Diatomaceous Earth

bfeeney

Member

• Sep 11, 2016

• #1

I read on a few sites that diatomaceous earth is high in silica, 80%-90%. Can this silica be used by plants? I was just thinking, if plants could use it then that would give my plants silica while keeping the pests at bay, for $10. I read its a good soil amendment due to its physical properties. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

BarnBuster

Virtually Unknown Member

• Sep 11, 2016

• #2

https://www.rollitup.org/t/diatomaceous-earth-question.681511/

 

bfeeney

Member

• Sep 12, 2016

• #3

thanks for the response. That link talks mostly about using it for bugs, while that's good, I was wondering if plants could use the chemicals DE is made of.

 

Kingrow1

Well-Known Member

• Sep 12, 2016

• #4

Dont most soils contain adequate amounts of silica!

 

potpimp

Sector 5 Moderator

• Sep 12, 2016

• #5

Diatomaceous earth is mainly used to shred the exoskeletons of pot plant eating insects. If you just want to boost your silica just grab a bag of regular sand at Lowes.

 

SPLFreak808

Well-Known Member

• Sep 12, 2016

• #6

DE contains calcium/magnesium/zirconium/sodium/silica/iron/boron/potassium/aluminum/manganese and some other shit.


Sorry not sure of the ratios except for it being mostly silica and i would imagine it would depend on the quality of the fossils.
i use food grade DE in my indoor soil but have not really noticed a difference since using it imo

 

Richard Drysift

Well-Known Member

• Sep 12, 2016

• #7

Yes DE can be a source of silica but it takes a long time before it will be available to your plants. If you are using nutrients it could take even longer as you need microbial activity to make it happen so if you are looking for a soluble source of silica to be absorbed quickly then DE might not be fast enough for your plants in the short run. It is very effective at controlling gnats though; it just takes awhile to break down.

 

bfeeney

Member

• Sep 13, 2016

• #8

Thanks for all the responses. I might just buy a bottle of silica plant food. The DE was a thought, trying to kill 2 birds with one stone.