About Agro Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Agro grade diatomaceous earth is a natural, uncalcined diatomite milled to a fine powder for agricultural and allied formulations. It keeps the amorphous silica structure of the original diatom skeleton, with a high pore volume and a low bulk density. These properties make it a useful formulation ingredient rather than an active substance in its own right.
Formulators use the grade in three main ways. As a carrier, it absorbs liquid ingredients and converts them into free-flowing powders or dusts. As an anti-caking agent, it coats particles of fertilisers, salts and powdered blends, reducing lumping in storage. As a mechanical insect-control ingredient, it is included in some stored-grain and crop-protection products, where approval depends on product registration in each market. Efficacy, dose rates and label claims are matters for the registrant and the relevant authority.
Obsidian Minerals produces agro grade diatomaceous earth in Gujarat and tests particle size, moisture and silica content in an NABL-accredited laboratory. Each shipment carries an SDS, Technical Data Sheet and batch Certificate of Analysis, which formulators can use when preparing registration or quality files. Customers should verify suitability for their intended use and obtain any local regulatory approval before placing finished products on the market. Samples are available on request.
Typical specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| SiO₂ (amorphous) | 80–90 % | XRF |
| Passing 75 µm | ≥ 90 % | Wet sieve |
| Moisture | ≤ 6.0 % | Loss on drying, 105 °C |
| Loose bulk density | 0.25–0.40 g/cm³ | Internal method |
| pH (10 % slurry) | 6.0–8.5 | Internal method |
| Crystalline silica | Low; stated on CoA and SDS | XRD |
| Heavy metals | On request | — |
Typical values for guidance. Guaranteed limits are stated on the Technical Data Sheet and batch CoA. Customers should confirm regulatory suitability for their intended agricultural use.
Key features & benefits
Uncalcined amorphous silica
Agro grade diatomaceous earth is dried and milled without calcination, so it retains the natural amorphous structure and keeps crystalline silica content low. The measured value is reported on each Certificate of Analysis.
High liquid-holding capacity
The porous diatom fragments absorb liquid ingredients and still flow freely, helping formulators convert oils and concentrates into dusts, wettable powders or premixes without sticky lumps.
Effective anti-caking action
A light coating of fine diatomite separates particles of fertiliser, salt and powder blends, reducing moisture bridging and lump formation during storage and transport in humid climates.
Documentation for registration files
SDS, Technical Data Sheet and batch CoA are supplied with every shipment, giving registrants consistent analytical data on composition, particle size and moisture for their product dossiers.
Applications
Carrier for crop formulations
Used as an inert carrier and diluent in dusts, wettable powders and granules, absorbing liquid components and improving flow. Compatibility and registration of the finished product rest with the formulator.
Anti-caking for fertilisers and blends
Applied as a conditioning dust on fertiliser granules, mineral premixes and powdered agricultural inputs to reduce caking and keep material free-flowing through bagging and spreading equipment.
Mechanical insect-control products
Included as an ingredient in some stored-product and crop-protection formulations that rely on a physical mode of action. Use is subject to local registration, and label claims are set by the registrant.
Usage & handling
- Anti-caking: typically 0.5–3 % by weight, dusted on in a rotary drum or coating mixer.
- Carrier use: add liquid gradually to the powder under low-shear mixing until the target loading is reached.
- Do not use in finished products before confirming local regulatory approval and label requirements.
- Store dry and sealed; handle with dust control and respiratory protection as advised on the SDS.
Packaging & supply
- 25 kg or 50 kg HDPE or paper bags
- 1 MT or 1.2 MT jumbo (FIBC) bags
- Private-label packaging for formulators on request
Frequently asked questions
Is agro grade diatomaceous earth approved as a pesticide?
We supply agro grade diatomaceous earth as a mineral raw material, not as a registered pesticide. Whether it may be sold as, or within, an insect-control product depends on registration by the formulator or distributor in each country. We provide analytical documentation to support that process, but approval and label claims are not ours to give.
Is this grade calcined?
No. Agro grade diatomaceous earth is natural, uncalcined diatomite that has been dried and milled. Avoiding calcination keeps the silica in its amorphous form, which is why crystalline silica content is low. The measured value for each batch is reported on the Certificate of Analysis and the SDS.
What dosage is used as an anti-caking agent?
Typical anti-caking dosages are in the range of 0.5–3 % by weight, depending on the product being treated, its moisture and the storage climate. We suggest a small trial at two or three dosages, followed by a storage test, to find the lowest effective level for your material.
Can it be used in animal feed or food products?
This page covers the agro grade for agricultural formulations. Use in feed or food is controlled by specific regulations in each market. Customers interested in those applications should contact us with their requirement so we can discuss documentation, and should verify suitability with their local authority before use.
What particle size is the agro grade?
The grade is a fine powder, with at least 90 % typically passing a 75 µm sieve. Finer or coarser cuts can be developed on request for specific dusting, carrier or anti-caking equipment. The particle size distribution for each batch is shown on the Certificate of Analysis.