Different mesh sizes of fertilizer-grade oyster shell powder indicate different particle sizes, which affect its dissolution rate, absorption efficiency, and applicable scenarios in practical use. Below are the practical applications and differences between 80-mesh, 150-mesh, and 300-mesh fertilizer-grade oyster shell powder:
1. Particle Size
According to the mesh size comparison table:
80-mesh oyster shell powder has a particle diameter of approximately 0.175 mm;
150-mesh oyster shell powder has a particle diameter of approximately 0.104 mm;
300-mesh oyster shell powder is finer, with a particle diameter of approximately 0.048 mm.
2. Dissolution Rate
A higher mesh size means finer particles. Finer particles have a larger contact area with soil or water, resulting in a faster dissolution rate.
80-mesh oyster shell powder: Particles are relatively coarse, and dissolution is slow. It is suitable as a base fertilizer, providing nutrients to crops continuously over a long period.
150-mesh oyster shell powder: Dissolution rate is moderate. It can be used not only as a base fertilizer but also as a topdressing in some cases.
300-mesh oyster shell powder: Dissolves quickly and is readily absorbed by crops. It is suitable for foliar spraying or manufacturing water-soluble fertilizers.
3. Soil Improvement Effect
Oyster shell powder can neutralize acidic soil and increase soil pH.
80-mesh oyster shell powder: After dispersing in soil, its larger particles improve soil structure effectively and enhance soil aeration, but its effect on adjusting soil pH is relatively slow.
150-mesh oyster shell powder: Achieves a balanced effect in both soil structure improvement and pH adjustment.
300-mesh oyster shell powder: Dissolves quickly, so it adjusts soil pH rapidly. However, its effect on soil structure improvement may be less effective than that of coarse-grained oyster shell powder.
4. Suitable Crop Types
80-mesh oyster shell powder: Suitable for field crops (e.g., corn, wheat). These crops have relatively high fertilizer requirements and long growth cycles, and coarse-grained oyster shell powder can meet their long-term nutrient needs.
150-mesh oyster shell powder: Applicable to a variety of crops, including cash crops (e.g., vegetables, fruits). Its moderate dissolution rate provides appropriate nutrients at different growth stages of crops.
300-mesh oyster shell powder: More suitable for crops requiring fast nutrient absorption (e.g., some leafy vegetables, flowers). It can quickly supplement elements such as calcium needed by crops and improve crop quality.
5. Processing Cost and Price
Generally, a higher mesh size means greater difficulty in processing, higher costs, and thus a relatively higher price.
80-mesh oyster shell powder: Processing is relatively simple, and the price is relatively low.
150-mesh oyster shell powder: Price is moderate.
300-mesh oyster shell powder: Processing is fine, so the price is relatively high.
