Fact Check- Can egg shells be used as fertilizer for plants?

Ruth Orji

Claim– Egg shells can be used as plant fertilizer.

A YouTube page @OYRFrugalandsustainablegardenstore made a post claiming egg shells can be used as soil feed to fertilize crops for better yield.

https://youtu.be/8l7ScIh107o?si=VeaSYjR_7dPh5z1J

This post has since gathered 1.2m views; 9000 likes; 340 comments; 87 shares.

NatureNews, Africa’s foremost newspaper on climate change, which is dedicated to providing accurate insights to stop the spread of fake news particularly among users of social media, subjected the claim to fact checking.

Findings: Using the Google search tool in conducting this research, NatureFact, the fact checking unit of NatureNews, accessed a few papers and studies.

A thorough fact-checking investigation has revealed that this claim is indeed precise.

@mygardenburner gives an easier methods to extract the calcium from the egg shells instead of just pouring the shells into the soil.

https://youtube.com/shorts/_CoOmmC-9Eo?si=IqH61Q2NKeYq7WWi

@Gardenvibes14 lends voice to this

https://youtube.com/shorts/gw1hVjwzDiw?si=EBwIdl490eltkA2j

@myamazinghomestead corroborates this assertion

https://youtu.be/YoYk9gSkKU8?si=DK8wnxApKvinp3Vn

@homemakr corrects the methodology of application

https://youtu.be/_SJxQtCDEfw?si=J3ImqcB6Zc5Osr6C

Eggshells can be used as fertilizer. They’re a natural, organic, and environmentally friendly way to improve soil health.

Benefits:

1. Calcium source: Eggshells are rich in calcium (95%), essential for plant growth.
2. pH balancing: Eggshells help neutralize acidic soils.
3. Improved drainage: Crushed eggshells enhance soil structure.
4. Deter pests: Sharp edges discourage slugs, snails, and other pests.
5. Microbial growth: Eggshells provide a habitat for beneficial microbes.

Tips:

1. Sterilize eggshells by baking at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to kill bacteria.
2. Avoid overusing eggshells, as excessive calcium can harm plants.
3. Combine with other natural fertilizers for optimal results.

Eggshells are particularly beneficial for:

1. Seedlings
2. Tomatoes
3. Peppers
4. Cucumbers

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

To make the egg shells fertilizer, you need:

1. Eggshells
2. Water
3. A blender or grinder
4. A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
5. A container for storage

Preparation:

Step 1: Sterilization

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Spread eggshells on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10 minutes to kill bacteria.

Step 2: Grinding:

1. Allow eggshells to cool.
2. Grind eggshells into a fine powder using a blender or grinder.

Step 3: Liquid Extraction

1. Mix 1 cup of ground eggshells with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water.
2. Stir well to create a suspension.
3. Let it sit for 24-48 hours, allowing the eggshell particles to dissolve.

Step 4: Strain and Filter

1. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
2. Discard any remaining solids.

Step 5: Storage

1. Store the liquid fertilizer in an airtight container.
2. Label and date the container.

Application Rates:

1. Dilute the liquid fertilizer with water (1:10 to 1:20 ratio).
2. Apply as a foliar spray or soil drench.
3. Use 1-2 cups per 10 square feet (0.9 square meters) of soil.

Frequency:

1. Apply every 1-2 weeks during the growing season.
2. Reduce frequency during dormant or cold seasons.

Benefits:

1. Rapid calcium absorption
2. Improved plant growth and development
3. Enhanced root health
4. Increased resistance to diseases

Tips and Variations:

1. Add other natural ingredients (e.g., compost tea, manure tea) for enhanced benefits.
2. Use as a seed starter or transplant fertilizer.
3. Experiment with different ratios of eggshells to water.
4. Consider adding a small amount of molasses or sugar to facilitate microbial growth.

Safety Precautions:

1. Wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling eggshells.
2. Avoid inhaling eggshell dust.
3. Keep the liquid fertilizer away from children and pets.

Quality Control:

1. Monitor pH levels (ideal range: 6.0-7.0).
2. Test for nutrient content (calcium, magnesium, potassium).
3. Regularly inspect plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies or excess.

Verdict– True. Eggshells can be used as plant fertilizer.