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what_is_the_perlite.htm
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Iran office: Chemical Mine World Co. M.Tavajjoh TEL: +98 21 33128396 FAX: +98 21 33127708 MOBILE: +98 912 5224843
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About PerliteWhat is Perlite? ---Perlite is a unique volcanic mineral which expands from four to twenty times its original volume when it is quickly heated to a temperature of approximately 1600-17000 F. This expansion is due to the presence of two to six percent combined water in the crude perlite rock which causes the perlite to pop in a manner similar to that of popcorn. When expanded, each granular, snow-white particle of perlite is sterile with a neutral pH and contains many tiny, closed cells or bubbles. The surface of each particle is covered with tiny cavities which provide an extremely large surface area. These surfaces hold moisture and nutrients and make them available to plant roots. In addition, because of the physical shape of each particle, air passages are formed which provide optimum aeraton and drainage. Because perlite is sterile, it is free of disease, seeds, and insects.Perlite has been used
for many years throughout the world for soil conditioning and as a component of
growing mixes with materials such as peat moss or bark. Extensive studies have
shown that the unique capillary action of
perlite makes it a
superior growing media for hydroponic cultures. Among the many uses of
perlite today are propagation and seed cultivation, plug production and
transplants, interiors cape and planter growing, composting, hydroponic cultures,
turf and lawns, and around shrubs, trees, and landscaping. Propagation and Seed Cultivation ---Commercial growers and hobby gardeners have found that perlite is an ideal medium for rooting cuttings. Through the use of cuttings rooted in horticultural perlite, the time to first production may be reduced by as much as 40%.Perlite mixes of fine perlite alone can be used as a seed starting medium because of the ease of maintaining uniform moisture and temperature levels. Perlite's bright white color makes it particularly effective as a seed cover offering protection against bright sunlight and high radiant energy as well as resistance to surface moss or algae growth. In addition, perlite's white color reflects light up under plant foliage which further enhances growth. In India, it has been found that when seeds are sown with small quantities of fine perlite in field crops, there is a much higher rate of germination and a measurable increase in yields. Plug Production/Transplants ---Commercial plug plant production in greenhouses showcase perlite's role in water and nutrient conservation. Water retention by horticultural perlite is not an indiscriminate action. The amount of water adsorbed on the surface of perlite is a function of particle size. Coarser perlite particles adsorb less water than finer grades ---thus the amount of retained moisture that is desired can be regulated to suit particular requirements.Perlite's ability to cling to roots and root hairs and the friable nature of a perlite mix reduces transplant shock which increases survival rates. Reduced production time, concervation of water and nutrients, reduced labor and shipping costs, and increased survival rates all confirm horticultural perlite's long and enviable record of performance throughout the world. Rooftop, Interiors cape and Planter Growing ---The advantages of horticultural perlite are readily seen in rooftop applications, planters, and interiors cape displays where weight is a factor. Wet sandy loam weights about 120-140 lbs/ft3 (1920-2240 kg/m3;perlite and peat mixed in equal volumes will weigh only about 35 lbs/ft3 (560 kg/m3. This difference can be critical where supporting structures such as roofs must be considered. Increasingly, 100% perlite applications are being used both by home gardeners and commercial growers.Composting ---Recycling as a result of shrinking land fill disposal areas has increased interest in composting in home gardens and by commercial enterprises and municipalities. Studies at Cook College of Rutgers University reveal that additions of perlite to compost piles speeds decomposition of leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste. In addition, the use of perlite reduces the amount of labor required to periodically turn piles to insure proper aeration. When composting is completed and the compost is put to use, the perlite will continue to perform for many years as it lightens and aerates the soil while increasing its water holding ability. Hydroponic Culture---The fastest growing application for perlite in the horticultural field is in hydroponic culture. Perlite exhibits a unique capillary action in that nutrient rich water can be drawn up from a reservoir through a fine perlite growing media at the rate that is required by a plant. As a result, plants grown in perlite do not suffer from over watering or under watering.Tomato crops grown hydroponically in perlite have produced average yields 7% higher than tomatoes grown in rock wool. Currently throughout the world many table vegetables are being grown in hydroponic grow bags, melons are being grown in Florida, and in Holland and the U.S., commercial cut flowers, strawberries, and orchids are being grown in 100% hydroponic perlite containers. (see our other Plant Guides on hydroponic applications listed earlier in this section.) Turf and Lawns---No grass is more highly stressed than stadium turf and golf greens. These are subject to the whims of nature as well as constant foot traffic and resulting compaction. Horticultural perlite can provide an easy solution to this problem. When turf is renovated with perlite, excess water will not pond yet an optimum amount of water will be retained for proper growth. Additionally, turf will be lush and green while the soil will remain soft for an extended period of time. (see Horticultural Perlite .)For the landscaper or home gardener, fine and medium grades of perlite will promote drainage and eliminate soil crusting in heavy clay soils. In addition, plant roots will more easily penetrate the perlite/soil growing media. Most importantly, the lawn will hold much more water and not have to be watered nearly as much (see Expanded Perlite for Turf and Landscaping.) Shrubs, Trees, and Landscaping---Fine and medium grades of horticultural perlite is very effective in growing shrubs, trees, and in other landscaping applications. In addition to retaining water which is vitally important in light of the growing shortage of water in many parts of the world, perlite also aerates the growing medium. As landscaping applications are usually permanent in nature, fine and medium grades of horticultural perlite are the ideal choice since they do not rot or otherwise decompose, and perform their water conservatin/aeration roles for the life of the planting. 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