Diatomaceous earth is a natural soft rock that crumbles into a fine pale-colored powder of small particle size, and is formed by silicon-based skeletons of diatoms settling as sediment. One form, amorphous, is a known cancer hazard, and is commonly used for filtration. Alternatively, food-grade diatomite is used in livestock feeds to control intestinal parasites and, as in foods, to prevent powders from caking.
It has many applications, including filtration, pest control, and agriculture.
External links[edit | edit source]
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE): good for mammals, bad for bugs!
- diatomaceous earth discussion at permies.com
- Diatomaceous earth RichSoil
- Diatomaceous Earth podcast Permies.com
