Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for plant growth and development.
Many gardeners and vegetable growers use eggshells as fertilizer, as well as a remedy against pests and diseases. But how effective and safe is eggshell in the country? Let's consider the main advantages and disadvantages of this natural product.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, explained why pepper seedlings are withering before our eyes.
Benefits of Eggshells
Eggshells enrich the soil with calcium, which promotes the formation of a strong root system, improves fruiting and increases plant resistance to stress.
Eggshells improve the structure of the soil, making it looser and more airy, which promotes better penetration of moisture and oxygen.
Eggshells prevent the development of fungal and bacterial diseases such as late blight, black leg, mold, etc.
This is because eggshells increase the acidity of the soil, creating an unfavorable environment for the reproduction of pathogens.
Eggshells repel many pests such as snails, slugs, mole crickets, etc. The sharp edges of the shell cause them injury, forcing them to look for another place to feed.
Disadvantages of eggshells
Eggshells can cause excess calcium in the soil, which will lead to impaired absorption of other micronutrients such as magnesium, iron, manganese, etc. This can lead to chlorosis, necrosis, deformation and death of plants.
Eggshells can attract rodents such as mice, rats, squirrels, etc. They can eat the shells and also damage plants by digging holes and gnawing at the roots.
Conclusion
Eggshells can be useful in the garden if used wisely and with precautions.
Eggshells can improve soil quality, enhance plant growth and fruiting, and protect plants from certain diseases and pests.
However, eggshells can also be harmful if used in excess or improperly. Eggshells can disrupt the balance of micronutrients in the soil, attract rodents, and be a source of infection.
Therefore, before using eggshells in the garden, you need to take into account the characteristics of the soil, plants and climate.
Previously, we talked about how to accurately measure fertilizer if you don’t have scales.