Natural diatomaceous earth is inert, retains water, and has a high porosity that allows the soil to breathe. These qualities and more make it an efficient tool for horticulturists, with benefits including:

Improved Plant Structure

Sources of Silicon-rich minerals are abundantly available, yet researchers have found it’s the type of silicon that is converted into the plant available form that counts most. This is why alumina silicates and sand don’t offer any plant health benefits. There isn’t a single way to determine the best soil mix for plant health and crop production. For this reason, it’s important to look at the right fertilizer and substance ingredients for plant health while keeping an eye on secondary effects such as irrigation, plant disease, and aeration.

Thanks to the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) there’s now another reason to consider natural diatomaceous earth as a soil conditioner. The silica content of diatomaceous earth is absorbed into plant tissue and helps improve plant structure and resistance to pests and disease. Since AAPFCO acknowledged silicon dioxide as a Beneficial Substance and subsequently published an approved method for testing soluble silicon, it’s important for growers to focus not on products with high SiO2 content, but the plant available or soluble silicon content.

Retains Moisture

Diatomaceous earth improves the retention of moisture in potting mix, soil, and sandy soil by holding a greater amount of fluid and drying at a slower rate.

Increased Drought Resistance

The addition of diatomaceous earth to soil can increase drought resistance, which is particularly beneficial when added to the sand of golf putting greens.

Key Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth as a Soil Amendment

Studies prove that with the addition of diatomaceous earth, the nutrient level of the soil was significantly improved.
Another study suggests that the addition of diatomaceous earth to soil condition fertilizer may allow for more efficient use of fertilizer and reduce the impact that fertilizer has on the environment through leaching. As a result of this study, it was also discovered that natural diatomaceous earth improved the moisture retention in potting mix and soil by retaining a greater quantity of water and drying at a slower rate.

Diatomaceous Earth, a biologically generated form of Silica, has an abundance of benefits as a soil amendment:

• Increased plant health
• Greater yield
• Reduced abiotic plant stress

Natural Diatomaceous earth directly protects against:

• Drought
• Soil leaching

Inquire about our SA-3, Natural Diatomaceous Earth as a Soil Amendment to your fertilizer program. Or ask about our newly tested soluble silicon content!