One of the most important conditions for plant maintenance and growth is the use of quality and suitable soil. Many plants need light and porous soil for their growth. There are different types of soil available in the market, which can be obtained by combining several different soils such as perlite, cocopeat, peat moss, etc. One of the components that causes better quality in the soil is perlite, which is very useful for the soil.
What is perlite soil?
Perlite soil is a type of volcanic rock that contains the main element of soil, i.e. silica, and is classified in the category of volcanic glass. This soil expands between 4 and 30 times its initial volume when heated to the required amount. Perlite is derived from the word pearl which means pearl.
Raw perlite contains 3 to 6% water and due to heat at high temperatures, the water in the structure of the raw perlite stone is evaporated and millions of bubbles are created. Fine is formed in the structure of pearlite. In this way, perlite becomes a porous structure, the volume of its grains increases greatly, and its color changes from black or dark gray to white. Aluminum, sodium, calcium, potassium, manganese and iron can be mentioned among the other constituent elements in the structure of perlite.
Features of expanded perlite soil
- pH value between 2.6 and 7
- The amount of salt in it is low
- Light weight
- White color
- High surface area
- Sound insulation
- Heat insulation
- Stable against chemicals
- High resistance to fire (refractory)
- High porosity
- Sterilized and free of any organic impurities, including all kinds of microorganisms
Classification of perlite soil in terms of size
- Pearlite grains smaller than three (0-3) mm
- Pearlite grains smaller than six (0-6) mm
- Pearlite grains between (2-6) mm< br>
Seeds (0-6) mm can be used to grow the culture medium or to improve the soil. If you want to use perlite for your mineral beds or potting soil on its own, a grain size of 2-6mm should be selected.
What is agricultural perlite?
In gardening and agriculture, perlite can be used as an additive to the soil to improve it or as a separate and independent growing medium. Expanded perlite has many uses in agriculture. This substance absorbs 3 to 4 times its weight in water and is used in hydroponic cultivation, greenhouses, gardens, gardens and agricultural lands.
Adding perlite to the soil has important advantages, as For example, it can be pointed out that the amount of water absorption and retention in perlite is high, and this makes it possible to prevent water evaporation and water to stay in the soil for a longer time.
With the help of perlite, The power of water was provided to the roots in a large amount and with uniform distribution and distribution in the soil, and it prevented the wastage of water and nutrients in the soil. The moisture created in the soil makes the soil need less water and saves water during irrigation. Due to the porosity in the perlite, air and gas exchanges in the soil are easy for the plant roots. It is done and perlite makes the soil aeration and watering better and finally it causes better ventilation of the soil. As you know, most of the oxygen needed by plants is provided through their roots, so perlite is able to easily provide the water and oxygen needed by the plant due to its many pores. >
By using perlite, the accumulation of gases in the soil is also reduced to a great extent. Also, the porosity created with the help of perlite increases the movement of the roots and parts of the plant inside the ground, and the roots of the plants grow easily in the soil. Soils that do not have perlite have little ability to absorb and retain water and nutrients and do not hold oxygen well, and finally, insufficient oxygen reaching the branching fibers of the root leads to plant suffocation.
Application of perlite soil in agriculture
- Perlite improves the aeration and watering system of the soil to the plant roots. It can be used with any soil composition.
- The whiteness and insulation of perlite and as a result the reflection of sunlight, can prevent any sudden changes in soil temperature and causing shock to the plant roots.
- Perlite in terms of It is hygienic and sterile and prevents the negative effects of weed and grass plants and the presence of harmful insects.
- It has a composition similar to the chemical composition of the soil and does not change the soil structure.
- Penetration and uniform distribution of water in the soil It is possible to use perlite.
- The survival rate of newly planted trees and shrubs increases. p>