ISHS Acta Horticulturae 481: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
CEC AND THE SATURATION OF THE ADSORPTION COMPLEX OF COIR DUST |
| Author: | J.B.G.M. Verhagen |
| Keywords: | growing media, adsorption, desorption, base saturation |
| Abstract:
Due to a rapid increase of the use of coir dust (CD) as a growing medium it turned out that the chemical characteristics of CD differ much when compared to peat and other organic media. A modified method was used to determine CEC and the saturation of the adsorption complex of raw CD sampled from 17 sources. The samples showed high contents of exchangeable K, Na, Ca and Mg on the adsorption complex. Quality of water used for washing the CD does effect these concentrations. A combination of 1:1.5 volume extracts with both water and barium chloride provides a useful tool to determine CEC and the concentration of exchangeable K, Na, Ca and Mg. Information about exchangeability of these cations is important for standardisation and processing of CD, and in fertilization of hydroponic cultures. | |
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