Oyster Shell Meal

Here's what I sent to the Issaquah Grange about the benefits of Oyster Shell Meal:

There are several compelling reasons for choosing Oyster Shell Meal (OSM) over dolomite or Ag-Lime.

· Dolomite is high in Magnesium and other
nutrients, which is nice for most soils generally, but our soils tend to be
high in Magnesium, so over time this throws Mg way out of balance, which
interferes with nutrient availability in general.

· Ag-Lime can provide Mg, but is not usually a
significant source of micronutrients. OSM is also high in micronutrients,
including Zinc, in quantities more balanced with each other than dolomite lime,
which has been in the earth a very long time, during that time concentrating
certain nutrients like Mg while others have leeched out more.

· OSM provides slower release of Calcium than
either dolomite or Ag-Lime, which is better for soil life to not be instantly
inundated with a mineral.

· Though the amendment is powdered, it is less
prone to cause the dangerous suspended dust that Ag-Lime makes. This suspended
dust also kills many small organisms, whereas OSM does not dust up as much.

· While OSM is powdered, it is still chelated
(being the main structural component of the shells themselves) so it does not
wash out of soils as quickly as Ag-Lime or dolomite. This chelation also
stimulates microbial life in the soil and thus beneficial fungi, according to
Dr. Elaine Ingham of Soil FoodWeb.

· Finally, dolomite and Ag-Lime come from ancient
deposits and are non-renewable resources, while oyster shells are continually
being renewed.

OSM can be sourced in 50-pound bags from Gary Klein at Black Lake Organics

http://www.blacklakeorganic.com/

(360) 786-0537

I think they are about $15.

Maybe if the Granges hears from other folks, they'll actually order it.

Thanks,

Linda

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