Oyster Shells
The BEnefits
Oyster shell is composed mostly of 95% calcium carbonate. This means when mixed into the soil it provides a slow release of calcium that de-acidifies and helps balance soil pH. The growing media ph is very important for proper growth of the plant and adding oyster shell to the planting material to the ground. This does however have a very slow release time that can take up to 2 years to gain the full benefit of the calcium.
Because of this, we took a great time in developing an extraction method to remove the calcium carbonate through a natural process during fermentation thus gaining all of the benefits from the shell with no delays because there is no need for a plant to break it down any further.
Today no one questions the assertion that Ca2+ is a crucial regulator of growth and development in plants. The myriad processes in which this ion participates is large in growing and involves nearly all aspects of plant development. The concentration is quite large but its requirement is that of a micronutrient (μM) in the plant development and growth.
However low levels of this ion, cause poor root development, leaf necrosis and curling, blossom end rot, bitter pit, fruit cracking, and poor fruit storage. Since the 19th century, it has been shown that Ca2+ plays a crucial role in determining the structural rigidity of the cell wall. If there is not enough Calcium within the cell wall it can cause a cascade failure in the structure of the plant. Calcium is a major component factor of the plant cell walls and it’s needed for enzyme formation and nitrate uptake. Organic calcium can also be used to help neutralize excessively acidic soils, which is especially important when you’re growing green, leafy vegetables.
Because of the importance of this very crucial mineral, we have taken great lengths to balance this into our end mix. We also know that it takes more than one kind to be successful in giving the plants all that they need. This is why we employ 2 kinds of Calcium within this “Liqui-Dirt formulation. Oyster Shell and Dolomite Limes. We have found these the best sources and most stable.