Diatomite & Science

What is Diatomite?

Diatomite is a naturally occurring, porous sedimentary rock formed from the fossilised remains of diatoms—microscopic algae with silica-based cell walls. Over millions of years, these tiny organisms accumulated on ancient lake and ocean floors, creating deposits rich in amorphous silica.

Unlike crystalline silica (found in sand or quartz), the silica in diatomite is non-crystalline and highly porous, giving it unique physical and chemical properties. This structure makes diatomite exceptionally lightweight, absorbent, and reactive—qualities that have made it valuable across industries, from filtration to agriculture.

Diatomite in Agriculture: A Source of Plant-Available Silicon

In agricultural contexts, diatomite serves as a natural source of plant-available silicon. Although not classified as an essential nutrient, silicon is increasingly recognised for its beneficial role in plant health, particularly under stress conditions.

When incorporated into soil, diatomite can:

  • Improve soil structure and aeration
  • Enhance water retention and drainage
  • Supply soluble silica that plants can absorb through their roots

Once taken up, silicon is deposited in plant tissues—especially in cell walls and the epidermis—where it contributes to structural strength and resilience.

The Science Behind Silicon and Plant Performance

Research into silicon's role in agriculture has grown significantly over the past few decades. While it is not required for basic metabolic functions, silicon has been shown to offer several agronomic advantages:

  • Mechanical strengthening: Silicon deposits in cell walls can increase stem rigidity, reducing lodging in cereals and improving posture in a range of crops.
  • Stress mitigation: Studies suggest that silicon may help plants better tolerate drought, salinity, heavy metal toxicity, and temperature extremes by reinforcing cellular structures and modulating stress responses.
  • Disease and pest resistance: The formation of a silica layer beneath the cuticle can act as a physical barrier, potentially reducing susceptibility to fungal pathogens and insect herbivory.
  • Nutrient interactions: Silicon can influence the uptake and distribution of other nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and may help alleviate toxicities (e.g., aluminium, manganese).

These effects are well-documented in silicon-accumulating species such as rice, wheat, barley, and sugarcane. However, emerging evidence suggests that even non-accumulator crops may benefit under certain conditions.

Geothermal Diatomite: A Unique UK Resource

The diatomite used in Agri-Talya products is sourced from geothermal deposits in Turkey. These deposits have undergone natural heating and mineralisation processes, which can enhance the reactivity and solubility of the silica content.

Geothermal diatomite is distinct from standard diatomaceous earth in several ways:

  • Higher amorphous silica content
  • Increased surface area and porosity
  • Potentially greater bioavailability of silicon to plants

This makes it particularly well-suited for use as a soil amendment in temperate climates like the UK, where silicon availability in soils can be limited—especially in intensively farmed or sandy soils.

Diatomite and Modern Agronomy

Our approach rests on three pillars, not slogans:

1. Peer-reviewed literature from around the world

Across many regions – including Türkiye, Europe and other parts of the world – peer-reviewed studies on alginate hydrogels, diatomite in light and sandy soils, and plant-available silicon have reported:

  • improved soil water retention and moisture dynamics,
  • better soil physical condition in stressed or degraded soils,
  • support for crop resilience under abiotic stress such as drought, salinity and heat.

We design our protocols so they are consistent with this published science on soil function, water behaviour and silicon physiology – not with marketing claims.

2. Multi-year field work and farmer experience

Multi-year field work in Türkiye and other regions has shown more stable yield and quality under stress where diatomite-based protocols are used, compared with adjacent untreated strips under the same management.

These outcomes are always:

  • dependent on soil type, seasonal conditions and crop management, and
  • interpreted in context of the whole system (soil, water, nutrition, rotation).

We are transparent about this variability and never present diatomite as a miracle solution; it is a tool inside a broader soil and crop strategy.

3. Ongoing independent agronomy and on-farm validation

Beyond our own trials, we actively encourage:

  • independent agronomists to evaluate diatomite-based programmes in their own conditions,
  • growers to run side-by-side strips and share data on soil moisture, plant-available silicon and crop performance, and
  • open discussion of both strong and weak responses.

Over time, this combination of global scientific literature and real-farm experience from multiple countries forms a growing evidence base that either supports or challenges our assumptions – and we adjust our protocols accordingly.

Conclusion

Diatomite represents a scientifically grounded, environmentally sustainable option for improving soil health and supporting plant performance. Its unique properties—derived from millions of years of natural processes—make it a valuable addition to modern agricultural practice.

At Agri-Talya, we are committed to bringing the benefits of geothermal diatomite to UK farmers, backed by research, transparency, and a focus on long-term soil stewardship.