The Benefits of Using Crushed Seashells as a Natural Fertilizer
8 ways to apply crushed seashells:
- Calcium supplement for birds
- Fertilizer for soil
- Construction material
- Artificial bones
- Air purifying
- Waste water cleaning
- Catalysts
- Glaze production
Exceptional qualities of Crushed Seashells as a Calcium Supplement for hens are well known to most of the poultry growers. But today we will dive in the use of Crushed Seashells as a Natural Fertilizer.
Process known as Soil Liming is surface application of calcium and magnesium rich materials in order to neutralize soil acidity. Most commonly used materials for soil liming are limestone, chalk, marl.
Soil Liming helps to:
- Neutralize soil acidity
- Improve plant growth
- Stability of clay soils
- Increase soil fertility
- Remediate heavy metals pollution in soils
Seashells can be a highly effective substitute for that purpose.
Unlike limestone which has a long-term effect on the deterioration of physical surroundings, seashells are renewable and eco-friendly. Application of seashells to acidic soil results in the increased pH, soil organic matter, available P, exchangeable cations concentrations, and improved soil chemical and biological properties and increased plant productivity (Lee et al., 2008). Álvarez et al. (2012) reported that application of shells to acidic soil decreases the saturation of Al in the exchange complex, and has a positive effect on dry matter yield and Ca-concentration in the plants.
Application:
If fertilizers contain a small amount of a substance, and the soil is light enough, then it will be enough to apply it with the calculation of one and a half kilograms per ten square meters. Care should be taken not to exceed the dosage. Experts believe that different types of soil need specific treatment and fertilizers. Complex care should be applied to the soil every year in required quantities. For the best results, samples of the soil must be analyzed to determine the required level of soil liming. Make sure to consult your agronomist before the process.
Where to buy seashells?
Morgan Agro provide the highest quality seashells from the Caspian Sea. The product is a great organic calcium supplement for chickens, are a natural source with the appropriate particle size, and are a real solution for the problem of weak egg shells in laying chickens. Click here to contact us.
Sources:
[1] Álvarez, E., M.J. Fernández-Sanjurjo, N. Seco & A. Núñez (2012): Use of mussel shells as a soil amendment: Effects on bulk and rhizosphere soil and pasture production. Pedosphere 22: 152–164.
[2] Lee, C.H., D.K. Lee, M.A. Ali & P.J. Kim (2008): Effects of oyster shell on soil chemical and biological properties and cabbage productivity as a liming materials. Waste Management 28, 2702–2708.