Diatomite are rocks that come from the skeletal remains of algae called diatoms that live in oceans and lakes. Upon the death of diatoms, their silica-rich cell wall, called a frustule, sink to the bottom of bodies of water, which are eventually turned into diatomite rock.

 

Diatomite is characterized by its light color, porosity, fine particle size, and low specific gravity. Additionally, it has a high surface area and is inert or not chemically reactive. Because of these characteristics, diatomite can be used in many different applications apart from gardening and horticulture. For example, it is used as a filter for water systems, beer, wine, and oils.

 

Diatomite rock can be used as a soil amendment and it will help improve soil structure, increase aeration, and improve drainage. It also holds water and nutrients for plants well; this is especially useful during hot days when the soil can easily dry out. Water stored in the diatomite can be released and help plants survive intense heat. What also makes diatomite rock a great product is its longevity. It does not break down or compact over time. It can be used in your garden, your lawn, and even for plants grown in containers like bonsai and succulents.

 

The more popular diatomaceous earth (diatomite rock crushed into a fine powder) is used in hydroponic gardens as a growing medium because it can hold up water and at the same time allow the soil to breathe. Grains and seeds are also dusted with diatomaceous earth to keep them dry and prevent them from sticking together. Furthermore, slugs can be prevented from infesting home gardens with the help of diatomaceous earth by dusting the bases of plants with it. In fact, it is used in controlling indoor pests such as bed bugs, fleas, cockroaches, and carpet beetles. It works as a pesticide because of the presence of silicon dioxide in diatomite and diatomaceous earth which causes insects and other pests to dry out and eventually die by absorbing the oils and fats present in the cuticle of the exoskeleton. Its abrasive characteristic also contributes to its work as a pesticide.

 

References

Diatomite. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ima-europe.eu/about-industrial-minerals/industrial-minerals-ima-europe/diatomite

 

Grow Organic. (2019, January 22). How to Use Soil Amendments-Diatomite Rock. Retrieved from https://www.groworganic.com/blogs/articles/how-to-use-soil-amendments-diatomite-rock

 

King, H. (n.d.). Diatomite. Retrieved from https://geology.com/rocks/diatomite.shtml

 

Minerals Education Coalition. (n.d.). Diatomite. Retrieved from https://mineralseducationcoalition.org/minerals-database/diatomite/

 

 Bunch, T. R.; Bond, C.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. (2013). Diatomaceous Earth General Fact Sheet; National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services. Retrieved from http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html.