Aggregate Culture Flashcards
How does an aggregate culture work?
The nutrient solution is broken up into water films by a soil medium
Give examples of a soil medium x5
Coarse sands or gravel
perlite
rockwool
expanded clay aggregates
What is rockwool?
Used as an insulation material
Derived from rock that’s been crushed, melted and spun into fibres.
What are the advantages of rockwool?
lightweight
absorbent
sterile
what crops do well with a rockwool growing medium?
tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, melons, lettuce, roses, orchids, strawberries.
what form/shape can rockwool be used in?
polythene wrapped slabs
What is perlite?
Derived from rock, it is crushed and the particles are expanded to 20x their original size.
They are white and lightweight.
Can be used in bolsters
what is an advantage of perlite?
They are porous with a rough surface so have a good water holding capacity.
Give examples of expanded clay granules
Leca
Hortag
How are expanded clay granules made?
from processed clay, which is heated and expanded in a rotary kiln,
What are the advantages of expanded clay granules?
Sterlie tough lightweight non-toxic attractive dry surface,so look decorative in containers honeycombed ball smoothe surface finish Good capillary rise
What is meant by “capillary rise”?
the movement of water against gravity withing thin tubes eg; water moving up into a paper towel.
why are expanded clay aggregates good for indoor displays? (containers)
lightweight
attractive finish
trace element deficiencies less frequent.
