ISHS Acta Horticulturae 178: Symposium on Nutrition, Growing Techniques and Plant Substrates
A RAPID METHOD FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF AIR-FILLED POROSITY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER METHODS |
| Authors: | P.L. Waller, A.M. Harrison |
| Abstract:
A simple, rapid method for assessing the Air-Filled Porosity of peats and peat-based growing media has been developed at Fisons' Levington Research Station, England. The method involves the application of a surfactant solution to a test medium which has been packed to a standard density in one-litre, plastic beakers with perforated bases. Results can be obtained in about one hour. On the basis of inter-laboratory tests it was found that the results were highly significantly correlated with those obtained by Bunt using an eight-week, 'can' method and by Verdonck using the water release curve method of de Boodt et al. The method is being used as an aid to product and process design in a commercial environment and may have application as an advisory tool. | |
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