“Maidenwell Diatomite” Technical Information
“Maidenwell Diatomite” is a rich source of plant available silica which is widely documented to stimulate Self Acquired Resistance (SAR) in plants thereby increasing their resistance to disease. Maidenwell Diatomite consists of the skeletal remains of microscopic single cell aquatic plants known as diatoms. These small plants developed an opaline silicious shell like armour for protection, upon the death of these plants the fossil shells accumulated on the beds of these fresh water lakes and compacted into lightweight porous rock.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Colour....................................................................................White, cream to yellow
Moisture.................................................................................................Approx. 6%
Bulk Density............................................................................................Approx.0.4
pH ...........................................................................................….....................…5.7
EC (Electrical Conductivity)………..….(mS/cm) = 0.05 – Little to no salt content
TOTAL ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS
Category Element Results: Comments
Major Elements % Nitrogen (N) 0.013 low
Phosphorous (P) 0.083 low
Potassium (K) 0.087 low
Minor Elements % Calcium (Ca) 0.014 low
Magnesium (Mg) 0.185 some magnesium present
Sulphur (S) 0.0030 low
Sodium (Na) 0.092 good – low sodium salts
Chloride (Cl) 0.0012 good – low chloride salt
Trace Elements mg/kg Iron (Fe) 31100 very good iron content
Manganese (Mn) 19 low
Zinc (Zn) 110 OK can be of some use in agriculture
Copper (Cu) 8.2 low
Boron (B) 0.85 low
Molybdenum (Mo) 1.7 low
Heavy Metals mg/kg Arsenic (As) 4.6 low – good
Cadmium (Cd) <0.5 below detection limits – good
Cobalt (Co) 5.8 low – good
Chromium (Cr) 7.1 low – good
Lead (Pb) 7.4 low – good
Mercury (Hg) <0.2 below detection limits – good
Selenium (Se) 0.61 good
Nickel (Ni) 9.9 good
Silver (Ag) <0.5 below detection limits – good
Iron and silica levels are quite good and should make a positive contribution to plant nutrition. Both total and water soluble silica levels are very good, making this product a suitable growing media. There are no heavy metal contaminant concerns with the use of this product.
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