ISHS Acta Horticulturae 450: International Symposium Growing Media and Plant Nutrition in Horticulture
THE INFLUENCE OF WETTING AGENT ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PEAT |
| Authors: | O. Reinikainen, M. Herranen |
| Abstract:
Wettability of growing medium in horticulture is an important practical factor for a grower. Especially some organic substrates in certain conditions may loose their capability to absorb water. For this reason different kind of surfactants are commonly used in substrates in order to promote water penetration. Physical properties (e.g. total pore space, air volume, water volume, water retention and bulk density) are of great importance in evaluation of different growing media. The objectives of this study were to measure the influence of two wetting agents on wettability of peat and on physical properties obtained by ISHS-method and the influence of time on the efficiency of two wetting agents. Initially water uptake of peats, especially fine textured, were strongly improved by both wetting agents. Air volume was slightly higher in peats treated with wetting agents, as well. During the storage the other wetting agent lost a significant part of its efficiency. | |
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