Eggshell break down time line

AutoNorCal

Well-Known Member
I've looked all over the Internet and I can't seem to find how long it takes for finely ground up eggshells to break down and soil and be absorbed by a plant to correct calcium deficiency? I understand that it's a slow release nutrient however when can I start to see uptake of the mineral as I have a few leaves that are starting to show calcium issues in early flowering.
 

Mohican

Well-Known Member
Soak them in vinegar and the CA will be available now. Just make sure that you dilute the solution before you use it.
 

GoRealUhGro

Well-Known Member
I have probable 75 lbd of egg shells and ground egg shells in and for my compost pile....the way I figure the ground ones should be breaking down by now and the ones IV added will be there later....some I didn't grind just smash....figured it would help aerate ..hopefully the sharp edges doesn't fuck w my roots..
...but if u need c now id go s diff route....i myself dont like vinegar on my plants...im sure its ok...i just dont like it
 

NaturalFarmer

Well-Known Member
I have tried using KNF liquid calcium in the past (egg shell + RWV) and never really found it to be beneficial (in terms of nutrition not enyzymes). Calcium is a large size and doesn't work well (maybe at all) as a foliar. I also have stressed my plants by using vinegar/calcium at too high of a concentration and it put them into reveg like mode for a month and I didn't feel like I used much at all. Placebo effect IMO.
 
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GoRealUhGro

Well-Known Member
I'm avoiding vinegar ...plain and simple....if I need organic c ill get it...but my egg shells have been breaking down for awhile...i keep adding more but I starting a new pile...this was my first ever pile but my next one will have it all....peat and compost....teas..thats it
 

GoRealUhGro

Well-Known Member
Its not heating up...way past that...i might need to separate the things that aren't all the way broken down for my new pile and use my pile I have....i know ima be called a dumb fuck for this....but I have faith
 

iHearAll

Well-Known Member
Mortar and pestle would be beneficial for making it the highest possible surface area for decomposition to take place. Are you using microbial innoculants tie speed up that aerobic compost?
 

prostheticninja

Well-Known Member
Last year I put pounds of egg shells through a good processor, put them on a pan, and that went in the oven for a few minutes until the shells were dry and brittle. They were then ground between two blocks of iron until it was slightly more granular than flour. I mixed it in my compost, and I could feel the grit when I would use my hands to bust up the clods when she got turned. Checked on it last week when we had a mini thaw, and it feels smooth.

Probably about 10 months since I put them in there.
 

GoRealUhGro

Well-Known Member
Mortar and pestle would be beneficial for making it the highest possible surface area for decomposition to take place. Are you using microbial innoculants tie speed up that aerobic compost?
...u talking to me right..look up natural compost acceleration.....I use pee a lot.....but if you think about it...making a super different microbial environment would have to help break down ...make some microbial teas just for the pile...fuck ill admit I even make nite teas....and I assume u known what not to put ina microbial tea
..not insulting you man...i sure as fuck didn't last year
 
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