What Is The PH Of Eggshells?

Discussion in 'Soils, Fertilizers and Composting' started by PlantAvenue, Sep 19, 2009.

  1. PlantAvenue

    PlantAvenue Member

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    I've found so many articles about eggshells and their use to help make soil more alkaline, but I have yet to be able to find an actual PH value for them.

    Does anyone know?

    Thanks :)
     
  2. cowboy

    cowboy Active Member

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    There is no pH for eggshells or any other solid. A liquid has a measurable pH.

    Eggshells have calcium which is one of the major alkali cations - Ca++. Adding eggshells will eventually help reduce the soil's acidity but will not make your soil alkaline. Here's a bit of soil chenistry that might help.
     
  3. PlantAvenue

    PlantAvenue Member

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    Thanks! I'll have a look at the link...
     
  4. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Grinding the shells up (as fine as you can) will make them more effective as a lime source
     
  5. PlantAvenue

    PlantAvenue Member

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    I've also heard of soaking the shells in water and using the eggshell water on your plants. (Hmmm... I wonder what the PH of that water would be?). This is all new to me, so I find it quite interesting :)
     
  6. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Unlikely to change the pH of the water much, unless the water is already strongly acidic.
     
  7. bob 2

    bob 2 Active Member

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    You might also check out calcite or limestone. There are roughly 3000 eggshells in a lb of limetone.

    Bob
     
  8. eric_r

    eric_r Active Member 10 Years

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    In that case, would it be okay to use homemade compost that has a lot of eggshells in it (but not terribly ground up) with acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons?
     
  9. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    No, because the acidity of the soil water would dissolve the calcium easily.
     
  10. eric_r

    eric_r Active Member 10 Years

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    Aha! Thanks very much.
     

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