Uses of Diatomite
- As a filtration aid.
- As a mild abrasive.
- As a mechanical insecticide.
- As an absorbent for liquids.
- As cat litter.
- As a component of dynamite.
- As a premium horticulture grade medium for all growing applications.
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 - Diatomite 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 Diatomite ideal for Hydroponics!
Air Penetration - Diatomite 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 - Diatomite 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 Diatomite is inert and will not break down or decompose like other growing mediums. It is Natural and completely reusable. When dry, diatomite 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.