Product Overview
This Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth also known as D.E. or Diatomite is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock. Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled microscopic algae.
Diatomaceous earth is an excellent source of micro-nutrients for plants and contains; Boron, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium, and Zirconium. These diatoms are an Amorphous Silica (fresh water type)
Diatomaceous Earth is considered a mechanical insecticide because of its abrasive properties. The fine powder damages the waxy outer layer of the exoskeletons of many species of insects; this layer acts as a barrier that resists the loss of water vapor from the insect's body. Damaging the layer increases the evaporation of water from their bodies, so that they dehydrate, commonly fatally. Diatomaceous Earth is widely applied for insect control in grain storage.
It is also used as a growing medium in potted plants, particularly as bonsai soil. For vegetable gardening it is used as a soil conditioner, it retains water and nutrients, while draining fast and freely, allowing high oxygen circulation within the growing medium.
Inhalation of crystalline silica is harmful to the lungs