Eggshells for Fertilizer: To Remove or Not to Remove the Film
Eggshells are a valuable organic material that can be used as a fertilizer for garden and horticultural crops.
It contains a large amount of calcium and other minerals that are beneficial for the growth and development of plants.
In addition, the shell helps to loosen, alkalize and enrich the soil, and also stimulates soil microflora.
However, when collecting and preparing the shell for fertilizer, the question arises: is it necessary to remove the film that is inside it?
This film consists of protein compounds - keratin and mucin, which also have nutritional value for plants. Therefore, many gardeners and vegetable growers do not bother with its removal and simply dry and grind the shell together with the film.
However, there is another opinion, according to which it is better to remove the film, as it can emit an unpleasant odor during drying and storing the shell, and also attract pests and diseases.
In addition, the film slows down the decomposition of the shell in the soil and reduces its availability to plants.
Thus, the decision to remove or keep the film depends on the personal preferences of each gardener.
The main thing is to properly prepare the shell for fertilization: wash it thoroughly to remove any egg residue, dry it in the sun or on a radiator, grind it in a coffee grinder or blender to a powder or grain state.
Such shells will be stored well and can be easily used for plant feeding.
