ISHS Acta Horticulturae 401: International Symposium on Growing Media & Plant Nutrition in Horticulture
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PUMICE AS A GROWING MEDIUM |
| Author: | G.A. Boertje |
| Abstract:
Pumice is a volcanic rock imported from Iceland for Dutch horticultural use. It is a natural product and available in big quantities. Pumice is used as substrate for fruit vegetables (tomato, cucumber, pepper) as wel for cut flowers. The interest in growing plants in pumice is increasing, because it requires relatively low investments and is easily applicable in existing growing systems. Pumice can be used for many years, so it results in little substrate waste. These factors represent minimal annual expenses. In addition, pumice is friendly to the environment, because no harmful production processes are involved. Pumice rock is mined in Iceland in the Hekla region, which is located approximately 100 km from the capital of Reykjavik. The material is mined in selected locations, where the material contains as little basalt as possible. Pumice is mined by open mining process, with the raw material being transported over land to the harbour, where the processing is continued. The material is rinsed so that all sludge particles are washed out and furthermore it is sieved to different gradations. The pumice is transported to the Netherlands by ship. | |
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