Timothy Norton

Larry Jackson wrote:I am wondering if one were to remove the membrans before baking or after baking them if the crushed eggshell could be used as a finger aggregate for sandblasting small items like old tractor seats. Outdoors or in a well ventilated area while using a sand blasting box and proper protective equipment of course??? Has anyone tried that? I would like to now how they compare to sand, pecan shells, baking soda and that sort of thing. It would help to know. Thanks a bunch. Be blessed,
Larry Jackson

First off, I have not tried this and am only openly hypothesizing. Eggshell only rates around 3 Mohs on the hardness scale and fragmentates easily. I could imagine it would be useful for soft blasting purposes if you could get enough of it.

My main concerns relate to how the septic tank was utilized in the past. If, for some reason, it may of ended up getting chemicals/sewage/ick in it in the past that the porous concrete may be holding some of that. Depending on what you want to use the water for, you should consider it may not be potable after being in the chamber.

yash patel,
I have merged your topic into this topic. I hope that helps.

I just noticed that Permies has a Biointensive Forum!

This is a new concept to me, does anybody have a rundown on this technique and why I would possibly want to consider utilizing it?

An oversight may have occurred.

The oats have been growing well. I hand broadcasted the oats, followed by a quick raking into the soil with a metal tined leaf rake. The oats started to establish with decent top growth that I could observe. However, the deer have discovered the oats. The deer LOVE the oats. I can see the path they have taken through this patch as the nibble through the cover crop. If anyone is growing food plots for wildlife, I think oats might be a good choice to include!

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is defined by Merriam-Webster

a light friable siliceous material derived chiefly from diatom remains and used especially as a filter

In simpler terms, DE is a powdery white chalky substance made up of fossilized tiny shell/exoskeletons of microalgae found in the earth from way-back-times. DE is primarily made up of silica (80-90%) with a bit of alumina and iron mineral.

Uses

Diatomaceous earth is a natural insecticide. It mechanically strips oils/moisture when it contacts an insect, it damages the exoskeleton due to its sharp edges and ultimately dehydrates insects. It has be used in structures and on livestock.

Diatomaceous earth is a natural absorbent/deodorizer.

Diatomaceous earth, added to some water, can be utilized as an abrasive polishing paste.

Diatomaceous earth has been used in fine water filtration applications.

Considerations

There is a difference between food grade and non-food grade Diatomaceous Earth. Food grade contains low levels of crystalline silica while non-food grade can have high levels. Crystalline silica is dangerous to breath in/handle without proper protective equipment.

Diatomaceous earth is a mined finite substance.

Diatomaceous earth loses its insecticide properties if wetted. Only dry DE is effective.

Related Threads
Diatomaceous Earth (Paul's Thread)
How best to eat diatomaceous earth?
Parasite Treatment
Diatomacous Earth: how to use?

October is a busy month for my household.

Weddings, birthdays, holidays and more seem to pack every week. It is fun, but tiring.

This years garden is pretty much wrapped up. Near frost conditions are popping up at night and the plants are showing it. I have a half dozen pumpkins finalizing their ripening in the field, of course they are the big ones! I am allowing the hens to scour the garden for delicious snacks while I wait for fall leaves to drop to use as mulch. The chicken coop's deep bedding has been emptied and fresh litter replaced. Seeds for next year have been ordered and now my thoughts are for how I will start next years earliest growies.

I have dug out my motorcycle that had been living in a barn for a few years and now am working on getting it up-to-snuff for next year. The battery was dead, tires flat, and probably will need to change some fluids but I'm hopeful it won't be too much of a bear to do. I believe this will be my project through the fall when I want something to fiddle with.

The house's boiler has been serviced pre-heating season but the cost to operate it is astronomical this year. I'm thankful for being able to be okay financially to get through the winter but it makes me that much more motivated to look into alternative heating sources. The house is OLD (1850's for the original structure) so I'm sure there are gaps and breezes that can be tackled. The basement needs the old insulation removed and better/newer stuff installed for one.

Lots to do!

It is getting a little late here for Monarchs but this one sure is beautiful.

Here is an example of my chicken "dunk tank". A simple 5 gallon bucket in a shower.



With a little gentle downward pressure, you can submerge your chicken in warm/tempid water. Mites will float off of your chicken and/or crawl up near the neck/head area and be easier to identify.