ISHS Acta Horticulturae 401: International Symposium on Growing Media & Plant Nutrition in Horticulture
WATER STATUS OF GRADED PERLITES |
| Authors: | R. Orozco, O. Marfa, S. Burés |
| Abstract:
Graded perlites are being increasingly used in Spain for vegetable production. Perlite is almost inert, has a low bulk density, and it is easily mixed to obtain specific physical properties that are adequate for cultural needs. Physical properties of various commercial grades of perlites were characterized. To obtain an estimation of internal porosity, a non-expanded perlites were medium was constructed with the same particle size distribution of a commercial expanded perlite. Water-release curves and non-saturated hydraulic conductivity (from Van Genuchten's model) were determined. Particle sizes were correlated with pore sizes obtained from water-release curves. From the knowledge of perlite's hydraulic properties, a water management program can be established. | |
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