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Originally Posted by JLJ_
I thought your point about the "coarse sand" grade of the Ultrasorb being easier to handle than the larger particles of the Optisorb made sense.
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The smaller particles are easier to work with when planting small seeds, but regardless both sizes work fine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JLJ_
Concerning earthworms, etc. . . . what I was thinking of was the cumulative effect over time of putting it into the garden. Any texture would have bits of various sizes, plus over time in a garden I suspect the larger particles would break down. In fact . . . doesn't the manufacturing begin with grinding what they mine to a fine powder, then manufacturing particles of different sizes?
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No, they don't grind it to dust and glue it back together, that would defeat the purpose of it as a naturally absorbent material. It's a pretty stable material in its amorphous state, it's inert and not soluble in water. I wouldn't be concerned with it breaking down, it's been underground for 10 million years or so before it was mined, I think it will last awhile longer in your garden.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JLJ_
Even if there was a modest accumulation in the garden that wouldn't necessarily be bad -- I'm sure that somewhere, when researching the food grade DE, I saw reports that areas where DE is a naturally occurring part of the soil have less problems with some "pest" bug critters. But I'd hate to have my earthworms trying to scratch itchy skin -- hard to do if you're an earthworm. [g]
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I think a modest accumulation is a good thing, the larger aggregates improve aeration.
I don't know about its effects on soil pests, has that been proven or is it anecdotal? I only know the dry fine powder at least annoys pests on leaves, it works similar to kaolin clay as a feeding deterrent.
When you think about all the other sharp particles earthworm must run into underground , not to mention what they ingest when they eat, I don't think a little DE is going to give them itchy skin.