Abstract
In present work a diatomite samples obtained from different sites of Mugalzhar deposit in Aktobe oblast were characterized. For determination of chemical composition of the diatomite and the content of basic elements in per cent ratios the scanning electron microscopy was used. The obtained data showed that all diatomite samples contain the same chemical elements but in different amounts. The main chemical element was Si (silicium) and its content was 30-40%. High content of mobile form of silicium was found in the sample C and its content correlated with the concentration monosilicilic acid. For the study of seed germination and seedling development the concentrations of diatomite water suspension for barley seed priming were optimized. The obtained results showed that after pre-sown priming of barley seeds in suspension of diatomite sample C the percent of germination achieved 100% and seedlings tolerance to the salinity and drought was increased.